Experts everywhere are arguing over the effects of steroid use on individuals, sports, and society. Anabolic steroids build up muscle tissue. Most steroids used for medical purposes are synthesized in labs. These are used by doctors to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as muscle wasting, growth deficiency, asthma, skin conditions, and others. Two groups of people commonly abuse steroids: athletes who believe that building up more muscle will give them a competitive edge, and people who are concerned about their personal attractiveness, who wish to enhance their physique. Buying and using steroids without a prescription is illegal--and dangerous. Steroids have many serious effects on the body and mind. Too much of them can cause harm and permanent damage.

New developments in testosterone therapy are summarized here by internationally renowned experts. They review both basic and clinical knowledge in fourteen chapters. The book begins with the biochemistry of testosterone, its biosynthesis, metabolism and mechanisms of action in target organs. Three chapters deal with specific aspects of testosterone action, namely its role in spermatogenesis, its psychotropic effects and its effects on bones. Syndromes caused by androgen resistance are described in order to highlight the importance of properly functioning enzymes and receptors in the target organs. Causes and symptoms of male hypogonadism, the major indication for testosterone treatment, are described. Five chapters are devoted to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and clinical uses and abuses of testosterone preparations. The new transdermal testosterone application is described in detail. Side effects of testosterone treatment are reviewed. The possible role of androgens in the development of prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma is discussed extensively since this question is of major concern to the clinician.

This text presents research findings on the use and abuse of steroids in sports and exercise, and information on steroid use within professional sports and among Olympic athletes. In addition, information on drug use among international student athletes, adolescents and body builders is explored.

Drug abuse and addiction are common in clinical practice. Often they interfere with patient treatment or require an alternative approach. Drug Abuse and Addiction in Medical Illness: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment is a major contribution to the literature, a gold standard title offering a comprehensive range of topics for those who care for patients with addiction, conduct research in this area, or simply have an interest in the field. Offering state-of-the-art information for all those working with drug abusing or addicted patients, or for those interested in this topic from other research perspectives, the volume is a first of its kind book -- rich, comprehensive, yet focused, addressing the needs of the very active theoretical, basic, and clinical research in the field. Comprised of 46 chapters organized in four sections and developed by the leading international experts, Drug Abuse and Addiction in Medical Illness: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment covers virtually every core, as well as contemporary, topic on addiction, from the established theories to the most modern research and development in the field. Enhancing the educational value of the volume, every chapter includes an abstract and two boxes summarizing learning objectives and directions for future research. Drug Abuse and Addiction in Medical Illness: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment discusses the topic in a authoritative, systematic manner and is an indispensable reference for all clinicians and researchers interested in this rapidly changing field.