Oregon Department of Education

Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training

General Information, Resources, and Prevention Strategies

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Senate Bill 517 and Senate Bill 1066

In 2007 Session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 517 in an attempt to respond to the very serious issue of use and abuse of anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing substances among school-age children. During the 2008 Session, SB 1066 updated SB 517 with technical changes.
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The Key Components

School districts shall: Include information on anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing substances in health and PE curricula for K-12 students. Require all school district employees who are coaches and athletic directors to receive training once every four years. Utilize evidence-based programs.

Definition of School district employee

An administrator, teacher or other person employed by a school district; A person who volunteers for a school district; and A person who is performing services on behalf of a school district pursuant to a contract.

Definition of Anabolic Steroid

Anabolic steroid includes any drug or hormonal substance chemically or pharmacologically related to testosterone, all prohormones, including dehydroepiandrosterone and all substances listed in the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004. Anabolic steroid does not include estrogens, progestins, corticosteroids, or mineralocorticoids.

Definition of PerformanceEnhancing Substance

Performance-enhancing substance means a manufactured product for oral ingestion, intranasal application or inhalation containing compounds that:
Contain a stimulant, amino acid, hormone precursor herb or other botanical or any other substance other than an essential vitamin or mineral Are intended to increase athletic performance, promote muscle growth, induce weight loss or increase an individuals endurance or capacity for exercise.
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Performance-Enhancing Supplements

The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994 Limits the Food and Drug Administration from regulating products 18.6% of U.S. supplements contain anabolic steroids International Olympic Committee (IOC) study of 240 supplements Many products contaminated: lead, pesticides, arsenic, mercury Strengths of the products available can vary Effectiveness studies have not been performed among high school age athletes
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Variations of Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances

Steroid Use Among Oregon Youth

According to the CDC, during the 2007-2008 school year, about one of every 25 high school students reported using anabolic steroids in their lifetime without a doctors prescription. 2 In 2008, 1.3% of 8th graders and 1.2% of 11th graders reported using steroids in the past 12 months 1 Use of steroids by Oregon 8th and 11th graders is consistent with national use data 2 However, significant disparities do exist within those youth who report steroid use Males are 1.7 times more likely to report steroid use than females Hispanic youth are twice as likely and black youth three times as likely to report use than White/non-Hispanic youth
All data comes from the 2008 Oregon Healthy Teens survey National data comes from the CDCs Youth Risk Behavior Survey. In 2007, about 4% of high school students reported lifetime use of steroids.
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Steroid Use Among Oregon Youth

Youth who report steroid use also bear a disproportionate burden of other health risks. Compared to non-users, 8th graders who reported steroid use are:
Almost twice as likely to have an unmet mental health need 2-3 times as likely to have used alcohol in the past month 4-5 times as likely to have smoked cigarettes in the past month 3 times as likely to have ever participated in the choking game (briefly strangle oneself or another with hands or a device to feel euphoria)
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Steroid Use Among Oregon Youth

Steroid Use & Risk Behaviors - Oregon 8th grade
Used steroids 80% 60% 40% 20% 20% 0% 6% 36% 19% 26% 15% 30% 15% 27% 33% 7% Non-user 76%

Participated in "choking game"

Had unmet Had unmet Contemplated Drank alcohol Smoked physical mental health suicide in in past month cigarette in health need need past year past month

2008 Oregon Healthy Teen (OHT)

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Steroid Use Among Oregon Youth

Steroid use by youth is related to lower academic achievement.
76% of students who reported that they do not use steroids also reported that they mostly get As or Bs. This compares to 64% of steroid users who reported receiving As or Bs. Steroid users were about one-fifth less likely to report As or Bs over the past year.

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Steroid Use Among Oregon Youth

Steroid Use & Grades: Oregon 8th graders reporting Mostly As or Bs
80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% Steroid user Non-user 64% 76%

2008 OHT

(Oregon Healthy Teen)

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Why do students take anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing substances?

To: Boost athletic performance Build muscle Increase body mass Lose body fat
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What influences a student to take anabolic steroids or performanceenhancing substances?

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Desire to Emulate Role Models

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Peer Pressure to Succeed

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Media Influences

Images that portray steroids in a positive light

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Cover Stories About Steroids

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Desired Body Image Based on Gender

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Dangers of Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances

Steroids are dangerous for two reasons:
They are ILLEGAL. They can damage a persons mental and physical health.
If used by adolescents, can have permanent negative consequences

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Some Health Risks for Both Males and Females:

Acne, really bad acne, especially on face and back Stunted growth in teens (by causing bones to mature too fast and stop growing at an early age) High blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol changes, and heart disease Blood clots and stroke Liver damage, jaundice, or liver cancer Headaches, aching joints, and muscle cramps Increased risk of ligament and tendon injuries, which can end an athletes career for good Needle sharing results in higher risk for serious infections like Hepatitis B and C or HIV, which causes AIDS Baldness

