The use of performance enhancing drugs has been increasing at an alarming rate over the last several years. In the case of high school athletes, this is particularly troublesome; many athletes have reported feeling increased pressure to win and a culture of acceptance for this kind of behavior.
Easy To Obtain
According to a study conducted by Texas A &M University, 32 percent of high school seniors and juniors reported purchasing performance enhancing drugs. They also found that in grades 9 through 12, nearly 2.3 percent of high school athletes are using performance enhancing drugs, a number that they believe is low. The available to obtain them easily makes this a quick solution to see the results that they are looking for.
The Pros Do it
Increasing reports about professional athletes using performance enhancing drugs has caused concern about high school athletes copying this behavior. As the pressure to win increases, many athletes will turn to various drugs to give them that extra edge. This is because the athletes who are admired by high school students have used these kinds of drugs in the past. Since their favorite professional athletes use these drugs in search of success, this only underscores to high school athletes that this is what they should be doing to be successful.
The Internet
One place where teenagers learn use performance enhancing drugs is the Internet. They visit web sites where adults explain where people can obtain these drugs and how they should use them for maximum effect.
Males and Females
Steroid use occurs in both males and females. This is because both male and female athletics programs have been expanded significantly. The numbers of girls who have been turning to performance enhancing drugs has increased dramatically. According to a study conducted by Pennsylvania State University, nearly 1750,000 girls nationwide reported using performance enhancing drugs, double the figure from just seven years earlier.
Drug Testing
The increasing use of performance enhancing drugs has caused many states to begin random drug testing. In Texas, for example, high school athletes who test positive for performance enhancing drugs face a 30-day suspension from competition.
Tags: performance enhancing, enhancing drugs, performance enhancing drugs, high school, school athletes, enhancing drugs, high school athletes