The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) has issued a valuable new position statement summarizing the best available evidence related to the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and calling for improved understanding of AAS in the sports medicine and athletic communities.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids* are powerful Schedule III pharmaceuticals that are related to naturally-occurring human hormones. Although the therapeutic use of these synthetic, testosterone-based derivatives can provide specific, limited medical benefits, they are most frequently abused to gain athletic performance advantages, develop physiques and improve body image.
AAS abuse has been shown to lead to a host of negative health effects [1] on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, immune system, skin, liver, kidneys and reproductive organs. Individuals who are abusing these drugs for athletic advantage or image often dangerously rely on questionable information and illegal drug sources, which increases the risk of serious medical consequences.
While most of the public and media attention concerning AAS has been focused on professional athletes, abuse of these powerful drugs is also a serious problem at the high school and collegiate levels of sport, as well as among general fitness enthusiasts.
"Based on recent trend research, we project there are an estimated 750,000 high school AAS abusers in the U.S.," said, Robert Kersey, PhD, ATC, CSCS, lead author of the position statement and director of the athletic training education program at California State University at Fullerton. "Worldwide, AAS abuse is estimated in the tens of millions."
Studies show that males abuse AAS at greater frequency than do females, with a 2009 national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study of adolescents finding that male teens (4.3%) were almost twice as likely as female teens (2.2%) to abuse AAS.
The statement stresses that identification of the AAS abuser (or potential abuser) by a health care professional is critical to help prevent any negative consequences; and that proper direction, guidance, support and possible referral are essential in assisting those at risk.
"It is vital that health care professionals, coaches, parents, administrators and the athletes themselves know the signs and symptoms of possible AAS abuse so they can educate others with the most current and accurate information," added Kersey. "And, if athletes or others suspect AAS abuse they should bring it to the attention of the athletic trainer or other qualified health care professional."
The statement emphasizes that, because AAS abuse involves a "dynamic, social process," active monitoring for such abuse and "maintaining an open, honest, and evidence-based dialog with all stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, advisory groups, and others, is vital."
The signs and symptoms of AAS abuse include the following:
While the statement recognizes that, to date, no validated management strategies are available for AAS abuse, anecdotal evidence suggests that referral and counseling are "paramount to avoiding possible consequences of AAS abuse." Because not all health care professionals or educators understand AAS pharmacology, the mentality of athletes and AAS abusers, or common AAS abuse patterns, the NATA recommends that health care professionals develop a referral network to assist them in offering the following kinds of specific support:
The statement notes that athletic trainers are often in a unique position to assess and assist AAS abusers and those who may become AAS abusers, and when necessary, they should call on other qualified health care professionals as referral resources.
*The NATA's position statement addresses only AAS and does not include human growth hormone, insulin, or other frequently abused pharmaceuticals (including insulin growth factor 1 and selective androgen receptor modulators) or nutritionals (e.g. creatine, amino acids and protein powders).
For a copy of the complete statement, click here [4].
Posted September 26, 2012
Links:
[1] https://momsteam.com/node/595
[2] http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/departments/clinical-departments/medicine/divisions/hpsm/research/atlas.cfm?WT_rank=1
[3] http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/departments/clinical-departments/medicine/divisions/hpsm/research/athena.cfm?WT_rank=1
[4] http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/position-statement-steroids.pdf
[5] https://momsteam.com/sports/football-tackle/safety/anabolic-steroids-your-childs-road-to-the-gold-or-to-the-grave
[6] https://momsteam.com/team-of-experts/steven-horwitz-dc/performance-enhancing-drugs/what-are-anabolic-steroids-and-how-do-
[7] https://momsteam.com/health-safety/performance-enhancing-drugs/dangers/anabolic-steroids-your-childs-road-to-the-gold-or-
[8] https://momsteam.com/muscle-enhancing-behaviors-more-common-among-teens-than-previously-thought