School Project

[shuttaLCD]

Well,

I have to do a powerpoint presentation in school. it can be over anything i want it to be. i chose

"The Unbiased Truth About AAS's"

In here i will be at both sides of the story "the good and the ugly" I plan on addressing issues about AAS.

I pretty much just want to better knowledge my classmates on the subject and get them to not always believe what they hear on the media.

So i am asking for your help. mabye you have some good internet sources or some pointers for me. Any help would be appreciated especially on different issues to bring up..

THANK YOU! cant wait to see the replies.

-Shutta

[TheKoos]

Check your PM.

[Dizzle1]

Damn if i was just a little younger I could have helped you, I did this in my speech debate class and got an A, but it was an oral debate. You access to on the online journals right, i.e eric,whatever else there is etc.

Well,

I have to do a powerpoint presentation in school. it can be over anything i want it to be. i chose

"The Unbiased Truth About AAS's"

In here i will be at both sides of the story "the good and the ugly" I plan on addressing issues about AAS.

I pretty much just want to better knowledge my classmates on the subject and get them to not always believe what they hear on the media.

So i am asking for your help. mabye you have some good internet sources or some pointers for me. Any help would be appreciated especially on different issues to bring up..

THANK YOU! cant wait to see the replies.

-Shutta

[TheKoos]

Topic #1- Use vs Abuse
I don't think there is any factual information that shows educated, intelligent USE by male adults poses any serious heath risks.

The scapegoat theory should be addressed as well.
John used AAS, John died from cancer = AAS killed John (What should we have blamed John's cacer on if he did not use AAS?)

Certainly smoking has health risks.
My grandmother smoked for 68 years and died from cancer when she was when she was 87. Did smoking really kill my grandmother? (This is true about my grandmother.)


I do NOT know the answer to this, but it would be interesting to do some research on the contries where AAS are legal to see if it causes more deaths etc.. My hunch would be it's probably like, even though smoking pot in Amsterdam is legal people are not running around jumping off buildings and shooting people.


Also examime the medical uses and benefits of AAS.




Of course the risks that ABUSE and the dangers of injecting anything bought off the black market need to be discussed as well.


Hopefully others will offer ideas (pro/con) and information as well.

[Clayton South]

Here's an article that I wrote on this subject about 3 years ago - you may find it helpful.

DE-CRIMINALIZE ANABOLIC STEROIDS!
By
Clayton South

Imagine, for a moment, that you were approached by a friend, colleague or co-worker, and asked for your position stand on the current legal status of anabolic steroids. How would you reply? Would you say that the possession, use or distribution of anabolic steroids should be illegal without a doctors prescription? Would you say that they should be de-criminalized, and that current laws are in need of reform? Or, would you even have a position stand?

It is important to not mistake a position stand for an opinion, as there is a great difference between the two. A position stand is a stance based on evidence derived from both common sense observations and research. An opinion, on the other hand, is a belief based often on simple desire. Many people who hold opinions do so even when conclusive and convincing evidence is presented to refute their belief. This should not be surprising, as psychology knows this phenomenon well. It is called belief perseverance.

Imagine also that as a bodybuilder who lives and promotes the lifestyle, you have been given the opportunity to not only inform an audience about anabolic steroids, but to also refute common beliefs, and then persuade them that de-criminalization of anabolic steroids is a necessity. To add to this difficulty, the setting you would be speaking in would be one of the top Universities in the country, and the time to speak would be limited to 6 minutes. What would you say?

Regardless of the situation in which you find yourself [the first, the second, or any other], the important facts on the issue remain the same and, if you are a bodybuilder, it is inevitable that at some time during your career the issue of anabolic steroids will arise. When the discussion of steroids arises and you are talking with other less knowledgeable bodybuilders or members of the public, you need to be informed.

If you lack the knowledge to support your views, or worse, lack the ability to organize and communicate that knowledge in a way that is understandable to your audience, you will have lost an opportunity to promote the lifestyle to members of the public. Even worse, you will have missed an opportunity to challenge the pre-conceptions and misknowledge many have about anabolic steroids.

On March 13, 2003 I had the opportunity to speak to my fellow colleagues at one of the top Universities in the country. I seized the opportunity to challenge their beliefs about anabolic steroids, and to refute many of the myths surrounding these drugs. I present for your consideration the full text of my speech. Consider how you may use these ideas when speaking to someone about steroids.

The Speech

[ " Pill poppers. Needle users. Drug abusers. Addicts. What image comes to your mind when you hear these phrases? If you are like many people, you probably think of someone who struggles with addiction, a law-breaker, someone who lives on the edges of society, conducting their deeds in secret back-alley deals, wanting to escape the public eye.

