Temptations are often hidden in plain sight, especially in sports. Temptations are hidden within pressure, ambition, and the fear of falling behind. One of the most dangerous forms of temptations athletes face today is performance enhancing drugs or PEDs, like anabolic steroids. From high school gyms to professional arenas, athletes at every level are confronted ith the question. “Is it worth it?”
Today I will explore why athletes, particularly youth and amateur athletes are tempted by steroids, what the consequences are, and what can be dont to resist this harmful shortcut.
Why Do Athletes Turn to Steroids?
There’s one simple reason: the pressure to perform.
Athletes are expected to be stronger, faster, and better, often from a very young age. Whether it’s trying to earn a college scholarship, live up to family expectations, or keep up with peers, many athletes feel that talent and hard work just isn’t enough. In this high stakes environment, steroids can seem like an easy edge.
According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes “to improve performance and physical appearance” (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2023). These drugs mimic testosterone and help build muscle mass rapidly.
A 2019 study found that nearly 4% of high school students admitted to using steroids at some point, with male athletes reporting higher use rates than females (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). This shows that steroid temptation starts early, often before athletes fully understand the risks.
The Mental and Physical Consequences
While the Physical results of steroids can be impressive, muscle gain, increased power, quicker recovery, the costs are severe.
Short term risks include:
Severe acne
Mood swings or often called “roid rage”
Sleep disturbances
Increased risk of injury (muscle growth outpacing ligament strength)
Long term effects include:
Liver damage
High blood pressure
Infertility
Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Depression and anxiety after stopping use
Steroid use during adolescence is particularly risky. According to Mayo Clinic (2023), steroids can interfere with natural hormone development, stunt growth, cause aggressive behaviours, and increase the risk of mental health issues in teens.
The Ethical and Social Fallout
Using Steroids isn’t just a health issue, it’s an ethical one.
When an athlete uses steroids, they undermine the fairness of competition, it sends the message that success is more important than integrity. That’s why steroid use is banned by nearly every major sports organization, including the NCCA, NFL, or the NBA.
When athletes are caught, the consequences are lasting. From lost scholarships to professional bans and public shame, steroid use can damage not only a career but a person’s legacy.
Combating Temptation: Prevention and Support
The best way to fight the temptation of steroids is through education and support
Honest conversations: Coaches, parents, and schools must talk openly about PEDs and the pressure young athletes face.
Support mental health: Many teens who use steroids are struggling with anxiety, body image, or low self esteem. Providing them with emotional support and counselling can reduce the temptation to use harmful substances (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Promote clean role models: Highlighting athletes who succeed without cheating gives younger players someone real to look up to.
And most importantly, we must remind athletes that their value goes beyond their stats. Sports are about growth, teamwork, resilience, not perfection.
Conclusion
Steroids may promise quick results, but the price is far too high. The temptation is real, but so is the power to choose better. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a fan, standing up for clean sports matters. Winning isn’t just about what’s on the scoreboard, it’s about who you are when nobody's watching.
Resources:
Anabolic steroids and other Appearance and Performance enhancing drugs (APEDs). (2024, July 11). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids
Learn about the risks of performance-enhancing drugs. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/performance-enhancing-drugs/art-20046134
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). (2025, January 14). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm