The topic and social problem I will talk about in my article is about steroids. My opinion on steroids is that they should be legal and especially in sports, with monitored assistance. Steroids are a social problem because they are illegal and extremely misunderstood. Many people frown upon steroids because they are considered cheating, could be extremely harmful to the health of the user, and are also illegal. Many people don't know much information about steroids, but only hear that they are harmful. The truth is that steroids are prescribed by doctors to patients with many health problems. The key use of steroids is that the use of steroids is to replenish testosterone and build muscles. Testosterone is the male hormone that aids sexual development and controls virilizing characteristics (Connolly 55). If steroids were harmful, why would doctors prescribe them to patients? “They have been successfully tested as male contraceptives and are routinely used to combat wasting associated with HIV and AIDS” (Yesalis and Cowart 6). From the late 1930s through the mid-1980s anabolic steroids were used to treat mood and mental disorders because the drug increases mental alertness, improves mood, improves memory and concentration. Anabolic steroids also show brain activity similar to that of amphetamines and tricyclic antidepressants (58). Many people do not understand the use of the drug, how they work or why they would want to use them, so many people have false thoughts and judgments about the drug. “Steroids are misunderstood because most users abuse the drug, are not mentally prepared, do not live a healthy lifestyle while taking the drug, or a person knows nothing about steroids beyond the fact that they are illegal or… ... middle of paper ......atitis (A, B and C), obesity, skin rashes, severe inflammation of the pancreas and liver (Staff). In worst-case scenarios when taking anabolic steroids, the liver can shut down (requiring a liver transplant), develop cancer (long-term effect), and cause heart failure. “Anabolic steroids are the most popular performance-enhancing drug because they improve athletic ability, physical appearance, and prevent injury” (Northington). Steroids give an added advantage to athletes who are willing to take them without abuse and monitored care. Steroid ruin occurs when an athlete takes the steroid without full knowledge of the drug, which could lead to abuse or negative side effects (liver damage). With complete knowledge of steroids on how they work and taking them with monitored care, they should be legal, especially in sport.