Texas high school students searching for athletic fame or a chiseled physique are easily obtaining and using steroids, and many coaches seem to be looking the other way while parents seem unaware, according to a four-month investigation by The Dallas Morning News.
The News also found that the same students popping pills and sticking themselves with needles of muscle-building drugs were also abusing other drugs, such as Viagra, the fertility drug Clomid and sedatives to compensate for steroid side effects.
Those effects include liver damage, tumors, sexual impotency, erratic mood swings and potentially suicidal depression.
Grapevine-Colleyville officials made headlines last week with a rare admission that nine athletes had confessed to using steroids last spring.
Most area coaches interviewed by The Morning News said they don't believe steroid use is a problem.
Some coaches conceded that the lack of testing programs and legal concerns made them hesitant to confront an athlete or confide in a parent.
Here are some other findings published:
Teens often obtain steroids from dealers who are fellow students.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies devote little time to curbing steroid use because of tight resources and what they deem more urgent priorities, such as illicit drugs and alcohol.
Teens and adults use the Internet to exchange information about buying and using steroids and tips on managing side effects.
Many teenage steroid users are non-athletes. So-called “vanity'' users take steroids to impress classmates and potential girlfriends.
