Rob Nemec Ms. Banfield Public Speaking 24 October 2014 When we were children, every single one of us idolized a celebrity. Whether it was an actor or actress, a famous political figure, I'm musician or an exceptional athlete, everything they did had an impact on us. And this is not just the case for us and for generations before us, but also future generations. In sports, one must have discipline, a strong work ethic and the unceasing desire to succeed. These are the values and morals that famous athletes bestow on children and young adults that give them the opportunity to become exemplary role models. But all of this can be completely erased if that athlete so much as humors the assistance from performance enhancing drugs. Steroids cause some of the most elite athletes on the planet to become shunned by the organization for whom they played and the fans that they disappointed. 4 in 10 teenage steroid users credit their knowledge of and use of the drugs to a famous athlete, which is why it is so critical to inform people of the danger that come with steroids and the numerous reputations they have shattered. It is my goal throughout this speech to not only enlighten you as to what steroids are and why they are such a problem, but also urge you to never let the use of these deadly drugs cross your mind. Listen well, because it is your right to be informed about a problem so common in people our age. Anabolic steroids is the familiar name for synthetic variants of the male sex hormone testosterone . steroids can be legally prescribed to treat conditions resulting from steroid hormone deficiency, such as delayed puberty, as well as diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass, such as cancer and AIDS. But some athletes and bodybuilders abuse these drugs in an attempt to enhance performance and/or improve their physical appearance. Anabolic steroids are usually either taken orally or inject it into the muscles, and some are applied to the skin as a cream or gel. Doses taken by abusers may be 10 to 100 times higher than doses prescribed to treat medical conditions. Next, why they are such a problem among athletes and people our age. Although steroids have the potential to provide the abuser with the physical gains that they are seeking, the negative consequences that come with them have a significant negative impact on his or her mood and behavior. Anabolic steroids may lead to aggression and other psychiatric problems such as paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility. As a fan, I'm sure this is not what you want to see coming from a person that you idolize so much and as a teammate this is the last thing

you want to see coming from a fellow athlete and component to your success. Finally, why you should never consider them. Knowing that steroid abuse is one of the worst things a person can do for himself or herself, but it is especially important for young athletes. Everyone in the room who has ever participated in a sport knows how much that sport means to them. They also know how much they value succeeding in that sport. I could not imagine every hour that I've ever put into something that I loved going to waste because of abusing something that I already knew was bad for me. The fact that this is such a reoccurring issue among the most respected athletes in the world is a travesty. The men and women that many small children and aspiring athletes look up to might as well be considered public enemy number one if they let performance enhancing drugs ruin their success. The main thing to take away from what I am telling you is that steroid abuse is a prominent problem in the lives of many of the people that we admire most. Drug use in sports is terrible for a number of reasons, but now you know of the physical and reputational damage that they cause as well as the horrendous example they set for the children and young adults that look up to them. When it comes to anabolic steroids, plain and simple, they just aren't worth it. Thank you.