Anabolic steroid use and associated health risk behaviours

Androgenic-anabolic steroid use is a significant problem among young people. The abuse of steroids may cause significant medical problems. Adolescent steroid users have also been found to be more likely than non-users to be engaging in other high risk behaviours including multiple drug use, cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, suicidal behaviours, high risk sexual behaviours, carrying a weapon, and fighting behaviours. It is critical that clinicians and athletic coaches and trainers are aware of these associations in order to more carefully screen and advise adolescents for health risk behaviours.