Steroids

Overview:  Anabolic-androgenic steroids are a group of compounds that while not providing psychoactive effects, none-the-less have become highly used by a many individuals.  Furthermore, these compounds are often delivered by injection and are increasingly used by the youth population.  Generally, these drugs include testosterone and related products.  Primarily, they are used to enhance body mass, physical appearance, and athletic performance.  

Goals:  This section provides you with an overview of steroids and their effects.   It will also provide you with information regarding the consequences of short and long-term use.

Objectives:  Understand and describe the health and behavioral problems related to steroid use.

Outcomes:  To provide students with information related to steroids, their impact on body systems, and potential for abuse.

Readings:  Julien, Edition 10, Chapters 14 and 20 (or Julien, Edition 11,

                   Chapters 15 and 20) and Thompson,  pages 176 - 195 

 Tasks:

1.      Read the background information related to hormones and the endocrine system in Thompson.

2.  Read the chapter on Steroids in Julien and other anti-inflammatory agents

3.  Answer the following study questions in Chapter 20 - 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.  Then send your answers to your instructor.

4.      Write a brief reaction paper regarding steroids.  What do you think about them?  How do you think they could be so addictive?  Send this to your instructor along with your completed answers to the study questions.

Resources:

Discussion  for Topic 9.