It is no secret that adolescence is often a time of experimentation and mischief. In many cases this means trials with drug and alcohol use. Back in 2004 it was gathered that 3.4% of 12th graders had used steroids at some point in their lifetime (Darkes, 2005). This number was slightly down from 4% in 2002 (Global Sports Development, 2013). Steroid use was also seen in younger teens with 2.5% of 8th graders and 2.5% of 10th graders also admitting to using performance enhancing drugs at some point (Global Sports Development, 2013).
Relative to other drug use in this same age rang the use of steroids may seem low. In terms of alcohol use, 76.8% of adolescence within this same range admitted to consuming alcohol at some point while 70.6% reported doing it in the past year and 48% in the previous 30 days (Darkes, 2005). Rates for drugs like marijuana and cocaine were reported to fall within the ranges of steroid and alcohol use with a steady incline in use between 8th graders and 12th graders (Darkes 2005).
While steroid use is drastically lower than that of alcohol and other drugs, the effects produced by these drugs are unpredictable and life threatening. Also concerning when considering steroid use among adolescents is that since steroids are often harder to find for kids than alcohol and other drugs, many users are not certain of exactly what they are consuming. This can add even greater risk to steroid use among young users.
Although the numbers are low, it is clear that steroids are one of the many concerning substances used among our younger generations.
- Jacob Groat
Group 4-Sport Management Seminar 