85% of adolescent athletes are unaware of the side effects of steroids. This means that many of them may fall into average use because they only know their positive effects, but regardless of their pros and cons, the use of anabolic steroids is illegal. “Possession or sale of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is illegal” (Drug Enforcement Administration). The biggest possible consequence is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sports organizations and committees such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), NCAA, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL have taken precautions to rid themselves and their members of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are not and should not be legalized. Many people are confused between the legal uses of steroids, primarily used for medical conditions, and steroids used to increase muscle mass. The term steroids therefore needs to be elaborated. Before we can explain whether steroids should be legalized, it's worth knowing exactly which steroids are causing controversy. Some steroids are useful and sometimes help patients with problems such as asthma. These types of steroids are considered anti-inflammatory type medications. Therefore, in order to focus the subject, illegal steroids or steroids intended to enhance sports performance will be called anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances associated with male sex hormones. They stimulate the growth of skeletal muscles and the advancement of male type characteristics in both men and women. “In the 1930s, scientists discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscles in laboratory animals” (NIDA 1). This discovery then led to steroid abuse by bodybuilders, weightlifters...... middle of article......p://voices.yahoo.com/the-positive-effects-steroids -417457.html> “Should steroids be legal?.” The first online debate website. Np, and Web. May 1, 2014. .Ohman, Joël. “Steroids in sport”. : Images and statistics. Np, January 1, 2010. Web. May 1, 2014. “Anabolic Steroids.” Steroid abuse -. Drug Enforcement Administration, March 1, 2004. Web. May 1, 2014. .Ryan, Sharon. “What's so bad about performance-enhancing drugs?.” . West Virginia University Department of Philosophy, August 1, 2008. Web. May 1, 2014. O'Leary, John. “Drugs, Laws and Versapaks”. Drugs and doping in sport. London: Cavendish Publishing Limited, 2001. Print.