Steroids “the magic pill” for all the athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance and muscle growth is illegal in many countries.
Illegal steroid here means Anabolic steroid which is a chemical derivative of male sex hormone ‘testosterone’.Anabolic steroid helps in treatment of many illnesses like cancer, arthritis or some sexual dysfunctions under closed medical supervision.
According to controlled substance Act,it is illegal to possess, sell and make Anabolic steroids.
You can legally possess anabolic steroid if a doctor has prescribed it for medical reasons but without prescription the same hormone becomes Illegal.
As a Punishment for the Possession of Illegal Steroids in the USA,minimum $1,000 court fine and can lead to one year in prison.
Believing that steroids improvesperformance, someathletes and bodybuilders with an attitude to win at any cost, misguided or encouraged by coaches and family/friends, abuse these drugs for muscle growth and enhanced performance by producing greater strength. They choose to ignore the long-term damage the body have due to the abuse of steroids.
Steroids are illegal due to the proven health risks. These powerful hormones can cause unexpected side effects to a personwho abuse them beyond doctor’s prescription.
Some of the Side effects are-
- Infertility and impotency in men.
- Increased risk of heart attack, liver cancer, liver diseases.
- Psychiatric disorder like depression.
- Drug dependency.
- Aggressive and violent behaviour.
- Effects immune system and leads to HIV infection.
- Effects skin badly, causes Edema, increased acne.
- Increased rate of muscle strains / ruptures.
In adolescents, the use of steroids can slow the growth and stop bones , muscles and joints to full maturity.
Steroids are kept illegal so that the general public unknowingly do not suffer unwanted health effects. The health concerned due to steroids has led to its inclusion in controlled substance and is banned from sports.
In USA, all steroids are illegal to sell, possess and manufacture.
Steroid law varies from country to country and in the USA, each state has its own law. Federal Steroid law enacted under controlled substance act of 1990 and 2004, Anabolic steroids are not outright illegal.
Anabolic steroids are classified as scheduled III drug and are legal with a prescription with a valid medical purpose.
Then when are steroids legal?
Steroids are legal only when a doctor prescribes them and doctor can only prescribe steroids to patients when-
- Patient requires bone marrow stimulation.
- Treatment for weight loss in HIV/cancer patients.
- For gender reassignment procedures.
Best and legal Anabolic steroids for muscle mass are Trenbolone, Dianabol and Anavar.
These are taken orally to harden muscles. It works for both men and women. These can be safer alternatives to pure anabolic steroids.
These steroids are legally available online.
Steroids can be quick route for gaining muscles mass and strength but basically it just tricks the body into muscle mass and endurance. The abuse of steroids in high schools and amateur sportsperson is dangerous practice, both by law and for health.
So it’s better to talk to health care provider before indulging in unsafe drugs suggested by amateur coaches and friends. And rely on safe ways to gain strength.
Building up on these drugs can actually destroy health in long run.