Despite the publicity that the negative side effects of steroid use has gotten over the years and the increase in awareness programs designed to educate people about steroid’s negatives, there are those who are willing to take the risk because of outside pressures to succeed. Some simply cannot resist the easy results that are produced.

Reasons for Abuse

Most people who take steroids know the risks involved. For the most part, steroids are illegal in athletic competitions and in most cases, athletes are tested to ensure that no drugs were used to enhance performance. Steroid abusers almost always know that they are breaking the rules and, in many cases, they take steps to prevent themselves from being caught such as tainting urine samples that are designed to make sure that the athlete is clean. The reason these athletes are willing to take this risk differs for each individual.

However, there are often outside factors involved that make people turn to steroid abuse. The individual may not be as naturally talented as others and might feel that steroid use is the only way to be able to be competitive. Others are looking to go above and beyond the competition in order to gain superstar status. The financial rewards that come with superior athletic performance are often very tempting, especially to those who are struggling and need the money in order to adequately support themselves and their family. Internal motivators can also be the cause of steroid abuse. Some athletes’ will to win is so strong that they will stop at nothing less than victory at the expense of everything else, even their own health

Steroid Market

In order for there to be steroid abuse, there must be a way for steroids to be illegally obtained. This is because there are safeguards in place that require an individual to see a doctor and obtain a prescription for most steroids. However, these safeguards can become useless when corrupt doctors who are looking to make substantial profits will sell steroid prescriptions to patients who do not medically qualify for their use. Since laws in countries other than the United States tend to be less strict on steroid use, many steroid abusers obtain the drug from other countries. This is usually done through mail order and leaves the steroid purchaser very susceptible to scam operations.