Many American teenagers will do anything, including steroid use, to get bigger, stronger, and faster. “They are playing a risky game of chemical roulette and their credo: die young, die strong” (Schrof, 55). And that's exactly what they're doing; teenagers are literally dying to look like the bodybuilders and sports heroes on TV. Steroids are very dangerous drugs and should have no place in the lives of young Americans. Most steroids used today are anabolic steroids, or more precisely, anabolic/androgenic steroids. . They belong to the group known as ergogenic, or so-called "performance-enhancing" drugs ("Anabolic Steroids...," 2). Anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds that mimic testosterone. Testosterone is a natural hormone found in humans, especially males, responsible for muscle development. Anabolic steroid is the term for a substance that builds body tissue by promoting the growth of muscle tissue (Nardo, 19). The main effect of steroids on muscles is to reduce fatigue and increase the amount of work they can perform before tiring (Pesmen, 97). Steroids can be natural or artificial, and there are dozens of different versions of the drug. Steroids have two basic uses: medical and performance-enhancing. The use of steroids in the medical profession can help many people. Anabolic steroids were originally developed to help cancer patients and victims of starvation. Steroids are now used to help a variety of problems. They are used to treat skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies and various eye diseases. They have also been effective in healing wounds and treating malnutrition, bone problems, and some blood disorders. Sometimes, doctors use steroids to offset the harsh effects of cancer radiation treatments (Nardo, 20). When used correctly and under direct medical supervision, steroids can benefit many sick and ailing people. Steroids, also known as “roids,” “gas,” or “juice,” can be taken in two ways: used legally or illegally. Anabolic steroids are usually taken in pill form ("Anabolic Steroids...", 5). Users take them as they would any other pill. Steroids can also be injected. Research shows that the injectable variety may pose less risk of damage to the liver and other organs (Pesmen, 97). Inserting one-and-a-half-inch needles into the thighs or buttocks leaves many adolescents squeamish and often relying on a trusted friend to do the work (Schrof, 61). A big risk associated with using needles is the possibility of contracting AIDS..