Most young athletes have heard of steroids, know someone using steroids, or have used steroids by the time they reach high school. .
What does any of this have to do with the decision of an athlete to take drugs? An athlete may choose to take drugs to excel in his sport or gain an edge over competitors. "Drugs build strength and endurance, increase weight, speed recovery from muscle injury, and improve performance" (Boyle 24). Some athletes claim that they considered taking performance enhancers because of the possibility of getting bigger, stronger, and faster (Gilliam; Hubble; Smith). What does being bigger, stronger, or faster have to do with an athlete? Everything. There is a point in every athlete's career when he wishes that he could be better at his sport. Performance enhancing drugs allow the athlete hope of getting better. "Many people are looking for that special pill that will make a difference in their sport" (Tuttle 92). If a drug can help an athlete get an edge, why not take it? .
There are many drawbacks to taking steroids or creatine. Since steroids have been around longer, there is more knowledge about their effects than those of creatine. Steroids "have a large number of side effects: liver disease and jaundice, acne, breast development, violent mood changes, depression, tendon rupture, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, decreased sperm count, and atrophy of the testicles" (Boyle 24). "Some athletes have given up sports entirely or even committed suicide once they stopped using steroids" (Tuttle 4). Creatine is a newer drug and less is known about its side effects. Some of the known side effects are dehydration, muscle cramps, and kidney trouble (Boyle 24).
Other than becoming bigger, stronger, and faster, and with known side effects, why would an athlete still ponder the question of taking drugs? Pressure is the other main reason for an athlete to consider performance-enhancing drugs.
