The Act was aimed at establishing penalties for advisers or physical trainers who persuade or encourage individuals to make use or possess anabolic steroids. This Act defined “anabolic steroid” as a drug or hormonal substance that is promoting muscle growth in a manner pharmacologically similar to testosterone, including specified substances and added steroids as a schedule III substance under such Act.

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on 26th April 1990 and was thereafter referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment on 14th May 1990.

According to the Act, coaches and others who persuade or induce use of steroids shall be fined under title 18 of the United States code, or may be imprisoned for a period not more than two years, or both. The Act further stated that the maximum imprisonment shall be five years if the individual persuaded or induced has not attained the age of eighteen years. For the purpose of this Act, the term ‘physical trainer or adviser’ refers to any amateur or professional coach, trainer, instructor, manager, or other such person who offers any physical or athletic instruction, assistance, training, or other such service to any individual.

Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) was amended to define anabolic steroid as any drug or hormonal substance that is used for promoting growth of muscles in a manner that is pharmacologically similar to testosterone, and includes–

(A) Boldenone.
(B) Chlorotestosterone.
(C) Clostebol.
(D) Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone.
(E) Dihydrotestosterone.
(F) Drostanolone.
(G) Ethylestrenol.
(H) Fluoxymesterone.
(I) Mesterolone.
(J) Methandienone.
(K) Methandranone.
(L) Methandriol.
(M) Methandrostenolone.
(N) Methyltestosterone.
(O) Mibolerone.
(P) Nandrolone.
(Q) Norethandrolone.
(R) Oxandrolone.
(S) Oxymesterone.
(T) Oxymetholone.
(U) Stanolone.
(V) Stanozolol.
(W) Testolactone.
(X) Testosterone.
(Y) Trenbolone; and
(Z) Any salt, ester, or isomer of a drug or substance described or listed in this paragraph, if that salt, ester, or isomer promotes muscle growth.’

Subsection (e) of section 303 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 333) was amended for penalty on distribution of human growth hormone (HGH) by inserting human growth hormone in place of anabolic steroid at every place and by adding that `human growth hormone’ means somatrem, somatropin, or an analogue of either of them’ at the end. Section 404 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 844) was amended and ` (a)’ before `It shall be unlawful’ in the first undesignated paragraph was inserted.

Before enactment of this Act, criminal penalties were specifically set forth for traffickers in anabolic steroids for non-medical reasons under 1988 legislation amending the Food and Drug Act. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, Pub. L. No. 100-690, Sec 2401, 102 Stat. 4181 (1988) was repealed in November, 1990, effective February 1991, by the Anabolic Steroids Control Act. Between 1988 and 1990, Congressional hearings were held for evaluating whether the Controlled Substances Act should get an amendment to include steroids along with more serious drugs like cocaine and heroin. A big majority of witnesses including medical professionals and representatives of regulatory agencies (including the FDA, the DEA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse) recommended against the proposed amendment to the law. The American Medical Association went on to say that abuse of anabolic steroids does not result in physical or psychological dependence required for scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act and recommended education, not criminalization, for combating steroid abuse. The Congress nevertheless scheduled steroids as Schedule III controlled substances under Title 21 of the United States Code.

On November 29, 1990, the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 became law when President George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first United States President, signed the Omnibus Crime Control Bill that was slated to be applied in every Federal court across the country. The law categorized anabolic steroids in the same legal class (Schedule III) as methamphetamines, opium, morphine, and amphetamines. The simple possession of steroids was made a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 and a person with a past conviction for specific offenses and indulging in simple steroid possession was to get imprisonment of at least 15 days and up to two years, and a minimum fine of $2,500. People with a history of two or more such convictions face imprisonment of not less than 90 days but not more than three years, and a minimum fine of $5,000 for simple possession of anabolic steroids. Sale or possession of steroids with intent to sell was made punishable by up to five years in prison (with at least two additional years of supervised release) and/or a fine of $250,000. A person who committed such a violation and was previously convicted for a drug offense could face up to ten years imprisonment (with at least four additional years of special parole) and/or increased fines.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated hundreds of anabolic steroid investigations between February 1991 and February 1995 and any one arrested for even simple possession of steroids faced the prospects of a criminal prosecution. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 was to be enforced and violations prosecuted in every state and the primary federal law enforcement agencies dealing with anabolic steroids include the U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and U.S. Customs. Approximately twenty-two states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas) had tightened control over anabolic steroids during 1989 and 1990, according to a 1991 survey of anabolic steroid state legislation.

The S. 2195 (108th) bill that led to the enactment of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 was reported by committed on 30th September 2004, passed the Senate on 6th October 2004, passed the house on 8th October 2004, signed by the President on 22nd October 2004, and was enacted after being signed by the President on October 22, 2004.

