[marekny144]

I agree with one of the previous posts that both sides have made many good points on the subject of steroids. As someone who used to be involved in amateur bodybuilding I want to add a little to the discussion.

From my experience, many guys who end up taking steroids didn't start out wanting to do them or even considering them. It is when your body reaches its natural potential and you hit a permanent plateau that many turn to anabolic steroids. Seeing the changes in your body, growing and increasing your strength is highly addictive. To many so is the very weightlifting and feeling fit and in great shape. But at some point, no matter how dedicated you are, you just won't be able to overcome your natural/genetic potential, and you can either accept what you have or take the plunge and say, "Fuck my genes, I'm gonna change them." And let me tell you, it's hard to do the former if you're in your early 20s and you think you have the world by the balls.

I started out wanting to just look better but I found myself addicted to...lifting combined with increased power and self-confidence. I admire all those who devote all waking hours to lifting and dieting, but I also think it can be self-destructive at most, and extremely life-compromising in the least. It's hard to enjoy life when you have to weigh your food and eat every couple of hours, and watch what you eat at the same time. I'd go through a dozen of eggs and 2 shell-steaks every day. My grocery bill was at least $20-30 dollars every day, not to count the protein and other supplements. My then-girlfriend had to deal with the stench of seared meat every day and having the freezer filled to the limit with bland hamburger balls I'd make myself from pounds of the leanest ground beef. I'd even carry pieces of meat in my pocket when we went out Sunday afternoons to hang out around the 'hood just in case I'd go past my eating time. It got to be ridiculous.

I'm all for people living their lives the way they want it as long as they don't destroy someone else's, but it's hard to deny that professional or even serious addiction to working out and obsessing about one's looks can't be good for you, if not physically, at least psychologically. I don't believe only vain people get into bodybuilding, but I do believe that the addition can be so powerful, you become vain. Most people, whether professional or amateurs obsessed with working out, definitely suffer from what's called muscle dismorphia--obsession with one's physical appearance and fear that missing one workout will set you back months. I know because I was there. I would not consider someone who does steroids any less of a human being, but at the same time I do think it's ultimately a huge mistake to do them given the risks. Because of that I would never endorse the use of AS, but neither would I go on a crusade against it or judge someone because of it. Just my 10 cents.