Athletes, whether they are young or old, professional or amateur, are always looking to gain an advantage over their opponents. The desire for an "edge" exists in all sports, at all levels of play. Successful athletes rely on practice and hard work to increase their skill, speed, power, and ability. However, some athletes resort to drugs to improve their performance on the field or the court.

Steroids” refers to the class of drugs used to treat a wide variety of conditions/ailments – from supporting reproduction and regulation of many aspects of metabolism and immune function, to increasing muscle and bone mass and treating inflammation and asthma. Steroids have become popular because they may improve endurance, strength, and muscle mass

Steroids are powerful drugs that many people take in high doses to boost athletic performance. Steroids help build muscle tissue and increase body mass by acting like the body's natural male hormone, testosterone. Steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone.

Steroids are primarily used by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness "buffs" who claim steroids give them a competitive advantage and/or improve their physical performance. Steroids are purported to increase lean body mass, strength and aggressiveness. As a result, young people take steroids to increase their muscle size and strength, and, to reduce body fat, which they believe, improves personal appearance. For some young people appearance is the key to life.

Also individuals in other occupations requiring enhanced physical strength (body guards, construction workers, and law enforcement officers) are known to take these drugs. Steroids are also believed to reduce recovery time between workouts, which makes it possible to train harder and thereby further improve strength and endurance. Some people who are not athletes also take steroids to increase their endurance, muscle size and strength, and reduce body fat which they believe improves personal appearance.