8. Steroid Use Can Be Fatal.
When steroids get into the body, they go to different organs and muscles. Steroids affect individual cells and make them create proteins. These proteins can cause big problems.
The liver, for example, can grow cysts, tumors and develop cancer. Both the tumors and cysts can rupture and cause internal bleeding.
Abusing steroids can cause heart attacks and strokes, even in young athletes.
Steroids can weaken the immune system, which is what helps the body fight against germs and disease.
By injecting steroids with a needle, teens can add HIV and hepatitis B and C to their list of health hazards. Many abusers share non-sterile "works" or drug injection equipment that can spread life-threatening viral infections.