Anabolic-androgenic steroids and adolescents: recent developments

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are Schedule III Controlled Substances misused by adolescents for performance and physique enhancement.
• Known side effects of AAS are overshadowed by emerging issues of counterfeit products and dietary supplements spiked with undeclared AAS.
• Adolescent steroid use poses significant health risks, compounded by the prevalence of adulterated substances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the risks associated with counterfeit anabolic-androgenic steroids and steroid-spiked dietary supplements.
• To provide recommendations for effective communication strategies regarding AAS use among adolescents.
• To raise awareness about the less-discussed dangers of adulterated performance-enhancing products.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scholarly articles.
• Analysis of reports from government agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Main Results:

• Counterfeit AAS and spiked supplements present significant, often unrecognised, health hazards to adolescent users.
• Adolescents continue to use AAS despite legal classification and known risks, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
• Effective communication is crucial to address adolescent steroid misuse and the dangers of contaminated products.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the misuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids in adolescents requires a multifaceted approach, including education on counterfeit and spiked products.
• Public health initiatives should focus on harm reduction and informed decision-making for young athletes.
• Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and regulatory bodies is essential to combat the threat of adulterated performance-enhancing substances.