There are many reasons why steroids are illegal. Even though some athletes and bodybuilders may see the benefits of using steroids, the side effects of their use can be very dangerous.
In fact, steroid abuse can have serious health consequences and even lead to death in some cases. Not only are they illegal, but there are also multiple types of steroids that come with their own set of risks depending on which version you take.
These usually include synthetic versions like anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GRP).
If you’re reading this, you likely want to understand more about why steroids are illegal and what side effects they can cause as a result of their use. We’ll cover all this and more in this article, so keep reading to find out more.
Steroids Are Illegal Because of Their High Risk
Anabolic steroids are a form of a hormone that can negatively affect the body and can be addictive that can cause serious health issues.
Steroids are illegal because they can cause harmful side effects in the body, as well as bring legal consequences to those who choose to use them.
The risks of steroid use include liver damage, mood swings, hair loss, high blood pressure, and even death.
These substances can also be extremely addictive, and it can be very difficult to quit once you start taking them.
The combination of these high risks with the possibility of legal consequences makes steroids an illegal substance for all but a few medical purposes.
Are Anabolic Steroids Illegal in the US?
In the United States, using anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is illegal with very few exceptions. Restrictions on steroids and other PEDs (short for performance-enhancing drugs) vary by state, with most states having laws that closely follow the Federal Anabolic Steroid Control Act.
This law makes the distribution of steroids illegal, except for very specific medical uses within a doctor’s care. Even the possession of certain types of steroids is illegal, and there is a long list of controlled substances that includes several steroids.
The FDA regulates the production of steroids and has issued multiple warnings about the dangers of using these drugs. When used for medical purposes, the FDA recommends using the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.
Steroids Legal Consequences
The consequences of steroid use vary based on the specific circumstances, including the type of steroids used and the amount of time they are taken. Anabolic steroids that are not prescribed by a doctor are illegal and punishable by law.
Anyone who is caught with steroids could face a range of consequences that depend on the laws of the state where they were caught, the amount of steroids found, and any other factors in the case.
Punishments can range from fines to time in prison and the loss of certain civil rights like the right to vote and the ability to hold certain jobs. Conviction of steroid-related crimes can also stay on a person’s record and affect future employment opportunities.
Because steroids are often used in conjunction with other drugs like cannabis, other legal consequences can also be possible.
Legalize Steroids for Personal Use
The only way to legally use steroids is to get a doctor’s prescription for them. However, researchers say that using anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is not necessary for athletes, and there are other legal ways to enhance athletic performance.
Even so, many athletes oppose steroid restrictions because they say that there are no proven alternatives to steroids for improving athletic performance.
The debate about whether to legalize steroids for personal use has been going on for years, with no clear resolution in sight.
Proper Use of Steroids
Steroids are not a good idea for every athlete. There are times when you need to take steroids for performance enhancement and there are times when you need them for health reasons.
It’s best to find the right combination of steroids that will work best for each situation.
The biggest mistake that many people make is trying to take too much of a particular steroid and then not taking enough of it or taking too much and then not taking enough.
This is a mistake that can cause serious problems in the long run if you don’t get proper use of your steroids.
You should always talk with your doctor before taking any type of steroid and have them approve any PEDs or supplements you might be using before starting a new treatment plan with them.
Where Are Steroids Legal in The World?
Steroids are legal in some countries, but only with a prescription. In some cases, you can buy steroids online with a prescription or travel to another country where they are legal and bring them back to use in your home country.
The most common place that people find cheap steroids is in countries like India and Thailand, where they are legal and cheap.
These countries sell steroids online, so they are easy to purchase online and bring back. The laws on steroids vary greatly state by state in the United States, so the best way to know the laws in your area is to check with the FDA.
What Do Anabolic Steroids Actually Do?
Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, the male sex hormone. The goal of taking them is to increase your body’s own levels of testosterone, which can help with muscle growth, fat loss, and many other benefits.
They also can help with bone and joint health, as well as increase your endurance and athletic performance in many sports.
