Anabolic steroids help build muscle tissue and increase body mass by acting like the body's natural male hormone, testosterone. Many people take these dangerous drugs in high doses to boost athletic performance. The most common steroid users can be found in sports that rely on strength, such as football, wrestling, baseball or an endurance sports such as those involved in track or swimming. Steroids can be taken in two different ways, by pill form or the use of a needle. In the past, steroid use was most likely to be found in college, Olympic, and professional sports. Today these strong drugs are being used by athletes, non-athletes, high schools and middle schools students. Most non-athletes take steroids to get the body they see in the magazines and because they want to impress their peers with the way they look. Even girls take steroids because when taking these drugs, it makes the body increases muscle tissue and loses fat.
             It is against state and federal laws to buy and sell anabolic steroids other then medical purposes under supervision of a physician. Steroids are banned by almost all athletic organization. Steroids are dangerous and sends the wrong message. It says that there are shortcuts to accomplishment and that performance is more important than character. Most athletes believe that "winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" so they will try anything just to make the football team or to succeed in the sport they participate in.
             Ben Johnson, a sprinter for the Canadian Olympic team, was expected to peak at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He was to run against his rival from the United States, Carl Lewis in the 100-meter dash. It became "go time" and the gun sounded and Johnson ended up winning the race. He was a hero to his fellow Canadians. However, the next morning Johnson was stripped of his Gold medal and put his country to shame. He tested positive fo...