Why Are Steroids Illegal?

[Yusuf Evans]

Why do governments across the world, still have steroids as illegal? The Bush administration has made them as dangerous as crack or PCP. What is wrong with wanting to improve upon what you already have?

 

[flicka]

Don't they have some harmful effects on your brain that cause mental problems or something? I'm no expert on steroids but a quick Google confirmed that so I guess it's one of those "protection of society" issues.

 

[Washington]

Why do governments across the world, still have steroids as illegal? The Bush administration has made them as dangerous as crack or PCP. What is wrong with wanting to improve upon what you already have?

The harm from abuse.




From the Mayo Clinic

Anabolic steroids come with serious side effects.​

Men may develop:​

Prominent breasts​

Baldness​

Shrunken testicles​

A higher voice​

Infertility​

Women may develop:​

A deeper voice​

An enlarged [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]​

Increased body hair​

Baldness​

Increased appetite​

Both men and women might experience:​

Severe acne​

Liver abnormalities and tumors​

Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)​

Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)​

Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence​

Psychiatric disorders, such as depression​

Drug dependence​

If a self-injected form is used, you may face a higher risk of infections and diseases that are transmitted in blood, such as HIV and hepatitis. And in teens, steroids can halt their normal pattern of growth and development and put them at risk of future health problems.​

source​

Like other regulated substances, it's the abuse factor that the laws are intended to counteract. People willfully take risks that not only harm themselves, but create a burden on others. Namely: family and friends affected by the condition of the abuser and the health services that hare burdened with care and reparations of the abuser.

 

[stan1980]

Why do governments across the world, still have steroids as illegal? The Bush administration has made them as dangerous as crack or PCP. What is wrong with wanting to improve upon what you already have?

If people want to take them, other than for medical reasons, i think it is a little sad, but i wouldn't stand in their way. I would like to make sure they know the health risks though. Incidentally, although a lot of people take them illegally, i'm pretty sure they are still legally available in most countries, although i could be wrong.

In the UK they are available over prescription, and i see no reason to change this, so i'll vote other in your poll.

 

[talkingmonkey]

I reckon a seperate "drug" Olympics should be held, where any participant can do what they want, in as large a volume as they see fit. If their body falls apart then it's their problem. The records are seperate from normal sporting records and so is everything else.

Could you imagine the incredible feats people could accomplish!?

These athletes are also not allowed to ever participate in any regular sports or competitive activities.

It may also send out messages to the public stating that "although these athletes are conquering incredible feats of athletic stamina, they are also psychotic whimsical mutants with strangely augmented body parts...drugs are bad, mmkay?"

 

[TeddyKGB]

Would the quasi-libertarian position place age restrictions on PEDs?

As much as I encourage a laissez faire drug policy, I am reluctant to let them loose on the hypothetical high school football player already suffering from testosterone-fueled decision-making impairment.

 

[KarateCowboy]

If you were Chuck Norris would you want people drinking your sweat?

 

[Trashionista]

I voted "Other".

1. I can't really be for keeping steroids illegal. As I'm for the legalization of marijuana. I myself have never done drugs, and I would say I'm quite clean living. But I do think if you want to destroy your life doing drugs, fine. Just take responsibility.

2. I don't think athletes or those in the Olympics should be allowed to do these steroids. The unfairness and all. Its no different than if you're driving, you don't have narcotics or alcohol in your system.

3. I find the rosy view on steroids a bit concerning. Let's put the facts on the table.

 

[keith99]

One consideration is that the vast majority of illegal steroid use is to enhance athletic performance. Testing is not cheap or in some cases even effective. Also our society has a large segment that considers anything legal to be OK.

If people were honest and those who used would stay in open competitions then I'd buy the Libertarian view on this one.

But I'd have no objection to legal and registered (with mechanisms to be sure guys wern't buying and passing them on).

 

[Meshavrischika]

They are illegal for no other reason than the government has decided it needs to protect citizens from themselves... it serves no greater good, but implies that people cannot make intelligent decisions regarding personal health. (government mommy to the rescue again)
Enhancing athletic performance and cheating are problems of the sports organizers, not the government.

 

[stan1980]

I reckon a seperate "drug" Olympics should be held, where any participant can do what they want, in as large a volume as they see fit. If their body falls apart then it's their problem. The records are seperate from normal sporting records and so is everything else.

Could you imagine the incredible feats people could accomplish!?

These athletes are also not allowed to ever participate in any regular sports or competitive activities.

It may also send out messages to the public stating that "although these athletes are conquering incredible feats of athletic stamina, they are also psychotic whimsical mutants with strangely augmented body parts...drugs are bad, mmkay?"

I've heard this idea a few times before. I think it would be absolutely awesome! completely unethical, but awesome all the same

 

[CCGirl]

I believe all drugs should be legal, well regulated and with government oversight.

 

[ranmaonehalf]

from my undestandijng steroid use is restricted as any other medication. i think it should be illegal in sports.
personal use would vary though.