Some 6 percent of twelfth-grade males had used steroids, according to a 1989 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This lesson teaches that steroids are dangerous to physical and mental health. Using the information on steroids from corresponding Web page discuss what steroids are and how they are used. Explain that some athletes have taken steroids to try to enhance their performance, because the synthetic drug can cause a 10 to 25 percent weight gain within three to six months. Other people have taken steroids to try to enhance their physique or appearance or to become more aggressive in sports competition.
Steroids also can cause extremely aggressive behavior, drastic mood swings, and depression.
Ask each group to prepare a brief presentation on its topic. Discuss the groups' findings with the class. Resources Corresponding Web page resource on anabolic steroids .