In Dick Butkus' nine-year, Hall of Fame career in the NFL, the famously ferocious linebacker never took a single dose of steroids. Now, he's using his anti-steroid track record to raise awareness about the dangers the drugs pose to teenagers.

"He's the driving force behind a new program called 'I Play Clean.org,' and he's touring the country, educating kids, challenging them to stay off steroids."

The website includes facts about steroid use, nutrition and training tips, as well as a place where student athletes can pledge to play clean. An estimated 500,000 teenagers are believed to have used anabolic steroids at least once. Source: CBS

Labels: athletics, steriods

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Dionne Passacantando was a cheerleader and a gymnast, but her reason for using anabolic steroids had nothing to do with athletics. She just wanted better abs. It's a story that is more common than many realize.

"A recent report by the Oregon Health and Science University using data from the Centers for Disease Control said 5.3 percent of teenage girls admitted using anabolic steroids, mostly for body-enhancing reasons or self-protection, not athletics. According to 2003 CDC data, seventh-grade girls were the fastest-growing group of steroid users, with more than 7 percent using them, the controversial report said."

Though steroids can make you stronger, they also can have devastating psychological effects. Five weeks after Dionne started using, she began feeling suicidal. Steroids also can cause liver tumors, increase blood pressure, and stunt growth. Read more at IHT.com.

Labels: abuse, steriods, supplements

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The University Interscholastic League recently released a detailed plan for testing Texas high school athletes for steroid use. Legislation passed earlier in the year allotted $3 million for a statewide testing program.

"Student athletes who test positive for steroids or who refuse to take the test will be suspended for 30 days from competition and must pass a test before regaining eligibility. Students who test positive a second time during their high school participation face a one-year suspension from athletic contests."

A student who tests positive a third time will be permanently banned from high school sports.

Labels: schools, athletics, steriods

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