Summary
Steroids are used for medicinal purposes but are more often abused to improve athletic performance or appearance. The abuse of steroids follows a pattern similar to that of drug addiction, where those who are addicted will continue to use steroids even after recognizing that the drug is damaging their body and relationships. Steroid abuse originated, to a large extent, in the athletic world. The administration of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs by trainers and athletes is referred to as doping. Although it is known to occur among professional athletes, amateur and student athletes are guilty of doping, too. Recently updated, Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs, Third Edition explains what steroids are, their medical benefits when used properly, and the damage they do when abused.
About the Author(s)
Suellen May is a writer living in Fort Collins, Colorado. She received a B.S. from the University of Vermont, an M.S. from Colorado State University, and an M.A. from Adams State University. She writes science-related books and magazine articles. She is the author of several entries in the Understanding Drugs series, and a five-book environmental series titled Invasive Species.
Mali Rebecca Schantz-Feld is a professional writer and researcher with 25 years of experience. She has won awards for writing from the Florida Magazine Association, the Florida Freelance Writers Association, and American Business Media. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association, the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists, and the Florida Freelance Writers Association/Cassell Network of Writers.