Anabolic steroids can weaken the body's defenses against viral infections and tumors, even at doses much lower than those used by cheating athletes. If they are weakened, viral diseases and cancers may find it easier to take hold in the body, potentially putting those who take steroids for prolonged periods at risk. Athletes have been using these drugs for a long time,” Dr. Weatherby said: “But now for the first time we have been able to demonstrate that anabolic androgenic steroids have a seriously damaging effect on a specific part of the immune system.” Steroids also have the ability to help you increase muscle mass and/or body fat. “There was a young man in high school named Chris Wash who managed to go from a fat 180 pounds to a big, bulky 230 pounds with shoulders so big he could barely fit into his backpack” (Alder). The fact that athletes who use steroids risk their careers for a better, stronger body with a drug is wrong. Steroids are organic compounds, they are natural or fatty substances that contain four fused rings. Most drugs can take years to take effect, alcohol can take decades but steroids only take a year. Steroids are illegal and have focused on professional and Olympic athletes. The most vulnerable users may be high school students who are at frightening risk of side effects that can lead to death. Anabolic steroids have also been used by professional and college athletes to improve athletic ability by increasing muscle size and strength. “A self-report questionnaire, which allowed multiple responses for each question, was administered to 853 male students in six high schools. The results indicated that an average of 11% had used or were using anabolic steroids” (Gilis). The fact is now known that more high school and middle school students think that it helps them build muscle and strength. They also take steroids to enhance their performance. “Media reports of young athletes committing suicide have recently captured national attention (Stein). Therefore, most people who use steroids are under 18 years old only to improve muscles, strength and body performance. Now, knowing that young people using steroids couldn't handle the things happening inside the body caused by steroids, led to their deaths. What people don't understand is that steroids don't make you stronger, they just make you bigger. Eventually they start to fall apart and kill you inside, and your muscles disappear unless you train every day for at least 4 or 5 hours a day. Many great young athletes die every day and have no chance of making it anywhere in life due to the chemicals in steroids.