Steroid user. What image are you seeing now? If it is an image of a pill-popper, a needle user, a drug abuser or an addict, you are not alone in thinking this.

Many believe steroids are "street drugs" comparable to the likes of cocaine, heroine, or crack, and many people think they are just as addictive and deadly. Has it ever occurred to you that if this is your idea of a steroid user, you may be mistaken?

From my 5 years of bodybuilding, my 5 years of studying the human body, my 2 years of personal training, and my time writing for *****************, the world's #1 bodybuilding website, I have come to understand a lot about muscle building steroids, and also to realize that current laws are in need of change.

I will be talking about why anabolic steroids should de-criminalized and three issues that should bear foremost on your mind when you consider this subject. These issues are:


1. Steroid facts, what anabolic steroids are and the benefits and drawbacks of use.
2. The difference between street drugs and muscle building steroids.
3. Why you should care whether or not they are available to you without penalty under the law and what you can do to help the de-criminalization effort.
Despite the fact that many people use the phrase "anabolic steroids" many, in actuality, have no idea what anabolic steroids are. Simply, steroids are natural substances made and used by the body's hormone system. Some precursors of steroids are found in the needles of pine trees; so if any of you come in smelling like pine trees after this, the secret will be out!

Currently under Canadian and American law, the possession, use and distribution of anabolic steroids without a doctors prescription. In Canada anabolic steroids are illegal under the Controlled Foods and Substances Act, Schedule VI.

The drawbacks of excessive steroid abuse include but are not limited to:


Baldness in males
Facial hair growth in women
Shrinking of the gonads in males, enlargement of, and increased sensitivity of the clitoris of females
Buildup of fatty deposits behind the nipples in males
Toxicity to the liver
Psychological addiction possible
Contrasting these side effects of abuse are the effects noticed with moderate steroid usage. These include:


Positive affects on mood patterns
Positive affects on sleep patterns
Positive affects on muscular development
Prevention of symptoms of arthritis and depression
Strengthening of bones and prevention of thinning of bones, aka osteoporosis
Here I present to you 2 facts about steroids that may alter your definition of a "steroid user".

FACT: Steroids are hormones made by the body naturally.
IMPLICATION: Our bodies already use and make "steroids" We are steroid users.

FACT: If we eat fat we are eating the products needed to make steroids.
IMPLICATION: Our bodies already use and make "steroids" We are steroid users.

So when you look in the mirror, understand that the image staring back at you is of a person who makes, possesses and uses, anabolic steroids on a daily basis! If you have muscles your body has used muscle-building steroids to get them.

At this point you are probably surprised, and I was also when I first began to study this subject. You may be asking yourself "well what is the difference between street drugs and anabolic steroids?" There are many differences, and it is important that you do not mistake one drug for the other. Do not mistake anabolic steroids for street drugs!

It has been suggested that that steroids are as harmful and addictive as street drugs but no evidence exists that indicates that steroids stimulate the pleasure centers in brain as do alcohol, nicotine and cocaine or heroine. In fact, biological addiction to steroids is unlikely when they are used correctly, although it may be argued that psychological addictions are possible.

For your consideration here are some facts that you need to consider when trying to understand the difference between street drugs and anabolic steroids:


Small amounts of steroids do not cause addiction, small amounts of street drugs do
Small amounts of steroids cause no damage or permanent injury, small amounts of street drugs do
Large amounts of steroids cause damage, most of which is reversible; street drugs cause damage, all of which is not reversible
Anabolic steroids were given to concentration camp survivors after world war two as live saving medicine to help them use protein more efficiently because they were so starved; street drugs were never given to concentration camp survivors
Steroids are given to burn victims and victims of near-fatal accidents; street drugs are never given to burn victims or victims of near fatal accidents
Steroids are given to AIDS patients by doctors; street drugs are never given to aids patients by doctors
Street Drugs Devices of death that cause destruction
Steroids are given by doctors to near-death smokers to extend life; street drugs are not given to near-death smokers by doctors

Despite these points, I am aware that many would still contend that steroids are destructive. However according the Centers for Disease Control, between the years 1990-1994 an average of 430,700 people died annually from smoking. The same report, when speaking of anabolic steroids states, "There is little evidence to show that their use will cause long term detriment…"

On a personal note, my uncle began smoking at the age of 10. Before his death at age 69 several years ago resulting from the collapse and failure of his liver, kidneys and heart, brought about by his years of excessive smoking, he was given anabolic steroids to extend, save, and contribute to the quality his life. The very drugs that are ridiculed, vilified and misrepresented in the media allowed me to have those final times with my uncle. Steroids kept him alive so we could go on fishing trips, and they gave us time to tell each other that we loved one another, before he died. In fact, the use of anabolic steroids added a full two years onto his life. That time may not seem like a lot of time to many of you, but to the people who loved and continue to love him, that was a gift and blessing that money cannot buy. That time was everything.