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Gender Differences and Risks of Drug Use

Young Females Self-esteem Depression/mood Body image* Media*

Young Males Risky behavior Impulsivity Body image* Media*

*Specific, based on gender

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Health Risks for Males:

Shrinking of the testicles Low sperm count Impotence (inability to get an erection) Increased breast growth in males, especially teens Enlarged prostate

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Health Risks for Females:

Breast shrinkage Male-type facial and body hair growth Deepening of the voice Problems with menstrual periods Enlarged clitoris

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Psychological Health Risks:

Roid rage- severe, aggressive behavior that may result in violence, such as fighting or destroying property Severe mood swings Paranoia- extreme feelings of mistrust and fear Anxiety and panic attacks Depression and thoughts of suicide

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Definition of Cycling

Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months, rather than continuously.
Cycling involves taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time, stopping for a period, and starting again.
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Definition of Stacking

Users often combine several different types of steroids to maximize their effectiveness while trying to minimize negative effects.

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Slang for anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing substances

You may have heard steroids called:

Roids Juice Hype Pumpers Gym Candy Arnolds Gear Weight Trainers Stackers 420 (pronounced four-twenty)

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What should you look for if you are concerned that a student/child may be taking anabolic steroids or performanceenhancing substances?
Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of steroid abuse look very similar to typical appearances and attitudes that occur during adolescence. Here are some signs to look for:
Increased aggression Rapid weight gain (10 lb/month or 40lb/year) Pustular acne An obsession with and bragging about increased performance (i.e. increased bench press) Virilization in females (lowering of voice; facial hair, male pattern of hair growth on body)
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Common Myths

Steroids are safe Taking any kind of steroid will result in death Injectable steroids are safer than oral steroids Steroids wont really stunt your growth All steroids are pretty much the same Steroid abuse isnt really a big problem in the U.S. All steroids are pills Only a certain kind of person uses steroids Steroids arent addictive Steroids arent as illegal as other drugs Steroids build muscle without working out Women dont use steroids Roid rage isnt real A list (not inclusive) gathered from the following sites:
Association Against Steroid Abuse - Steroid Myths http://www.steroidabuse.com/steroid-myths.html Bodybuilding The Myths and Dangers of Anabolic Steroid Usage http://bodybuilding.about.com/od/supplementationbasics/a/steroiddangers.htm Roid Report http://www.roidreport.com/steroids/steroid-myths/

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Does your student plan to compete for athletic scholarships? If so, he or she is under considerable pressure to succeed. And besides the pressure from parents and peers, teens place a lot of pressure on themselves. Not surprisingly, the pressure may contribute to the lure of performanceenhancing drugs and supplements.

What coaches can do

Reassure the student of your support even when they do not perform

well in competitive sports. If you're worried that they may be using performance-enhancing drugs or supplements, here's what you can do:

Be clear about your expectations. Talk to student athletes that unless the long-term effects of performance-enhancing drugs on young athletes are known to be safe, you expect him or her to avoid them. Discuss alternatives to performance enhancers, include sports nutrition and strength training techniques. Set rules. For example, if a student uses performance-enhancing drugs, he or she will be removed from the team. Teach students that short-term gains can lead to long-term problems.
Excerpt from: Performance-enhancing drugs and your teen athlete, By Mayo Clinic staff

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What coaches can docontinued

Discuss ethics and proper training. Athletes should compete fairly. Remind them that using a performance-enhancing drug is similar to cheating, but even more importantly, could lead to serious health problems or even death. Another key message is that a balanced diet and rigorous training are the true keys to athletic performance. Encourage the student athlete to feel good about his or her sports performance. Monitor for signs of drug use. Signs the student may be taking anabolic steroids include increased acne and male-pattern baldness. If a female takes anabolic steroids, she may develop male characteristics, such as a deep voice or dark facial hair. Teens who take anabolic steroids may seem unusually moody and have angry outbursts known as roid rage. Discuss the school districts policy concerning anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs with all student athletes.
Excerpt from: Performance-enhancing drugs and your teen athlete, By Mayo Clinic staff 33

Talking to Students About Steroids

Youve probably taken the time to talk to a teen about not using illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine, and its just as important for you to talk with him or her about not using Steroids and Performance Enhancing Substances (SPES). Talking about using SPESs and other drugs isnt easy, but it is important. Letting a teen know how you feel about SPES use and the potential, dangerous side effects can help him or her make the smart decision to compete drug-free. Educate yourself about Steroids and Performance Enhancing Substances (SPES). Be prepared to answer hard questions about SPESs and their side effects. Focus on short-term effects, like severe acne and increased body hair, rather than long-term health risks like heart disease or cancer. Teens tend to live in the here-and-now. Theyre really not concerned with what could happen years from now. Speak out against the use of SPESs on a regular basis. Use recent news coverage of SPESs-related scandals to start a conversation. Discuss ethics of cheating and using SPESs as well as the importance of proper training. As a coach, let your athletes know how you feel about using SPESs and cheating. Talk about the pressures to use SPESs. Help teens establish realistic and healthy expectations.
Excerpt from the Healthy Competition web site http://www.healthycompetitiontn.org/coaches/talking_tips.shtm