The bill by Sen. Joseph Biden Jr. [D-DE] was co-sponsored by:
Allen, George [R-VA]
Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Grassley, Charles “Chuck” [R-IA]
Harkin, Thomas “Tom” [D-IA]
Hatch, Orrin [R-UT]
McCain, John [R-AZ]
Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Stevens, Ted [R-AK]
Lautenberg, Frank [D-NJ]

Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) was amended to change the definition of “anabolic steroid” to include any drug or hormonal substance, chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone (other than estrogens, progestins, corticosteroids, and dehydroepiandrosterone), and includes–

(i) androstanediol–
(I) 3b,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane; and
(II) 3a,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane;
(ii) androstanedione (5a-androstan-3,17-dione);
(iii) androstenediol–
(I) 1-androstenediol (3b,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androst-1-ene);
(II) 1-androstenediol (3a,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androst-1-ene);
(III) 4-androstenediol (3b,17b-dihydroxy-androst-4-ene); and
(IV) 5-androstenediol (3b,17b-dihydroxy-androst-5-ene);
(iv) androstenedione–
(I) 1-androstenedione ([5a]-androst-1-en-3,17-dione);
(II) 4-androstenedione (androst-4-en-3,17-dione); and
(III) 5-androstenedione (androst-5-en-3,17-dione);
(v) bolasterone (7a,17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(vi) boldenone (17b-hydroxyandrost-1,4,-diene-3-one);
(vii) calusterone (7b,17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(viii) clostebol (4-chloro-17b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(ix) dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (4-chloro-17b-hydroxy-17a-methyl-androst-1,4-dien-3-one);
(x) *1-dihydrotestosterone (a.k.a. ‘1-testosterone’) (17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-3-one);
(xi) 4-dihydrotestosterone (17b-hydroxy-androstan-3-one);
(xii) drostanolone (17b-hydroxy-2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3-one);
(xiii) ethylestrenol (17a-ethyl-17b-hydroxyestr-4-ene);
(xiv) fluoxymesterone (9-fluoro-17a-methyl-11b,17b-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(xv) formebolone (2-formyl-17a-methyl-11a,17b-dihydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3-one);
(xvi) furazabol (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyandrostano[2,3-c]-furazan);
(xvii) 13b-ethyl-17a-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one;
(xviii) 4-hydroxytestosterone (4,17b-dihydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one);
(xix) 4-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone (4,17b-dihydroxy-estr-4-en-3-one);
(xx) mestanolone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one);
(xxi) mesterolone (1a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-[5a]-androstan-3-one);
(xxii) methandienone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3-one);
(xxiii) methandriol (17a-methyl-3b,17b-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene);
(xxiv) methenolone (1-methyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-1-en-3-one);
(xxv) 17a-methyl-3b, 17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane;
(xxvi) 17a-methyl-3a,17b-dihydroxy-5a-androstane;
(xxvii) 17a-methyl-3b,17b-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene.
(xxviii) 17a-methyl-4-hydroxynandrolone (17a-methyl-4-hydroxy-17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xxix) methyldienolone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyestra-4,9(10)-dien-3-one);
(xxx) methyltrienolone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyestra-4,9-11-trien-3-one);
(xxxi) methyltestosterone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(xxxii) mibolerone (7a,17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xxxiii) 17a-methyl-*1-dihydrotestosterone (17b-hydroxy-17a-methyl-5a-androst-1-en-3-one) (a.k.a. ‘17-a-methyl-1-testosterone’);
(xxxiv) nandrolone (17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xxxv) norandrostenediol–
(I) 19-nor-4-androstenediol (3b, 17b-dihydroxyestr-4-ene);
(II) 19-nor-4-androstenediol (3a, 17b-dihydroxyestr-4-ene);
(III) 19-nor-5-androstenediol (3b, 17b-dihydroxyestr-5-ene); and
(IV) 19-nor-5-androstenediol (3a, 17b-dihydroxyestr-5-ene);
(xxxvi) norandrostenedione–
(I) 19-nor-4-androstenedione (estr-4-en-3,17-dione); and
(II) 19-nor-5-androstenedione (estr-5-en-3,17-dione;
(xxxvii) norbolethone (13b,17a-diethyl-17b-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one);
(xxxviii) norclostebol (4-chloro-17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xxxix) norethandrolone (17a-ethyl-17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xl) normethandrolone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one);
(xli) oxandrolone (17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-2-oxa-[5a]-androstan-3-one);
(xlii) oxymesterone (17a-methyl-4,17b-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(xliii) oxymetholone (17a-methyl-2-hydroxymethylene-17b-hydroxy-[5a]-androstan-3-one);
(xliv) stanozolol (17a-methyl-17a-hydroxy-[5a]-androst-2-eno[3,2-c]-pyrazole);
(xlv) stenbolone (17b-hydroxy-2-methyl-[5a]-androst-1-en-3-one);
(xlvi) testolactone (13-hydroxy-3-oxo-13,17-secoandrosta-1,4-dien-17-oic acid lactone);
(xlvii) testosterone (17b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one);
(xlviii) tetrahydrogestrinone (13b,17a-diethyl-17b-hydroxygon-4,9,11-trien-3-one);
(xlix) trenbolone (17b-hydroxyestr-4,9,11-trien-3-one); and
(xlx) any salt, ester, or ether of a drug or substance described in this paragraph.

The substances, which were excluded under this sub-paragraph, may be scheduled by the Attorney General at any time in accordance with the authority and requirements of subsections (a) through (c) of section 201.

“Under this bill, clever chemists will no longer be able to dodge the law by disguising their chemicals to skirt the legal definition of a steroid,” Hatch said in a statement after the bill’s passage. “Our bill gives the Drug Enforcement Agency the power to schedule nearly any steroid precursor now or in the future–giving the law flexibility we don’t have to play catch-up with every new andro look-alike that comes along.”