When taken in moderation, steroids can help improve athletic performance and achieve other fitness goals.
Side Effects of Steroid Abuse
The side effects of abusing steroids can be very serious, and some can even be fatal. This is why it is so important to understand why steroids are illegal and why they are such a dangerous substance to abuse.
The most common side effects of steroid abuse include:
1. Liver Damage
Steroids put a lot of pressure on the liver, which is the organ in charge of processing toxins out of the body. If the liver is overwhelmed with toxins, it can become inflamed and even damaged, which can lead to serious health problems.
2. Mood Swings
Taking steroids can cause mood swings that go far beyond the typical mood changes associated with PMS. In some cases, people using steroids experience extreme mood swings that can lead to violent outbursts.
3. Hair Loss
One of the most well-known side effects of steroid use is hair loss. This happens as a result of the hormones in the steroids leading to hair shedding and hair thinning. In some cases, hair regrowth can happen once steroids are stopped.
4. High Blood Pressure
One of the most serious side effects of steroid use is high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. This is one of the main reasons why steroids are illegal, and it’s something that can happen to anyone who abuses them.
5. Depression and Anxiety
Abusing steroids can lead to serious depression and anxiety, conditions that can be difficult to treat and cause significant distress in the lives of those who experience them.
This is another side effect of steroid abuse that is so dangerous, it’s one of the reasons why steroids are illegal.
The exact causes of these mental health conditions are still not fully understood, but researchers believe that steroid abuse may contribute to both.
Some people who use steroids experience depression and anxiety as soon as they start taking them, while others develop symptoms after years of use.
6. Lung Problems and Breathing Difficulties
Some steroid users experience lung problems from the toxins in steroids. These substances can irritate and inflame the lungs and make breathing more difficult for those who use them.
Other steroids contain additives that can be even more dangerous for the lungs and can cause lasting damage. In some cases, lung problems can cause difficulty breathing that requires medical attention.
7. Psychological Problems
Abusing steroids can lead to a variety of psychological problems like mood swings, paranoia, and delusions. These can be extremely dangerous and even lead to violent outbursts in some cases.
In other cases, steroid users experience hallucinations that can cause them to see and hear things that aren’t real.
These psychological problems are often very difficult to treat once they become issues for a person, even after stopping steroid use.
Performance Enhancing Drugs That Are Legal
There are many performance-enhancing drugs that are legal, which makes steroids seem less attractive to athletes. Legal PEDs include things like caffeine, creatine, and Modafinil which all have benefits and few side effects.
Many of these legal PEDs can help athletes perform better, but they do not come with any of the legal and health risks that steroids do.
So if you are thinking about using a PED to help you improve athletic performance, it’s best to stick with legal substances.
Anabolic Steroids Without Side Effects
There are some types of steroids that don’t have side effects, but they are rare. Even steroids that are synthetic forms of testosterone don’t have major side effects when used in moderation.
There are several legit manufacturers such as Brutal Force and Crazy Bulk that produce safe legal steroids. While you won't get the same results as you would with illegal steroids, these legal steroids are the safest choice.
When it comes to achieving the benefits of steroids, there is no reason to worry about side effects.
Conclusion
Steroids are a powerful, potentially dangerous substance. They can have side effects that can be serious and even deadly.
This is why it is important to understand why they are illegal, what side effects they can cause, and how they can lead to addiction and other problems down the road.
The fact that they are illegal is not enough to tell you that they are dangerous. These substances need to be avoided by everyone, including athletes who take them for performance enhancement and people who just want to get in shape and improve their health.
Rob is a Certified Sports Nutritionist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Besides being a writer, he's also a lifestyle coach. His expertise includes healthy and natural weight loss, nutritional supplements, and fitness nutrition. His practice philosophy is simple. He provides nutrition education and support in his coaching to get people excited about food and eating well with better choices! It doesn't have to be boring, excessive, or anything but “what a rabbit eats” to lose or gain weight, or whatever your goal is. He utilizes scientific research and the latest information so everyone can obtain their goals and sustain a healthy lifestyle beyond their intervention.