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Talking to Students About Steroids - Continued

Stress positive alternatives to SPESs. Encourage hard work, good nutrition, proper training regimens, hydration and rest as the right tools to improve athletic performance. Above all, remind teens that sports are supposed to be fun. Communicate that shortcuts dont work. Gimmicks and quick-fix approaches are not the ways to enhance athletic performance or appearance. The human body responds well to nutrition and different types of training to improve strength, muscle tone and ability safe and healthy options are out there. If a teen you know is using SPESs, intervene and help him or her get support. The most important part of intervention is reminding the teen that you care and that help is available. Its a good idea to have a medical or mental health care professional involved with a teen who wants to quit using SPESs. Many teens that stop using steroids experience severe depression and suicidal thoughts. A medical or mental health care professional can help teens work through these feelings safely and win back their sense of well-being.

Excerpt from the Healthy Competition web site http://www.healthycompetitiontn.org/coaches/talking_tips.shtm

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Resources for Talking to Students

National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) http://teens.drugabuse.gov/parents/index.php Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) http://family.samhsa.gov/be/athblocked.aspx Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Coaches Playbook Against Drugs http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/coachesplaybook/ Healthy Competition Blue Cross/Blue Shield of TN http://www.healthycompetitiontn.org/coaches/classroom.shtm Additional resources can be found on the Oregon Department of Education web page at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2569

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Anabolic Steroids and PerformanceEnhancing Substances Prevention

Least Effective Method: Simply teaching students about steroids harmful effects does not convince adolescents that they personally will be adversely affected.

More Effective Method:

Presenting both the risks and benefits of steroid use is more effective in convincing adolescents about steroids negative effects, because they find a balanced approach more credible and less biased.
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Anabolic Steroids and PerformanceEnhancing Substances Prevention

MOST EFFECTIVE Method:

Science-based, research-based curriculum with predictable outcomes, combined with credible, unbiased facts.

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Prevention Programs That Typically Fail

Just Say No campaigns Scare tactics Knowledge-only programs and pamphlets One size fits all not specifically focused on an age or gender Primarily adult lecturers

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Evidence-Based Programs

Team programs for boys and girls proven to work

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Evidence-Based Programs
ATLAS (Athletes Training & Learning to Avoid Steroids) Male athlete program, taught by peer (squad) leaders Reduces anabolic steroids, alcohol, illicit drugs Lowers drinking and driving Reduces supplement use Improves exercise and nutrition behaviors ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise & Nutrition Alternatives) Female athlete program, taught by peer (squad) leaders Reduces steroids, alcohol and other drug use Lowers supplement and diet pill use Improves nutrition and exercise behaviors
(Endorsed by the National Football League, Sports Illustrated, U.S. Department of Education, and The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

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Additional Resources

Parent informational letter The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/performanceenhancing-drugs/SM00045 Teen Health Are Steroids Worth the Risk http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/steroids.ht ml US Drug Enforcement Administration http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/steroids.html National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/steroids.html Additional resources may be found on the Oregon Department of Education web site at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2569

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Acknowledgements
The Myths page contains a list (not inclusive) gathered from the following sites: Association Against Steroid Abuse - Steroid Myths http://www.steroidabuse.com/steroid-myths.html Bodybuilding The Myths and Dangers of Anabolic Steroid Usage http://bodybuilding.about.com/od/supplementationbasics/a/steroiddangers.htm Roid Report http://www.roidreport.com/steroids/steroid-myths/ Special thanks to Dr. Linn Goldberg for the use of his slides and to all the representatives from the many Health, Physical Education, and sports organizations that volunteered their time to help develop this training.

Information from the following articles has been included in this presentation: NIDA InfoFacts Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic) March 2007 http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/steroids.html Addiction Intervention web site Steroid Prevention http://www.addictionintervention.com/addiction/steroidprevention.asp Kids Health web site Steroids http://kidshealth.org/kid/exercise/safety/steroids.html American Academy of Pediatrics web site Teen Q&A Steroids http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Teen_Steroids.htm Healthy Kids Learn Better/ODHS Steroid use among Oregon Youth http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ah/cshp/cshp.shtml
Please note the inclusion of external web links in this document does not imply endorsement of either the reliability of the information presented or its suitability for a particular age group or grade level. Updated 8/25/2009

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Online Assessment
After completing this training please access the Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Assessment here (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=r1H RuNFwRnTcXsLVyaF5Yg_3d_3d).
After completing the assessment, print the final page as your official notification of completion. This page is your notification of successfully completing the Anabolic Steroids & Performance-Enhancing Substances Assessment. No other notification will be sent.
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