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 directed the United States Sentencing Commission for reviewing and considering amending the federal sentencing guidelines to provide for increased penalties with respect to offenses involving anabolic steroids. It also directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services for awarding grants to public and nonprofit private entities to carry out science-based education programs in elementary and secondary schools to emphasize the harmful effects of anabolic steroids.

Those substances defined as anabolic steroids became subject (effective January 20, 2005) to CSA regulatory controls and administrative, civil and criminal sanctions applicable to the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, importing and exporting of a Schedule III controlled substance, including the following:

• Any individual, who manufactures, distributes, dispenses, imports or exports a substance defined as an anabolic steroid or engages in research or conducts instructional activities with respect to substances defined as anabolic steroids or who proposes to engage in such activities must be registered to conduct such activities with Schedule III controlled substances in accordance with 21 CFR part 1301.
• All labels and labeling for commercial containers of substances defined as anabolic steroids that are distributed on or after January 17, 2006, shall comply with requirements of 21 CFR 1302.03-1302.07.
• All registrants are required to keep records pursuant to 21 CFR 1304.03, 1304.04, 1304.05, 1304.21, 1304.22, 1304.23 and 1304.26.
• All importation and exportation of any substance defined as an anabolic steroid must be in compliance with 21 CFR part 1312.
• Upon the recommendation of Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Administrator, may, by regulation, exempt from the application of all or any part of the Act any compound, mixture, or preparation containing an anabolic steroid as defined in part 1300 of this chapter, which is intended for administration to a human being or animal, if, because of its concentration, preparation, formulation, or delivery system, it has no significant potential for abuse.
• All prescriptions for these Schedule III compounds or for products containing these Schedule III compounds would be required to be issued pursuant to 21 CFR 1306.03-1306.06 and 1306.21- 1306.27.
• Every registrant required to keep records and who possesses any quantity of any substance defined as an anabolic steroid is required to keep an inventory of all stocks of the substances on hand pursuant to 21 CFR 1304.03, 1304.04 and 1304.11. Every registrant who desires registration in Schedule III for any substance defined as an anabolic steroid shall conduct an inventory of all stocks of the substances on hand at time of registration.
• As of January 20, 2005, manufacture, import, export, distribution, or sale of the listed steroids except by DEA registrants has been a violation of the CSA that may result in imprisonment and fines (21 U.S.C. 841, 960). Possession of the steroids unless legally obtained is also subject to criminal penalties (21 U.S.C. 844).
• Only persons registered as dispensers are allowed to dispense the steroids to end users. Registered dispensers, however, are limited to practitioners, who are defined in the CSA as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, scientific investigators, pharmacies, hospitals, or other persons licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted by the U.S. or the jurisdiction in which they practice or conduct research, to distribute, dispense, conduct research with respect to, administer, or use in teaching or chemical analysis, a controlled substance in the course of professional practice or research, 21 U.S.C. 802(21).

The principle followed in such regulated deliveries is: early intervention is as detrimental as too late intervention by the criminal prosecution authorities as this may minimize the potential success of the associated investigations.

In easy words, a controlled delivery refers to illegal transportation of drugs (including anabolic steroids) from a foreign country through domestic territory to facilitate arrival to a third country. The entire process is monitored by the criminal prosecution authorities to secure evidence against the organizers of such illicit drug traffic. The technique is followed in many countries to identify and bring to justice principals, financiers, and organizers of the illicit drug market.

According to Article 1 g) of the 1988 UN Convention against illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, controlled deliveries are defined as: “(…) the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consignments of (…) drugs (…) or substances substituted for them, to pass out of, through or into the territory of one or more countries, with the knowledge and under the supervision of their competent authorities, with a view to identifying persons involved in the commission of offences (…).”

Under the Convention, the parties shall take all the required measures within their reach to allow for the appropriate use of controlled deliveries at the international level with a view to identify individuals involved in offences and to take legal action against them. The decisions to use such deliveries shall be made on a case-to-case basis and can consider financial arrangements and understandings, when necessary, with respect to the exercise of jurisdiction by the parties concerned. Moreover, illicit consignments may be intercepted and allowed to continue with narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, removed or intact or replaced in whole or in part.

A Controlled delivery is made to facilitate movement of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, anabolic steroids, or substances substituted for them to pass out of, into, or through the territory of one or more countries, with permission and under supervision of competent authorities for identifying persons involved in the commission of offences. These deliveries are facilitated for identifying, arresting, and convicting law violators, dismantling smuggling/trafficking organizations, broadening broaden the scope of investigations, identifying additional and higher level violators, and ascertaining knowledge on transporters, receivers and managers, and to identify assets for seizure/forfeiture.

The criminal prosecution authorities can take necessary steps for early destruction or lawful disposal of the narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances that have been seized or confiscated and for admissibility as proof of duly certified necessary quantities of such substances. The involved parties may endeavor for monitoring movement of goods and persons in free trade zones and free ports and empower competent authorities to look out for search cargoes and incoming and outgoing vessels, including pleasure craft and fishing vessels, as well as aircraft and vehicles and search passengers, crew members, and their baggage if deemed appropriate. The parties may endeavor for setting up and maintaining surveillance systems in harbor and dock areas and at airports and border control points in free trade zones and free ports or creating and maintaining system(s) for detected consignments suspected of containing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and substances, passing into or out of free trade zones and free ports.

