The government has historically used its influence to shape public opinion. In a concerted effort to combat marijuana use several decades ago, an extensive campaign was launched. This campaign aimed to convince society that marijuana smokers would descend into madness, potentially committing heinous acts such as murder, rape, and suicide. While this scare tactic initially worked, it eventually became clear that it was nothing more than an attempt to generate fear.

Such scare tactics are not unique to government campaigns; parents often employ them with their children. As a child, I vividly remember being told that swallowing apple seeds would result in a tree growing in my stomach. Fearing this improbable outcome, I diligently avoided apple seeds. The goal was to prevent stomach discomfort from ingesting the seeds, and it was achieved through a well-intentioned but ultimately false narrative. The government often assumes a parental role, making decisions it deems best for society. Unfortunately, these decisions are sometimes influenced by lies and scare tactics. Over time, attempts to curb the use of certain substances through fear-mongering have proven ineffective and, in some cases, counterproductive.

The era of concern regarding steroids can be traced back to the 1960s when female Eastern Bloc athletes began exhibiting remarkable muscular development and excelling in the Olympics. This raised concerns about steroids disrupting the level playing field in sports and jeopardizing the integrity of athletic competition, as well as the financial interests associated with it. In response, steroids were added to the list of banned substances for the Olympics in 1975. College and professional football soon followed suit, with other sports joining in. Despite the bans, athletes were already aware of the performance-enhancing benefits of testosterone, and these prohibitions did little to deter usage. The need for action led to organized sports authorities attempting to educate athletes about steroids, emphasizing that anabolic steroids did not contribute to muscle growth. This message was propagated with the support of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in 1977, which claimed that steroids had no impact on lean muscle and that athletes' experiences were merely a result of water retention, attributing the effects to a placebo. However, these assertions only held sway briefly, and the ACSM eventually acknowledged that anabolic steroids were indeed responsible for athletes' increased muscle mass.

One lie often begets another, and the ACSM adopted a different approach to dissuade athletes from using steroids—by portraying them as highly detrimental to health. Every side effect mentioned in various studies was amplified, leading to alarming claims such as athletes taking high steroid doses facing premature death in their thirties and forties. Despite these alarming predictions, steroid use continued among athletes. It appeared that the fear generated by these claims was insufficient to halt usage. In 1990, Congress passed the Anabolic Steroid Control Act, criminalizing the use of these drugs. Athletes who used steroids were no longer simply labeled as cheaters; they were now considered criminals.

Fast forward almost four decades since the ACSM first attempted to convince athletes that anabolic steroids had no muscle-building effects. Millions have used anabolic steroids since then. Given the prevalence of steroid use in the NFL during the 1970s and 1980s, one might expect a surge in health issues and fatalities. Surprisingly, this has not been the case, and many former steroid users, including athletes, lead healthy lives today.

Much like the scare tactics employed regarding marijuana, it became evident that the warnings of steroids leading to cardiac arrest or violent outbursts were baseless. In reality, the greatest threat was often a bag of Cheetos or a box of Twinkies consumed after steroid use. The public gradually realized that the government's portrayal of the dangers of marijuana was exaggerated, and life continued as usual.

Similarly, users of anabolic steroids discovered that they had been misled about the risks associated with these substances. When it became evident that steroid use did not result in sudden cardiac arrest or uncontrollable fits of rage, interest in steroids soared. Most individuals saw through the smokescreen and recognized that the plan to deter steroid use had backfired. The number of steroids used in competitive sports actually increased. Professional athletes, who make up less than one percent of steroid users, were not significantly influenced by the fear tactics; instead, they accepted the risks as part of their profession. The majority of steroid users are everyday individuals who do not rely on athletic performance for their livelihoods. This group likely faced the most influence from the ACSM reports. Nevertheless, the allure of steroids prevailed, and they continued to be used.

Today, it is safe to assert that millions of people have used anabolic steroids without experiencing the dire health conditions once associated with them. The risks of steroid use have been significantly overstated, to the point where it can be argued that the government and the ACSM "cried wolf" about steroid dangers. The consequences of this exaggeration are starting to become apparent.

While many of the earlier claims regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids have been discredited, downplaying or ignoring the potential risks associated with these substances can be problematic. The negative effects have been overemphasized in some cases, causing users to believe that steroids are relatively safe, provided they exercise common sense. What one individual views as steroid use may be considered abuse by another. When a bodybuilder succumbs to kidney or heart failure, or even death, it's common for another bodybuilder using steroids to point to factors such as recreational drug use, genetics, or body weight as the culprits, rather than the steroids themselves. Acknowledging that bodybuilders are experiencing severe health problems or death due to steroid use is a difficult pill to swallow. It would mean recognizing that they are on a path of self-destruction, and this realization is often avoided. Bodybuilders frequently highlight the differences between themselves and those who have experienced negative effects while overlooking the one significant similarity: steroid abuse.

The effects we are witnessing now are the consequences of years of steroid abuse among bodybuilders. Heart attacks, strokes, and, at times, death are becoming more common among bodybuilders in their forties. While anabolic steroids can be used safely by most individuals with minimal side effects, it is essential to undergo regular check-ups with a doctor and have blood work performed.

It is apparent that the health risks associated with steroid use have been grossly misrepresented. The government and the ACSM may have overemphasized these risks, leading to skepticism among users. However, we must remember that some health risks do exist, and caution should be exercised.

In conclusion, while it is true that scare tactics and exaggerations about the dangers of anabolic steroids have lost credibility over time, it is essential to strike a balance in understanding their potential risks. Rather than dismissing these risks entirely, it is more prudent to educate individuals about safe usage practices and regular health monitoring. By doing so, we can ensure that those who choose to use anabolic steroids do so responsibly and with a full understanding of the associated health considerations.