Your Children and Steroids

Children are always in a hurry to grow up. And when they are pubertal or pre-pubertal they are even more concerned with body image than ever before. The body goes through a lot of hormonal changes in a natural way, but children always want to hurry up the process. And when they are into sports, they are even more open to peer pressure. When others are taking drugs (in this case steroids), why not do the same?

Teens are also more into experimentation and different experiences. In the sporting field, it is no longer about how you play the game, but whether you win or lose. And winners are feted and either get credits or are even eligible for sports or athletic scholarships. So the pressure on children increases even further.

The parents’ roles

While parents are the natural guardians of children, they also have to look out for them in many ways, sometimes at the risk of being over protective. That why it is important for parents to play a strong role in the school/college life of the kids. As a parent you have to play the role of an anchor and when your relations with your children are good and there is an acceptable level of communication, there are greater chances that your children will be more open with you.

When to suspect steroid use?

If your child suddenly spends more time working out or in sports, has mood swings, spends an inordinate time in the bathroom, has urinary problem, appetite and mood swings and seems to have suddenly built more muscle mass, you should suspect steroid use.

Other changes you should look out for:

What you should do?

Firstly it is important to talk to your children in a non-threatening manner, without being combative or heavy handed. If you simply suspect steroid use, try and get confirmation or ask for a urine test (this can backfire if your child is innocent). Rope in the family doctor or somebody the child is comfortable with and talk to your child – the way you go about this depends a lot on your relationship with the child and also his/her age.

A urine test can confirm or otherwise steroid use. If the test is positive or you have other empirical evidence that points to steroid use, you need to offer a supportive environment with moral and emotional support to help the child get off the habit of taking steroids. You will (or the doctor will) need to point out the serious physical consequences of continued steroid use, including stunted growth, sexual problems and even possible infertility later on. Apart from that is the development of unwanted characteristics of the opposite sex (breasts in males, facial hair in females to name just a few) which can cause even more problems.

If your child or teen simply does not listen you need to enlist the support or a psychologist or counselor or even a support group. In addiction and abuse cases you may want to go in for medical intervention, particularly if the child is under 18 and not legally an adult.