Only drugs that can be prescribed legally in the country could be imported for personal use in the United States according to US federal and state laws and the U.S. F.D.A. does not allow the import of prescription drugs that are purchased outside the United States.

A guidance entitled “Coverage of Personal Importations” had been developed by the FDA that sets forth FDA enforcement priorities in relation to personal importation of unapproved drugs by individuals for personal use. The guidance by FDA allows individuals to import a supply of three months of an unapproved drug in the United States if the drug in question is believed not to represent an unreasonable risk or if it will not be distributed on a commercial basis by the importer or if the intended use of the drug in question is for a serious medical complication for which no effective form of treatment may not be available domestically or if the individual seeking to import the drug provides a written affirmation that the drug is meant for patient’s personal use while disclosing the name and address of the doctor licensed in the United States responsible for his or her treatment or offers evidence that the drug is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.

In case you have decided to buy or already purchased anabolic steroids, it is very important for you have a clear and complete understanding of laws related to steroids and performance enhancing drugs in your resident country. If steroids are illegal in your country, the customs may seize the same and send a seizure letter to you for the same. The letter gives you an opportunity to claim the seized products by providing evidence or prescription that they have been lawfully purchased and prescribed for legal purposes. If the purchase is not for legal purposes or in absence or contravention to medical advice, the seizure letter may be scanned and sent back to the steroid pharmacy from where you have made the order along with a new shipping name and address so that the reshipment can take place.

It is important to note that once a seizure has been made for a specific address, the address is monitored regularly by the customs department and any new effort to get steroids delivered at the same address can land you in serious trouble and hence not recommended. The monitoring generally lasts for a period of three to six months though it may be increased in case of enough suspicion. In order to avoid legal hassles, it is important for you to avoid buying anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs without a medical prescription and always trust a legal and reputed steroid pharmacy.

While use and purchase of steroids in countries such as Pakistan, India, Ukraine, Turkey, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Egypt, Lebanon, Colombia, Thailand, Syria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Iran, steroid laws in the United Kingdom have recently been changed and import of steroids into the country is illegal with effect from 23 April 2012 though steroid possession is legal for personal use and people can bring their steroids into the country for personal use.

Every state and country has its own set of laws regarding use, sale, purchase, and possession of steroids and performance enhancing drugs.

A new bill has recently been proposed to amend the Controlled Substances Act to effectively regulate anabolic steroids. The proposed bill, “Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2012″ would put users and buyers of steroids to an increased imprisonment of not more than 10 years, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of title 18, United States Code, or $500,000 if the defendant is an individual or $2,500,000 if the defendant is other than an individual, or both. The possession or sale of steroids without a valid medical prescription is illegal and simple possession of these drugs carries a maximum penalty of $1000 fine in case of first offense and the maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 if this is a first felony drug offense for the individual. In case of second felony, the maximum fine and period of imprisonment both double.

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 defined controlled steroids as a class of drug in Schedule III, including 27 named specifically and The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 categorized 32 additional steroids in Schedule III and expanded regulatory and enforcement authority of DEA regarding steroids. This is to aggressively identify, target, and seeking to disrupt and dismantle large-scale foreign manufacturers of anabolic steroids who are violating laws in the United States.

Sport associations including Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the Olympics Committee, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and the National Football League have already banned the use of steroids and many performance enhancing drugs.

According to laws of many states and federal laws, the sale of anabolic steroids or possession or possession with intent to sell is a felony. Any individual convicted of steroid sale, or possession of anabolic steroids unlawfully with intent to sell, may be penalized by up to five years in prison under federal law. The unlawful possession of steroids is a federal offence, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense. Steroids are illegal under both state and federal laws, which means an individual may be prosecuted under either jurisdiction and the agency responsible for arrest and seriousness of charges depend on which court the case will be appearing.

Abusers tend to administer the products either orally, intramuscularly or topically (applied on to the skin). The dosage may be 10 to 100 times higher than the approved medical treatment doses. General users typically take at least two anabolic steroids simultaneously in a cyclic manner. They believe this is far more effective, and the risk of side effects is minimal. Some
athletes, both male and female, consume anabolic steroids due to their immediate effect.

Anabolic steroids, like any other illegal drug, can be quickly addictive. In the beginning, persons indulge in a mythical consumption that taking steroids promotes health and strength. Gradually, it turns into a dangerous habit. Addicts usually refer to steroids by slang names such as – Gym Candy, Stackers, Pumpers and Juice.

Factors Leading to Steroid Abuse

(i) Desire to improve appearance

(ii) Craving to enhance performance by athletes and bodybuilders

(iii) Used by adolescents to help in their sports activitiesM

(iv) More prevelant among adolescents who exhibit risky behaviour viz. drinking and driving.

Facts related to steroid Abuse

(i) More prevalent among males than females

(ii) Among adolescents, most commonly abused by 0.5% of 8th graders, 1% of 10th graders, and 1.5% of 12th graders at least once in a year.

(iii) Preferably abused by most people to enhance physical strength and appearance.

(iv) Promulgate a sense of euphoria and heightened self-esteem.

(v) Most commonly abused among persons of the age group 18 – 20 years.

