The human body is filled with muscles that allow the body to function in proper ways. The stronger these muscles are, the faster/better the body is able to function and complete task. Ways to build muscle include good nutrition, weight lifting and calastetics. These methods do no give grand immediate results. It takes time because it is natural. Anabolic steriods act as a catalyst to the muscle building process with proper exercise. It is a substance that enhances and causes muscles to grow at a larger rate after being torn in workout. This is a controversial topic that his split the country into sides over the dispute. Some feel it is fine to take steriods because many take other supplements to make one perform or feel better. On the other side which includes myself feels that it is not fair to anyone taking this supplement who is in competition. The desire and will to win is usually what drives a person to try steriods. If you are not in competition which include other atheletes who are not taking muscle enhancing substances, then you are free to do with your body as you please. Steriods gives an athelete the extra edge needed in reaching the almighty glory of winning. On page 197 of Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, the author states "Advantages of anabolic steroids cited by atheltes include increased muscle mass and strength, increased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and an increase in aggressive behavior (the urge to 'steamroller the other guy')." All of these pro's of steriods are an unfair advantage in competition. The athelete has reached a physical ability that cannot be reached by another athelete simply because of a drug. Some may say, "well since some atheletes are doing it, why don't all atheletes do it to get that same extra edge". But it may not be in a atheletes mind to build muscle while simotaniously destroying it. Although steriods have its lovely pros, the cons overweight them in some atheletes mind. "Physicians say they cause bloated faces( a sign of steriod excess), shriveled testes, and infertility; damage the liver and promote liver cancer; and cause changes in blood cholesterol levels..(147)." So since some atheletes are take pride in taking care of their bodies and what goes into it, they might not want to take steriods. So the atheletes who decide to take the risk, have a clear unfair advantage. Steriod usage will forever be a controversial topic in the great melting pot. Simply because their are people who take it, love the perks, and try to provide counterexamples to why it is justifyable like "everybody takes supplements, what's wrong with us?" The fact is, there is nothing wrong with taking steriods unless you are in competition with other non-users. Steriods provide atheletes with extra strength, stamina and aggression that gives the user an advantage