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Rising Popularity of Dangerous Drugs Among Girls and Non-Athletes
Girls and non-athletes are contributing to an alarming increase in the use of hazardous drugs. Fueled by the pressures of a hyper-competitive culture and an intense obsession with appearance and enhancing performance, we are witnessing a surge in the abuse of Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs).
While these drugs may provide certain benefits and could be valid when prescribed by a healthcare professional, they come with significant risks such as severe depression, aggressive behaviors, heightened risk of injury, enlarged heart, among other serious side effects. Young people today experience immense pressure to achieve optimal performance and attain ideal body image. Consequently, many turn to APEDs, which include unregulated dietary supplements, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and anabolic steroids, seeking any possible advantage.
These substances are increasingly utilized by both athletes and non-athletes, as well as among boys and girls, aiming to improve their physical appearance and self-esteem.
- Nearly 2 million middle and high school students acknowledge using anabolic steroids.
- The usage of HGH has doubled over the past year, now affecting 11% of high school students (both boys and girls, athletes and non-athletes).
- The fastest-growing demographic of anabolic steroid users is young girls.
- The average starting age for anabolic steroid usage is 15, with 85% of students unaware of the associated dangers.
– Don Hooton, The Taylor Hooton Foundation
Education is Crucial Given These Statistics
For additional information, visit www.taylorhooton.org
Important Reminder
Using anabolic-androgenic steroids to boost athletic performance is not only banned by most sports organizations but is also illegal. Over the past two decades, increased law enforcement in the United States has driven much of the illegal steroid market underground. This creates additional health risks because these drugs may be manufactured overseas and smuggled in or produced in hidden laboratories in the United States. In either case, they fall outside government safety regulations and could be contaminated or incorrectly labeled.
– Mayo Clinic