(vi) Abusers tend to be mostly middle class heterosexual individuals.

(vii) The rate of steroid abuse among bodybuilders is comparatively higher than other persons involved in sports.

Effects of Steroid Abuse

Anabolic steroids do possess certain legitimate medical uses and may be prescribed by doctors to people suffering from cases of anemia or low production of testosterone, low count of red blood cells, delayed puberty etc.
At first, on consuming them, the human builds a certain kind of tolerance, consequently leading to a deep craving for more and more in order to get better results. There grows a tendency among young adults to become dependent without even being aware of it. Slowly this dependency makes them require progressively larger doses, despite facing certain physical problems. At this stage if a person tries to give up, he/she faces withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, depression etc. Abusers face certain health risks and potentially harmful effects, some of which are listed below:

(i) Prolonged use of steroids can cause advancement and fusion of the epiphysis (growth plates in the bones), thereby resulting in stunted growth.

(ii) Some anabolic steroids can change into variants of dihydrotestosterone, the obvious cause of hair loss, and in some cases, male pattern baldness.

(iii) Steroids also bring about fluctuations in the desired amount of cholesterol levels, thereby giving rise to chances of heart strokes, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular abnormalities.

(iv) Administering steroids tends to shun the need of the body’s natural testosterone. Therefore the body ceases the production of its own supply of testosterone and causes the shrinking of testicles. This condition is known as Hypogonadism.

(v) The ability of steroids to heighten the red blood cell count and hematocrit levels in the body brings about a significant raise in the blood pressure levels.

(vi) Steroid abuse also causes abnormalities such as prostate enlargement (leading to prostate cancer) and gynecomastia (development of breasts in men).

(vii) Women who abuse steroids may experience irreversible clitoral hypertrophy and deepening of the voice.

(viii) Some steroids cause sexual dysfunction and infertility in both men and women.

(ix) Liver toxicity leading to damage and hepatitis may be one of the worst effects of steroid abuse.

(x) Steroid abusers often undergo the risk of contracting HIV, ultimately leading to death.

(xi) Steroid abusers tend to become forgetful and distractive. At times, they are even unaware of their confused or bizarre behaviour.

(xii) Once addicted, the user or rather abuser will often experience hallucinations and delusions, resulting in instability in familial and social relationships.

Prevention of Steroid Abuse

People often tend to overlook the lethal effects of steroids in their quest for increased stamina and enhanced looks. This makes the implications shift from steroid use to steroid abuse.

In the recent times, many international organizations have endeavoured to prevent steroid abuse especially among high school athletes. Basically, these organizations work to create awareness among students. This is done by:

(i) Directing debates by coaches and young sports team leaders

(ii) Enlightening students about the harmful aspects of anabolic steroid usage

(iii) Reuniting students in discussion tables

(iv) Training students and motivating them to deny drug offers in streets and gyms

(v) Making youngsters aware of the natural way of building up stamina and good health without the use of steroids.

(vi) Encouraging proper health habits among students. These may include – the importance of proper sleep, good food habits, correct training routines etc.

Besides, the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) is motivating nations to create their own internal agencies that will promote sportsmanship and the right competitive spirit among their sportsmen.
Moreover, many countries have issued strict laws and regulations to combat the illegal trade of steroids. Many professional sports organizations have jointly agreed that use of anabolic steroids must be totally banned in all sports events. Research studies have revealed that through the untiring efforts of such agencies and organizations, steroid abuse among young athletes has been lowered by as much as 50%.

Apart from being used by people belonging to professional sports and activities, their popularity has taken them to people who simply intend to look better by building their muscle mass and hence acquire a decent shape. Earlier only young men were seen to use this drug but now even women have started employing these compounds to reduce extra fat from their bodies to look in perfect shape. Considering the rising demand of these drugs among people belonging to all age groups and gender around the globe, their production has also immensely increased. At one time, if one had to buy steroids, they had to either have them prescribed by the physician or pay too heavy a price to be bought from the black market. But today, they can be easily bought with as well as without a prescription from any online pharmacy. However, one must be aware that some countries have banned the use of certain substances so having a prior knowledge before ordering it from any source can save the person from any legal hassles that might develop as a result of its import.

Steroids are categories into two major types – the Corticosteroids and Anabolic Androgenic Steroids or AAS as they are commonly addressed. The corticosteroids are produced by the adrenal gland in the human body. They are placed just above the kidneys and release a hormone called aldosterone involved in the regulation of sodium content in the blood stream. Its prime function is to serve the stress response system of the body and as a result helps decrease its inflammation.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids on the other hand are hormone like compounds which mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. Thus when they are induced in the body, they enhance the functions carried out by testosterone in the body such as development of male features. This mainly takes place due to the androgenic effects of these drugs. Anabolic properties of these compounds help in the growth of muscle tissues and density. Every steroid might be highly anabolic or androgenic. There are some which have higher ratio of anabolic properties where as some with more androgenic features. Some steroids might not be as strong and consists of mild androgenic and anabolic properties. These substances mainly function by increasing the rate of protein synthesis taking place inside the muscles. This leads to the rapid growth of cellular tissue in the body, a process called as anabolism.

