Steroids: History Science and Issues (The Story of a Drug)

Providing a significant source of information for upper high school and community college students concerning steroids and their derivatives this book provides a holistic overview of this controversial class of drugs.The risks of recreational steroid use are often ignored or misunderstood by those who try them. At the same time the therapeutic use of steroids can be dangerous when theyre used incorrectly. Part of the Story of a Drug series this timely book is specifically tailored to address the questions and concerns of young people providing readers with an accessible source of information for understanding steroidal drugs.Chapters cover the history of steroids including the development of synthetic steroids steroid biochemistry and the drugs therapeutic functions notably the importance of natural steroids in maintaining human life. The book discusses the current state of recreational use among athletes and students and of the dangers of misuse and overdose and covers legal and governmental regulations relative to both therapeutic and recreational use of the drugs. The reader will come away from this volume with a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of steroid use based on current research and grasp the possible risks―medical and legal―related to misuse of these powerful drugs.Provides readers with an understanding of the function of natural steroids in the human body their crucial roles in maintaining life and their effects on mental physical and reproductive functionsClarifies the differences between natural and synthetic steroids and their use in medicine and illegally in recreational activitiesProvides an overview of current legislation and federal regulation of steroids and steroid-like chemicalsProjects the continuum of use of steroids as medications and as recreational drugs based on current research governmental attitudes and social perceptions of the acceptability of such substancesFeatures an introductory case-study chapter about two young people whose lives were significantly impacted by steroids putting the material into a real-world context