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Steroids That are Illegal in the United States
Steroids have always been a touchy subject, especially in the United States. The irony is that the U.S is one of the biggest consumers of anabolic steroids and most of them are consumed by bodybuilders and athletes. The question that a lot of men and women have is what steroids are illegal in the United States.
This is a question I often had myself, this is why I decided to do a brief article on the subject.
Who controls steroids in the U.S?
The legislation in charge of steroids and their legality is the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) This agency was created in the 1970s during Nixon's presidency. During this time anabolic steroids got their classification similar to those of prescription drugs.
Almost every steroid we know about was originally produced to treat some kind of health condition. Many of them have been used to help treat muscle wasting diseases or immune deficiency disorders but they have all been made to help people.
In this case, all anabolic steroids require a doctor's prescription in order to buy them.
While most steroids require a prescription, there are some steroids that are banned regardless of prescription or not. Many of these are very toxic which is why they are not available even with a prescription.
The question is what steroids are illegal in the United States?
Typically most steroids used by bodybuilders are illegal, this is why you will hear of an occasional drug bust done on certain gyms, that is because some of them have been selling steroids underground.
One steroid that has been promoted a lot and is commonly used by fitness models and physique competitors is Anavar. This steroid is popular among women mainly because it comes in pill form and does not aromatize.
Steroid aromatization is when a steroid or testosterone is converted into estrogen.
Anavar is the brand name for oxandrolone, this steroid drug has been used to treat burn victims or patients suffering from some sort of muscle wasting disease.
Anavar works fast at preventing muscle wasting so it soon found its way into the bodybuilding community.
Anavar is still used in the treatment in the field of medicine but its use is strictly prohibited for recreational use.
Deca Durabolin also is known as Nandrolone Decanoate a steroid that is popular among bodybuilders, it has been used for gaining muscle during a bulking cycle. This steroid has a higher anabolic rating than testosterone.
Deca Durabolin is a steroid that has been used in patients who suffer from muscle wasting disease, including geriatric patients who suffer from weakness, fatigue, and anemia. Deca has also been used to treat certain types of breast cancer, burn victims and in some rare cases treating ulcers.
Dianabol is another popular steroid and one claimed to be used a lot in the golden era of bodybuilding. Pro bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reg Park, Frank Zane, and Serge Nubretwhere is known to have used Dianabol. Some claim it was a steroid that was eaten like candy.
Other steroids that are commonly used but are also illegal include Winstrol, Turinabol and Trenbolone have all been used by bodybuilders to help increase muscle and get shredded and lean.
Most steroids were developed for medical use
Most anabolic steroids were made initially for therapeutic use, over time they have all found their way into the fitness and bodybuilding communities. Most of them, if used in small amounts, have few side effects and if used as prescribed can be beneficial.
The unfortunate thing about anabolic steroids is that they have been banned due to the dangers steroids can cause from misuse or using them in an irresponsible manner.
While anabolic steroids can be used responsibly under the guidance of a doctor, most of them have been classified as illegal because of the danger they cause.
Its a fact that almost every year we hear of bodybuilders who have died due to using anabolic steroids, this is obvious from the start when you look at how much weight they lift when they train and how big and muscular they become in a short period of time.
The size gains and muscle definitions achieved by modern-day bodybuilders and fitness models would be impossible without the use of anabolic steroids.
Steroids are not the only substances that are banned, there are lesser-known performance-enhancing drugs that have been promoted as safer alternatives.
SARMS, for example, has been promoted as a safer steroid alternative, for a while they became popular amongst bodybuilders, little did they know is that SARMS (Selective Androgen-Receptor Modulators) are not that safe. Many of them were found to be just as toxic or even more toxic than steroids.
While SARMs don't have the same anabolic properties they do have side effects which a lot of bodybuilders had to find out the hard way.
While SARMS are still sold online they may eventually be illegal for sale in the United States.
In November 2019 a new China export law that involves the production and ban on exporting SARMS. This means that SARMS will no longer be exported from China effective Jan-1 2020.
On Nov 19, 2019 the U.S Senate reintroduced the SARMs control act law, this could mean that if the bill is passed it would list SARMS as a scheduled III controlled substance just like anabolic steroids making their sales illegal in the United States.
2) U.S. 2019 SARMs Control Act (most important issue)
One day later, on Nov. 19, 2019, the U.S. Senate reintroduced the SARMs Control Act, this time fixing issues with the 2018 version. If the bill passes SARMs will join steroids as Schedule III controlled substances, making their sale illegal.
Problems with steroids sold today
The biggest problem with steroids being illegal in the United States is that it creates a bigger and unregulated demand. I personally know a lot of guys who will go to great lengths to buy anabolic steroids. This includes going to Mexico or Canada and bringing them back across the border illegally.
Others will buy them off the black market, its a fact that there are still hundreds of online sources where you can buy anabolic steroids, the problem is you may get a product that is counterfeit or it may not be the actual substance that you think you ordered.
Those who insist on using steroids have many obstacles so before you buy them you should do your due diligence and make sure you are buying steroids from a reputable source.
Final thoughts
We in no way condone the use of steroids because it is a risky business, there are many natural steroids that can offer similar benefits as the real thing.
At the end of the day, diet and training have the most impact on gaining muscle and improving your physique.
References:
SARMS legislation regulation
