Guest Opinion: The dangers of PEDs for teen athletes

  • Baseball stars like Alex Rodriguez, are role-models to young people. Sometimes their impact is not a positive one.








If your child is using performance-enhancing drugs, the warning signs are behavioral, emotional or psychological changes — particularly increased aggressiveness. This includes "roid rage," as in steroid rage. Secondly, changes occur in body build, including muscle growth, rapid weight gain and development of the upper body. Lastly, there is increased acne and facial bloating; needle marks in the buttocks or thighs. Finally, enlarged breasts for boys or smaller breasts in girls.

Parents can do several things. For example, educate your athlete not only about the ethics of drug use and cheating in athletic competition but also the health risks as stated above. Also, it is against the law to use steroids without supervision. Most precursors are illegal without a prescription. Moreover, parents must have a zero tolerance when it comes to their child using performance-enhancing drugs. If you take drugs, you quit the team.

Also, get involved with your child's team. Visit the practices and get to know their coaches etc. Moreover, find positive role models to speak to the player about the effect drugs can have on the human body. Monitor your teen's purchases. Check the ingredients of any over-the-counter products your teen uses. Watch for drug paraphernalia.

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