Anabolic-androgenic steroids and their uses in sport and recreation

Abstract

Reports of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AS) use in sports date back to the 1950s. Since the development of more sophisticated detection methods by British scientists in the early 1970s, drug use, and especially AS use, has become a major media issue. In recent years, however, the attention has been diverted away from sporting ethics. This has been prompted by growing reports of AS use among those who do not participate in organized, competitive sports. British studies have shown that up to 46% of all clients training with weights in gymnasia may have taken them (Perry & Little page 1992, Korkia & Stimson 1993). Adolescents are also involved. Anabolic steroids appear to be easily available, and the spread of unsupervised use of these