Supplements, Steroids & Testing

There has been a lot of talk recently about teen steroid and supplement use or abuse. It has been a topic of conversation with government committees, high school administrators, coaches and parent groups. Do the students in our high schools have steroid or supplement use problems? There are several on both sides of this issue. Some believe that we have a major problem, and we should have a statewide drug testing program within our educational system, mandated by the state and paid for by the individual school districts. Others believe that there isn't a problem of use, and even if there was, simply testing for use is not the answer. So what are the facts that you can use to make an informed decision? Research surveying steroid use among high school athletes in other states indicates that usage peaked in 2002-03 at roughly 4.5 percent and has declined since that time (it was down to 2 to 3 percent in 2006). Other research indicated that in 2002, 1.9 percent of eighth graders; 2.4 percent of 10th graders and 3.4 percent of 12th graders indicated steroid use. There is no data available regarding usage of anabolic steroids among Indiana high school student-athletes. Although these numbers do not appear to indicate a major problem, if there is abuse it is too much. Drug testing is purported to be a deterrent to drug usage (including anabolic steroids) in part because students can use testing as a reason to "refuse to use." Peer pressure and the pressure to succeed in sports are powerful forces, and this would give them something to use to push back against that pressure. However, research indicates testing is a less effective deterrent for steroid use among 11th-12th graders compared to younger students. Two peer-reviewed studies of drug testing and self-admitted illicit drug usage rates in high schools found no significant differences for admitted usage patterns among 12th graders in schools that test versus schools that do not. Illegal drug suppliers and the Internet are sources of information for evading positive drug tests results. What have other states done? In New Jersey, they began a testing program with initial testing of 500 students. They had one positive test at a cost of $100,000 annually. Texas started a program with 10,000 tests (63 percent males; 34 percent freshman). Texas found two positive results. The state has expectations of testing 40,000 to 50,000 in 2008-09 at a cost of $3 million annually. Florida started a program with 600 tests. They had one positive result at a cost of $100,000 annually. Can our school districts find this kind of extra dollars to implement a testing program that only identifies one or two positive results? Supplement use may not be illegal and is readily available at many retail stores. What is wrong with supplements then, you may ask? They don't undergo the same rigorous scrutiny of the FDA. There may be additional compounds added that are illegal such as caffeine and ephedrine. Could your son or daughter benefit from a supplement? There are many positive effects. Do they need to take a vitamin or a mineral supplement? Will L-carnatine or creatine be beneficial for their muscle development? What are the risks and side effects? What can we do to help our students that may be at risk for steroid and supplement use or abuse? Where can we go to get the useful information that we need? Education programs have been identified as an effective method of reducing abuse of anabolic steroids and other drugs. The PASS Program (Preventing Abuse of Steroids and Supplements) among high school athletes includes information on legal and illegal supplements; nutrition; healthy exercise approaches; and communication strategies for teens and adults). It has been developed through Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana Athletic Trainers Association. You can visit the PASS Program at www.iata-usa.org/docs/second_draft_supplements.pdf. You will find useful facts about supplements and steroids. If you have further questions, you already know that your athletic trainer is available to assist you. -