ABSTRACT
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have legitimate uses in the treatment of hypogonadism, anemia, and growth deficiency as well as for wasting associated with terminal mammary cancer and AIDS.l-5 However, in recent years the number of people abusing AAS has
been increasing. It has been estimated that up to 95% of football players and 80 to 99% of professional body builders abuse AAS.6 Current assessments of children (12-18 years of age) estimate a 2-4% prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse.? Among non-athletes, anabolic androgenic steroid abuse is particularly common among adolescent boys. It has been
estimated that approximately 7% of high school seniors ( 17-18 years of age) abuse AAS. 8 It is of particular concern that up to two thirds of anabolic androgenic steroid abusers are first exposed to the drugs before the age of 16.9 Notable increases in AAS abuse have also been reported for adolescent girls.?
