The major national and international sports associations enforce their ban against anabolic steroids by periodic testing. Testing, however, is controversial. Some observers say the tests are not reliable, and even the International Olympic Committees tests, considered to be the most accurate, have been challenged. Despite the problems, testing remains an important way of monitoring and controlling the abuse of steroids among athletes.
Efforts are underway to make testing more accurate.
Treatment Treatment programs for steroids abusers are just now being developed as more is learned about the habit. Medical specialists do find persuasion is an important weapon is getting the user off the drug. They attempt to present medical evidence of the damage anabolic steroids can do to the body. One specialist notes that medical tests, such as those that show a lowered sperm count, can motivate male athletes to cease usage. One health clinic considers the anabolic steroids habit as an addiction and structures treatment around the techniques used in traditional substance abuse programs.