So why should you care? What does it matter to you if anabolic steroids are decriminalized? After all, you are not elderly and are not, presumably, suffering from a terminal or chronic illness. Why should you act to help the de-criminalization process?


"Steroids are not street drugs, because when used in moderate dosages they heal, and do not destroy lives."

The first reason that you should care is because this is an issue that is fundamentally about freedom. It is about the freedom to choose to use substances that will improve the length and quality of your life. Should you be denied substances that, when used correctly, are life improving substances, while others can have free access to products like cigarettes that that when used as intended, kill? Should you have to be on separate drugs to treat arthritis, depression and impotence? Why should you have to take Viagra or an arthritis medication that will eat away at your stomach lining, while moderate doses of testosterone would fix all three problems previously mentioned, with no side effects?

The de-criminalization of anabolic steroids should happen! They improve quality of life. Steroids are not street drugs, because when used in moderate dosages they heal, and do not destroy lives. We should all care about and support the de-criminalization of anabolic steroids and stand up for the right to choose the best of what medicine has to offer, because one day we may find ourselves needing these drugs for legitimate purposes.

Lobby your political representatives to move toward de-criminalization. The quality and length of your life may one day depend on it! " ]

Afterword

My speech was very well received by the audience and many were persuaded to at least soften their opposition to free access to these drugs. At the beginning of the speech many people, when asked, voiced stiff opposition to the de-criminalization of these drugs. After the speech, no one did, and many moderately agreed or had moved from strong opposition to a position of not being sure how they felt. That is, at least, a start, and is progress for our lifestyle.

It is important to realize that the de-criminalization effort will not be won in miles, but in inches. Victory will not occur by trying to "prove" how great steroids are, but in refutation of misknowledge, and by replacing that misknowledge in a non-threatening way with genuine fact that speaks to the intellect of all who listen.

Next time that someone asks you about anabolic steroids, be a strong representative for our sport by preaching moderation; not abuse, tolerance to opposing viewpoints; not close-mindedness, and most importantly stick to your guns and base your position stand on fact, and do so in a passive but assertive and determined way. In doing THIS you will be doing yourself and all bodybuilders with whom you share a common humanity, a service. Happy lifting!

[garb]

my professor just assigned the date for our next speech(the course is public speaking) and i was thinking about this very same topic, i guess great minds do think alike.

shutta, best of luck to you and your assignment. i'm probobly gona use a lot of info from this and other threads(credit will be given where credit is do, of course) and most likely have some questions of my own....once i decided to start the assignment. i look foward to contributing and learning from this thread, thanks in advance....

now i just gota learn how to NOT procrastinate

[garb]

p.s. that was a great post Clayton

[bmw71285]

This is ironic b/c I also have to give a speech in my communications class and I chose to talk about anabolic steroids as well. I have to persuade the audience much like Clayton's speech did. I just have a question for you Clayton. What is the difference between anabolic steroids and steroids prescribed to you? In a similar situation to your uncle, my grandfather was prescribed steroids and they prolonged his life and also added quality to his life as well. So how are anabolic steroids such as d-bol and deca different from precribed steroids?

[Sonny]

Too bad we can't get a little streaming video of your presentation going here-would love to see it.

[shuttaLCD]

WOW...thanks for all the help..(keep it comming) Clayton Great article..definately good info. for me and anyone else.


Here is the only prob i have. This presentation can only have 2-3 sentences per slide. and the slid show cant be THAT long so i have to get the MAJOR points across and do it fast.

I also have to have a 8-15sec. video that i made on there. Now what should i make the video of?

Any thoughts? I was thinking about a disclaimer of some sort. I am lost on this aspect.

I have the pics and stuff i will use.

Another topic i will point out is "roid rage" kinda clear that up to the unknowledged. (they have a bad misunderstanding of this)..The pros and Cons will have to be gone over. but no way is ANYONE going to turn this into a "Steroids are bad/killers" thing. I go to a small school and i get accused of Steroid use so here is my time to shine...hehe my teacher might not like this one.


any mroe help is greatly appreciated!

-Shutta

[italionstallionl]

I also have to have a 8-15sec. video that i made on there. Now what should i make the video of?

I recommend taking a video of yourself doing a proper injection.


:D

just kidding

[wedgylx]

don't underestimate the backlash of students/professors assuming this means you are on steroids. While no big deal to any of us bodybuilders, this can really skew the general public's opinion of you. Just look how vilified bonds has become.


Just might not be wise for the person who factors your final grade to think you are using what (to him) are dangerous and addictive illegal substances - especially for someone playing on a highschool football team Colin

[shuttaLCD]

Wedge,

This is a problem that should of been pointed out BUT the bad thing is i AM already being accused of steroid usage.

