"Anabolic steroids" is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects), and also have some other effects. The term "anabolic steroids" will be used through-out this report because of its familiarity, although the proper term for these compounds is "anabolic-androgenic" steroids.

Anabolic steroids were developed in the late 1930s primarily to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes do not produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development, and sexual functioning. The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.

During the 1930s, scientists discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals, which led to use of the compounds first by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in other sports. Steroid abuse has become so widespread in athletics that it affects the outcome of sports contests.

Commonly Abused Steroids

More than 100 different anabolic steroids have been developed, but they require a prescription to be used legally in the United States. Most steroids that are used illegally are smuggled in from other countries, illegally diverted from U.S. pharmacies, or synthesized in clandestine laboratories.

Drugs of Abuse
Alcohol	Cocaine/Crack	Ecstasy
Heroin	Inhalants	Ketamine
Meth	Marijuana	Nicotine
Ritalin	Steroids
More Resources
• Warning Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse
• Big Changes From Elementary School to Middle School
• Pressured Tweens & Teens Turn to Alcohol & Drugs
• Help for the Innocent
• Americans in Denial About Drug Abuse
• Sex Under the Influence of Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Youth Risk Behaviors
• Impaired Driving and Teenagers

Source: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).