The use of illegal drugs are hitting an all time high in the U.S. and a broad. It seems we are ignoring the dangers faced in using these drugs and the dramatic harm our children are facing because of our casual attitude toward them.
Drugs are Drugs and the effects are harmful. Illegal steroid use is increasing both in adults and in teens. We are increasing the use of these illegal drugs to build muscle or tone our bodies. The drive to “look cool” is thrown at us from every media outlet and it is clouding our common sense.
In a study of 2,000 teens, all of them around 14 years old, researchers found 5.9% of boys and surprisingly 4.6% of girls are using steroids. Peer pressure along with media exposure are thought to be driving the use of these drugs.
The studies lead author, Marla Eisenberg said, “We’ve got some young people and in some cases pretty young, young people — we’re looking at middle schoolers — who say they are using some of these pretty risky substances to increase their muscularity. And that’s something we need to be paying attention to.”
This is really very dangerous for young teen brains. They are still forming and maturing. Other studies have found the use of steroids could harm brain cells and create “hyperexcitability”. This can cause the teen or adult to become unpredictable,aggressive or over excited.
Parents should be on guard for the symptoms of steroid us in their teens. Parents should also remember that their children watch what the parent does and if they use these drugs the children will see no dangers in using them.
Symptoms of steroid abuse:
Increase in muscle mass
Hair loss or greasy hair
Increase in body hair
Oily skin and stretch marks on joints
Sudden weight increase
Severe mood changes and more aggressive behaviour
Red or purple acne
Bad breath
Symptoms of body image issues:
Obsession with food or exercise
Restriction of diet or certain food groups
Low self-esteem
Feeling worthless
Avoiding eating
Parents should recognize the symptoms early for more effective treatment of steroid abuse or body image issues. If left untreated they man develop into eating disorders,addictions and lack of a good self-image. These results may follow the child for years.
It is our job to give a good example for our children to follow. Keep a vigilant eye on their behavior and avoid giving them a false attitude toward illegal steroid use.
About G.L.Hubbard:
Author 
Happily married 54 years, 4 children, 6 grand children, 2 great grand children. Author of many articles and posts designed to help today’s kids and families enjoy life in the same wonderful world he has experienced.
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