Therapeutically, these substances have been entailed with many benefits which have been listed below:

They are known to cause bone marrow stimulation in patients suffering from hypoplastic anemia due to leukemia or kidney failure, particularly aplastic anemia.

Steroids have found vast usage in children suffering from growth failure. Thus pediatric endocrinologists often prescribe them for treating such children as they are highly potent and considered to produce effective results.

That steroids increase the appetite of its users is not an unknown fact. Along with muscle growth and strength, these substances also improve the appetite of the person and in some cases they are known to improve sleep as well. Like mentioned earlier, steroid use in curing people suffering from muscle wasting caused by conditions like cancer and AIDS is well known. They also form remedy for patients who have had severe surface area burns. In such patients, they aid in the regeneration of tissues lost due to excessive burning.

Delayed puberty has become a common phenomenon these days and so to battle the issue, steroids are taken by teenage boys confronting it. Adolescent boys often get distressed because of this condition and so are prescribed with androgenic steroids which boost height, weight and muscle mass in them.

Steroids are often associated with growth of muscle mass and strength but they also perform an important role in cutting down excess fat from the bodies. They are known to reduce the adipose tissue that often gets accumulated in the visceral region and fails to leave it despite rigorous exercise and dieting. Intake of steroids helps deal with the issue without any inconvenience.

Researches carried out on these substances have revealed that some of them such as testosterone enanthate can be used as a potent and a reliable male contraceptive. Although its commercial use is not much known but findings on the subject have been reported.

With use of steroids, one can increase his/her lean body mass and also prevents bone loss from taking place. Since it conveniently helps in the addition of lean tissue in the body, these substances have found vast usage among women.

In older men who suffer from low levels of testosterone, these steroids are induced through hormone replacement therapy which helps increase the level of testosterone in their bodies.

No matter how beneficial these drugs are, it is important to employ them in limited quantities only and under the supervision of an expert to avoid suffering from their side effects. Each steroid comes with a recommendation of being taken in a prescribed dosage cycle which should be strictly adhered to.

The side effects of steroids may be numerous and ranging in severity. Depending upon the length of their use, these side effects may be irreversible and adverse, leading to jeopardy of health. Other factors affecting the frequency and severity of side effects are the type of drug, dosage, duration of use and individual sensitivity and response.

1. ANABOLIC EFFECTS

(i) Enhanced protein synthesis

(ii) Increased appetite

(iii) Increased remodeling and growth of bone tissues

(iv) Stimulation of muscle cell formation

(v) Stimulation of bone marrow

2. VIRILIZING EFFECTS

(i) Enlargement of the clitoris in females and that of penis in male children

(ii) Enhanced growth of androgenic-sensitive hair

(iii) Increased of vocal cord

(iv) Deepening of voice

(v) Increased libido

(vi) Impaired production of sperm

(vii) Suppression of natural sex hormones

3. SHORT TERM SIDE EFFECTS

A veritable buffet of problems may be experienced by both men and women. Men may face problems such as:

(i) Testicular Atrophy ( or shrunken testicles)

(ii) Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)

(iii) High blood pressure

(iv) Acne

(v) Reduced sperm count

(vi) Fluid retention

(vii) Abnormal liver function ( peliosis hepatis)

(viii) Prostate enlargement etc

Women may experience:

(i) High blood pressure

(ii) High cholesterol

(iii) Liver damage

(iv) Balding

(v) Deepening of the voice

(vi) Facial and body hair growth

(vii) Coarsening of the skin

However, both sexes experience increased aggressiveness commonly called ‘roid rage’. Also, acne is seen owing to increased sebum production due to enlarged sebaceous glands in the skin.

Other side effects experienced commonly include:

(i) Insomnia

(ii) Behavioural changes

(iii) Increase in appetite

(iv) Facial flushing

(v) Temporary weight gain

4. LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS

More serious side effects are seen when steroids are used for a longer period of time, or taken on multiple occasions. Some side effects can be decreased by replacing the daily doses by alternate days. In some cases, many side effects can be reversed by stopping the drugs.

Long-term side effects of steroids are:

(i) Cardiovascular malfunctions

(ii) Osteoporosis

(iii) Diabetes mellitus

(iv) Glaucoma

(v) Obesity

(vi) High blood pressure

(vii) Cataract

(viii) Myopathy

A. EFFECTS ON THE LIVER

Adverse effects on the liver are particularly true for orally administered steroids. Some of these are:

(i) Lesions of the liver

(ii) Anemia

(iii) Decrease in hepatic excretory function

(iv) Intra hepatic cholestasis

(v) Jaundice

(vi) Hepatic peliosis (formation of blood filled cysts)

(vii) Fibrosis

(viii) Portal hypertension

(ix) Adenoma

(x) Hepatocellular carcinoma

(xi) Increase in plasma activity of liver enzymes

B. EFFECTS ON THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Anabolic steroids are generally derivatives of testosterone, effects on the reproductive system are quite obvious.