As i said i am pointing out the pros and cons of Steroids.

"The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (MeDiA)"

I am not being for or against the use of this substance (even though i have no prob. with it) But i am comming off as a nuteral "presenter" if you will.

They will think what they want and the Teacher is a woman so she probably wont be too happy about this one...but i only have 1 more six weeks with her.

thanks for your thoughts. I really appreciate them.

-Shutta

[Clickster]

I recommend taking a video of yourself doing a proper injection.


:D

just kidding

ROFL.......I bet the teacher would LOVE that video.

[Wes Carnegie]

Koos... I absolutely love your take on the situation.

Wes

[shuttaLCD]

Hey guys..sittin in class working on this project as we speak..Just woundering if any of you have any more suggestions???


-Shutta

[garb]

well i gave my speech today and i must say it was a hit. i could see the expressions on thier faces change as i presented them with facts and the truth. an overall success.

thanks to all that put in some input. good luck with yours shutta

[shuttaLCD]

Garb,

AWESOME! Glad to hear it went really well..

I had done mine a little earlier in the month... I really changed the audience as well.... EVERYONE had questions during the presentation because they jsut DID NOT KNOW..They asked their questions and i was able to answer the UNBIASED HONEST truth about them.. Really changed the way my classmates looked at the DANGEROUS AAS'.

My teacher on the other hand wasnt to impressed... She was beaten in her own game and she knew it.. my grades were

95, 70,75, 70.....so that shows how much she liked it.. She also asked questions...She told me to repeat over and over how many people died from the use of AAS' and i said NONE there was no scientific evidence that pointed at steroids for the cause of death of anyone.. She of course disagreed but o well.. I WON and she knows it..

SCORE: 2points

-Shutta

[TheKoos]

Congrats guys.

[Trans_Isomer]

Congrats, looks like you showed your teacher a thing or two

[Clayton South]

Good job guys! It's all about changing one mind at a time!

-Clayton South
Industry Writer
ISSA Certified Specialist in Performance Nutrition

[shuttaLCD]

Good job guys! It's all about changing one mind at a time!

I like that saying.. LOL...dont know why i just told everyone that but its true...Little by little people are starting to see some of the truth...

I just wanna make a HUGE thanks to everyone that helped out here! Couldnt of done it without you guys.


-Shutta

[cuderbeast]

I'm going to do my next term paper over AAS's and i have just about all the work in here lol

Thanks for the info and a good read

[garb]

lol thats awsome you put your teacher in her place shutta. my professor wasnt so hard on me and your teacher was on you. she really didnt know anything other than what shes heard on tv, and that goes the same for the rest of the class. and i dont blame them nor do i think they were ignorant to the facts, it was a matter of they were misinformed and beleived what they heard from the media(public enemy #1)

i started off by asking the class about what they knew and thought about AAS, then to really get there attention and shock them into paying attention i told them everything they just told me and thought they knew was wrong and what theyve heard were lies. you should have seen the looks on all there face. then i presented them with 4 differnet case studies, one from the New England Journal of Medicine and one from our own government the NIDA, one from Dr. Federick Wu from the Department of Medicine at Univercity of Madison(i belive...im just drawing this back from memory), and one from the Center of Disease Controll. all of wich said the same thing...theres no evidence that definatively links life-threatening illness or death to AAS.

then i presented them with another study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, this one talked about all the medicinal uses of AAS. it touched everything from burn and cancer patients to anemia and male hypogonadism. then i gave them the negative sides that do occur; ance, rise and fall of bad and good cholesteral, liver toxisicty, ect. from there i touched on the dangers when taken by women and young men, and what can happen to your endocrine system if you start to young.

after that i read two excerts from the speech that clayton presented on page one.....i really want to thank you again for that, and want to let you know i properly cited that and gave credit to you before and after i read the two excerts. i didnt try to take credit nor pass it off as my own. thanks again......the two parts i read were the comparison of AAS to street drugs, and the final few paragraphs on your take for the decriminalization of AAS.

i finished up by answering any questions anyone still had. gave all the work and studies i had collected, along with the two excerts i qouted and cited to my professor, then returned to my seat to a standing ovation.

i think my speech went over so well, because everyone was eager to learn. they wanted to know what was true and what was false. and i really impressed them with all the inforamation and case studies that i presented. thier views and perceptions changed a great deal, and i count this a success; even if i get an F for the assignment.

again i want to thank everyone for the support and those that helped out. slow and steady wins the race and one day, we will be victorious.

[garb]

I'm going to do my next term paper over AAS's and i have just about all the work in here lol

Thanks for the info and a good read


good luck with your assignment. if you would like to use some of the info i gave, PM me and ill hook you up with the case studies.