For more than two decades, the use of steroids by professional athletes has been widely reported. Indictments against executive officers of a San Francisco area nutritional supplements lab--and these indictments were Federal steroid distribution charges--have brought even more attention to the use of steroids. Recently, accusations of world-class track and baseball athletes using steroids have hit the news. But steroid use often begins even before athletes achieve international recognition. This hearing focuses on the availability of illegal steroids and on the pressures that young athletes face to use steroids to improve their performance. Anabolic steroids are easily purchased over the Internet, as well as from users who sell and distribute steroids in gyms. The ease with which anybody, including young people, can acquire these drugs, coupled with the high percentage of purchased steroids that are counterfeit, even heighten the severe health risks to the users. Opening statements for this hearing were provided by the Honorable Charles E. Grassley, U.S. Senator from Iowa; and the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, U.S. Senator from Delaware. Prepared statements from two panels were also presented. Panel I statements were presented by: Joseph T. Rannazzisi, Deputy Director, Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration; Terrence P. Madden, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; and William C. Martin, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Panel II statements were presented by: John Doe, (hidden witness), College Athlete, NCAA Division I Football Team; Curtis A. Wenzlaff, Convict, Former User and Dealer of Illegal Steroids; Don Hooten, Father, Son Committed Suicide After Using Steroids; and Don H. Catlin, M.D., Professor of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA Analytical Laboratory. Questions for the record were provided by: Joseph T. Rannazzisi; Terrence P. Madden; and Don H. Catlin, M.D.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to one of the most controversial issues in modern society—steroid abuse among athletes—as well as to the ongoing debate over the use and misuse of illegal substances in amateur and professional sporting events. Now in its second edition, this book provides readers, with updated critical and objective information about steroids and doping in sports. The first two chapters deal with the history and background of steroids and doping in sports in addition to current problems, controversies, and possible solutions. Additionally, they provide readers with the background to understand the nature of the problems involving steroid use and doping in sports in the United States and worldwide. New to this edition is the Perspectives chapter. Composed of diverse voices, this chapter allows readers to gain insight from scholars, athletes, journalists, and others who have a stake in the issues. Remaining chapters provide a variety of research tools, such as primary documents and biographical profiles, for readers to use in continuing their research. Other resources include a chronology, a glossary, and an extensive annotated bibliography.