(i) Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism

(ii) Decrease in sperm cell production

(iii) Decreased fertility

(iv) Gynecomastia

(v) Increased libido (resulting in greater risk of involvement in sexual assault

C. EFFECTS ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

(i) Adverse effect on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

(ii) Inhibition of follicle formation

(iii) Irregularities of menstrual cycle and ovulation

(iv) Hypertrophy of the clitoris

(v) Increased libido

(vi) Fetal death (in case of pregnant women)

(vii) Breast atrophy

D. CARDIOVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION

(i) Increase in cholesterol level

(ii) Increase in diastolic blood pressure (due to salt and water retention)

(iii) Decrease in ischemic tolerance

(iv) Hypertrophy of left ventricle

(v) Cardiomyopathy

(vi) Greater risk of heartd attack and stroke

E. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

(i) Behavioural differences

(ii) Increased aggressiveness

(iii) Euphoria

(iv) Sleeping disorders

(v) Confusion

(vi) Paranoia

(vii) Hallucinations

(viii) Pathological anxiety

(ix) Mental depression

(x) Suicidal behaviour

(xi) Psychosis

(xii) Withdrawal effect

F. ADDITIONAL SIDE EFFECTS

(i) Hypertrophy of sebaceous glands

(ii) Hair loss

(iii) Increased tallow excretion

(iv) Alopecia

(v) Adverse effect on immune system

(vi) Decrease in glucose tolerance

(vii) Increased insulin resistance

(viii) Thrombosis

(ix) Adverse effect on thyroid function

(x) Multiple drug abuse

G. HIV

Though scoffed at by many abusers, HIV is one of the deadliest side effects of steroids. A hazardous combination is attained by the mergence of a heightened sex drive and libido along with sharing of intravenous needle. This is notable among adolescents and youth who possess weaker skills of decision-making. They are also influenced by high susceptibility to peer pressure.

H. RETARDED GROWTH

Research studies have proved that adolescents involved in steroid abuse are at a risk of being short unto death. The pubescent period is crucial for development and growth. On sensing a certain level of hormones in the body, the adolescent brain signals the bones to stop growing, barring the growth in the long bones. This makes the youngsters permanently short.

I. NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES

Studies reveal that steroids have a long term effect on neurological pathways of the brain. The serotonin enzyme is tampered with, thereby heightening aggression and depression.

J.WEIGHT ISSUES

Persons who are accustomed to steroids often develop atrophied muscle mass which converts to fat. Many people face problems of weight gain or losing excess flab. In the long run, weight gain contributes a great deal to various cardiovascular and other maladies.

K. SKELAT AL ISSUES

As mentioned earlier, steroids increase muscle mass, but deal quite unfairly with ligaments and joints. Consequently, the weak ligaments fail to anchor the new muscle strength, increasing the possibility of severe injury and thereafter surgery.

In the recent times, buying and administering steroids without the legal prescription of a registered physician has become rampant. This is referred to as ‘Steroid Abuse’. When it comes to obtaining legal steroids, many professional athletes, who have borne the brunt of being caught unaware in the act of ‘doping’, understand the importance of acquiring steroids in the legal manner. Today, obtaining 100% pure grade legal steroids in the US and a few other western countries is quite possible.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF LEGAL STEROIDS

(i) Generally, obtaining legal steroids is quite simple for a male who is thirty years of age or older.

(ii) Thirty years of age is the usual criteria.

(iii) However, men who are younger than thirty can qualify on the condition that their testosterone levels are low enough.

(iv) Reports state that many athletes first use steroids obtained illegally. Once their testosterone levels get desirably low, they are able to claim legal steroids after getting their hormonal levels checked.

(v) For those under the age if thirty, numerous pro-hormones are available. These are anabolic steroids possessing an altered chemical structure closely resembling that of Class III anabolic steroids.

(vi) Legal steroids, though legal, are very powerful hormones. Therefore, it is advisable to know their need to one’s body and their side effects.

(vii) These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. They are simply used to build up muscles and enhance athletic performance.

(viii) These steroids fall in the general category of body building supplements, reducing fat and synthesizing muscle mass.

(ix) Legal steroids are more or less cost friendly and suit the common man’s pocket.

(x) The products are backed by science with actual bonafide evidence of the impact of their ingredients.

(xi) These products are completely safe, and can be combined with other supplements.

(xii) They provide long-term, non-stop results – safely and effectively.

(xiii) Must be used in conjunction with a well balanced diet and intense bodybuilding exercise programme prior to use.

EFFECTS OF SOME LEGAL STEROIDS

(i) THAI-50: This is by far the most potent muscle builder on the market. It does not require a doctor’s prescription and is legal for personal use. The compound acts rapidly and virtually explodes mass with extremely dramatic results. Available in the form of blue/green tablets.

(ii) THAI-25: Sold in the form of pink tablets, this compound builds up mass and strength that soon becomes conspicuous.

(iii) DETOX FLUSH: Helps clean out the system during and after a cycle.

(iv) STROL-V: Quite similar to the more popular WINSTROL-V, this steroid also does not require a prescription. It rips the muscles hard thus giving a lean vascular muscular look to the body. It works overnight making one feel elated by the extreme muscle pump it gives.

(v) PRIMO ORALS: This compound in the form of small white tablets, works in the body rapidly. It is most commonly used during cutting cycles when mass increase is the goal. It has an awesome effect on rock hard muscles that have already been developed from other anabolic agents. This makes it one of the most elite muscle hardeners in vogue.

