Although most people recognize the term “performance-enhancing drugs” as referring to anabolic steroids, the term actually refers to a wide variety of different drugs used to increase strength, commonly found in athletics. While these drugs seem to work great at first, they harm your body in many ways with their many harmful side effects. Not to mention, it's also illegal to use them in the United States without a prescription. If someone is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs while playing a sport, whether at the collegiate or professional level, they will be punished accordingly, usually in the form of fines, suspensions, or even expulsion from the league. Not to mention, that person will now be looked down upon by their peers for using these drugs, as they are considered a form of cheating. Even some of the sport's greatest legends can see their legacies tarnished by scandals such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The most common type of performance-enhancing drugs are formally known as anabolic androgenic steroids. Most people know them as steroids, but other common slang names include "juice" or "roids." Steroid use is also known as “doping”. The main function of steroids is to mimic the natural hormone testosterone. Testosterone helps cells in the process of protein synthesis. As a result of protein synthesis, cellular tissue accumulates, especially in muscles. Although it is also present in females, testosterone is found at a much higher level in males as it also helps promote certain male characteristics. Steroids were first developed in the 1930s and have many legal medical uses. Steroids are used to help people with medical problems such as bone or muscle strength issues… middle of paper…” will ultimately prevail. Later in their life the use of these drugs will have an effect on their health. With information available to the public about the harms of performance-enhancing drugs, now more than ever, there should be a decline in the number of people abusing these drugs. The key to being a great athlete is similar to being good at anything else. There are no shortcuts; the only way to get there is through hard work, determination and the will to give your best. It Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroids#Routes_of_administration http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance-enhancing_drugs http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/performa nce-enhancing-drugs /HQ01105http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_ster1.phphttp://www.teenbodybuilding.com/derek4.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitchell_Report_%28baseball%29