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. Steroids and Other Performance-Enhancing Drugs explains what steroids are, their medical benefits when used properly, and the damage they do when abused.
