Roids on the Rise

With Spring Ball well in season and the upcoming summer off-season fast approaching, there is a disturbing trend I'm seeing on the field and in the weight-rooms. This is one of those topics where everyone knows it's going on, but nobody's talking about it. And if you're so naive to think that this isn't going on in your looker room, to your teammate, to your son, you're in for a rude awakening. Steroids have made a huge comeback in recent years and is fast becoming the "it" drug for teens looking for that extra edge or to impress their friends.

This Ain't Anything New

Steroid abuse among high-school football athletes is hardly a new revelation. In a sport where bigger is better, it is almost to be expected that a certain percentage of players are steroid abusers. However, new technology has increased both the availability and effectiveness of steroids in the past decade. Adding to the problem are incredible peer pressure, parents who are uneducated on the symptoms of steroid use and coaches and administrators that ignore the issue. The steroid problem is headed straight for disaster. A recent research study done by a Texas newspaper on steroid abuse by high-school football players found,

- it's not just the jocks that are steroid users. Lots of teens are pressured into the vanity appeal of steroids attempting to impress girls and classmates.

- steroids are readily available from dealers who are often teammates.

- the Internet has allowed teens to easily exchange information about buying and using steroids.

- coaches rarely confront players or alert their parents, even when they suspect steroid use.

- in order to manage and mask the ugly side effects, teens often resort to suppression drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and other sedatives.

- local police and RCMP agencies don't nearly spend enough time and resources on steroids instead focusing on more urgent drug-related priorities.

Hush Hush

As disturbing a trend of increasing steroid use is, the more serious problem is the secrecy and denial surrounding the steroid issue.

Athletes suspected of steriod use typically use the excuse that they are using "supplements" in their training but few ever openly admit to steroid use.

Even when coaches suspect a student of steroid use, most don't press the issue. It's a taboo subject that simply isn't discussed anywhere.

Everyone is content to take the easy way out and deny that there is a problem, or pass on the responsibility to others. Until people admit there is a problem and deal with it the steroid issue will only progress.

Education Is The Key

Although testing athletes would be ideal, it simply isn't economical. At $100 to $150 per test, clearly the costs of a comprehensive drug testing program at the high-school level is out of the question.

Mandatory educational seminars to all students and specifically student-athletes across the province every year is what is required. Programs that inform and educate players about what the substances are and what they do. Each athlete should be given a booklet that carries information on banned substances from illegal drugs to off-the-shelf drugs.

Taking the message to students that taking steroids is a dangerous risk needs to be reinforced on all levels, from the athletic director and the head coach to parents.

As always, post your take or email it to me at BCSportsFanatic@yahoo.ca.