(vi) DURA-50: Also called Durabolin, this steroid is a muscle enhancer that has significant effects in cutting and bulking cycles. It causes an increased nitrogen retention capacity in muscle cells thereby achieving a positive nitrogen balance. This helps in pure muscle gain and retaining the strength acquired after a cycle. Helps retain water in the connective tissues thus soothing , and even curing joint pains. Comes in the form of maroon capsules with time releaser

(vii) D-ANABOL: This is a quick response bulking agent which brings about rapid increase in muscle size and strength.

(viii) DECA-500: This is one of the top selling supplements that is required for enhanced size and strength. It is a superior quality product that promotes natural growth.

(ix) TRENN: This is a superior cutting formula that helps tone and tightens mass and thus gives a shapely muscle.

(x) HGH SYSTEMS: This is a perfect legal steroid and a fine combination of fat burner and mass builder. It boosts energy and helps mental focus. Besides, it helps to increase the testosterone levels naturally.

Experts state that oral absorption of the steroid through the lining of the mouth is preferable as compared to capsules and tablets that need to be broken down by natural acids of the stomach, where most of the active ingredients are destroyed and never enter the bloodstream. Each formula is taken under the tongue so as to facilitate absorption and mergence into the bloodstream. This enhances the metabolic and anabolic performance of the compound.

OBTAINING LEGAL STEROIDS

Legal analog steroids can be obtained in numerous ways.

• Top legal muscle enhancers and stacks can be got online and/or over the counter.
• The products arrive in plain packaging for privacy.
• Certified authenticity of all bodybuilding supplements and steroids accompanies the delivery.
• Free express overnight shipping facility.
• All legal steroid stores provide the best quality, pharmaceutical grade products that guarantee originality and complete consumer satisfaction.

Steroids that are used for the development of quality muscle mass and body strength are referred to as Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). When administered in the body, they increase the rate of protein synthesis taking place inside it, which leads to the growth of tissues in the muscles. Most of them are derived from testosterone and are manufactured under different chemical compositions to suit the needs of its users. Advances in the steroid manufacturing technology have led to the production of more than 100 types of anabolic steroids in the market today. But one should decide upon a drug only after consulting with a professional expert.

Buying these substances has become very easy now a days owing to the emergence of millions of online steroid stores. The user should have a fair idea about the properties, benefits and side effects of the steroid he is planning to order so that it can be employed optimally by keeping the risk of unwanted effects at bay. For best deals, take a look at a couple of sites before you decide upon one. The website should be well known and a reliable source with products declared properly, packed professionally and shipped discreetly. If you research well, you will come across many sites which offer products at competitive prices and secured credit card purchase. To get an idea about the policies of the product source, see to it if they have a reliable and a professional customer support which satisfies all your queries efficiently. Also inquire about the purity and originality of the product along with its re-shipping and refund policies.

If you are an international customer, then choose a site which supports international shipping. In such a case, make sure you are fully aware about the laws governing the import of that steroid in your country. This will save you from any legal hassles erupting later. You can go through a long list of online catalogues many sites offer and then decide upon a product after consulting your professional guide.

Some common steroids swarming the markets these days are Anabol, Android, Androstenedione, Winstrol, Deca-Durabol, T3-Cytomel, Testosterone Cypionate, Anavar, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Phenylpropionate, Testosterone Propionate, Equipoise, Omnadren. Testosterone Suspension, Trenbolone Acetate and Trenbolone Enanthate, THG, Genabol and HGH. Depending on the properties of the steroid and its reaction in the human body, they are administered in the body in different forms such as tablets, syrups or injections.

Those who have never taken the drug before should start with the beginners’ cycle which consists of smaller doses so that the body gets adapted to the dosage pattern of steroids. One must also take great care in the manner in which these drugs are administered in the body and the time period they should be taken for. This is because taking very large quantities of the drug for a prolonged period might lead to the development of unwanted side effects. Some of them include high level of cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver toxicity, acne, baldness and sometimes aggressive and violent behavior. Some steroids also tend to convert into estrogen when ingested in the body which might leads to effects like bloating of the muscles, gynecomastia of enlarged breasts in men and virilization in women. It might also lead to fluid retention in the joints which often makes the bulking cycle painful for the user. Women should be extra careful about their dosage about the quantities prescribed for them is much lesser than that for men. If abused for a long time, the steroids may lead to development of high level of cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver toxicity, acne, baldness and sometimes aggressive and violent behavior.

To avoid estrogenic effects and lower the intensity of other unwanted conditions in the user resulting from steroid intake, there are many compounds such as Clomid, Proviron, Arimidex, Nolvadex and Aromasin which try to keep away the side effects caused by different anabolic drugs. The combination of each of these drugs with anabolic compounds is different and so one must take them under supervision only.

If at any stage of steroid intake, the user starts feeling very uncomfortable then its use should be immediately stopped and medical assistance asked for at the earliest.

Athletes employing the drug should take into regard its detection period to stay away from getting banned in their sport. Steroids are also largely use in the medical sciences for curing muscle wasting condition caused due to AIDS and cancer. They are used to cause bone marrow stimulation and cure hypoplastic anemia occurred due to leukemia or kidney failure. People employ it to improve their appetite as well. Also testosterone enanthate has been found to be used as a potent form of safe and a reliable male contraceptive.

The table given below will give you an idea about the way these steroids are administered. A steroid cycle might last from 6 weeks to 12 weeks depending on the goal to be achieved and the nature of the cycle prescribed according to the metabolism of the user.