Rising Concern Over APED Abuse
Girls and non-athletes are significantly contributing to the increased use of these hazardous substances.
Fueled by a highly competitive environment and an intense focus on physical appearance and performance, a new trend in drug misuse is emerging – Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs).
Though these drugs can offer benefits, and might have legitimate uses when prescribed by a healthcare provider, they also come with grave dangers such as deep depression, heightened aggression, greater likelihood of injuries, enlarged heart, among others. Today’s youth are under tremendous pressure to excel and achieve the ideal body image. Consequently, many are seeking any edge they can find, resorting to APEDs that often involve unregulated dietary supplements, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and anabolic steroids.
These substances are utilized to enhance strength and athletic performance, and both athletes and non-athletes, including boys and girls, are using them simply to improve their self-image and well-being.
- Close to 2 million middle and high school students acknowledge using anabolic steroids.
- The usage of HGH has doubled over the last year: 11% of high school students (both boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes).
- The fastest growing demographic for anabolic steroids: young girls.
- Median initiation age for anabolic steroids: 15. Percentage of students who have not been informed about the associated risks: 85%.
– Don Hooton, The Taylor Hooton Foundation
Education is Essential
Visit www.taylorhooton.org for further details.
Important Note
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids to boost athletic performance is both against the rules of most sports organizations and illegal. Over the last two decades, enhanced law enforcement in the United States has driven much of the illegal steroid trade underground. This shift introduces further health hazards because these drugs may be produced in foreign countries and trafficked, or manufactured in secret laboratories within the United States. In either scenario, they escape government safety regulations and could be contaminated or inaccurately labeled.
– Mayo Clinic
