NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse
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Objective

The student will learn about the performance enhancing effects of steroids, and the medical risk factors.

Activity

Remind students that despite their dangerous side effects, anabolic steroids are used by some high school, college, and professional athletes to give them the "edge" they feel they need to outperform the competition. Discuss with the students the short- and long-term dangers associated with the use of steroids for enhancing performance. A useful example for this discussion might be Lyle Alzado, a former professional football star who died from cancer attributed to steroid use.