Firstly, muscle metabolism and growth is controlled by the classic steroid-hormone binding mechanism. Both anabolic and catabolic hormones (catabolic are the hormones that breakdown muscle tissue) are functioning s by binding to a cell membrane-receptor. When they are attached, they activate a receptor complex so that the hormone can enter the nucleus and bind response elements on DNA to act directly at the genetic level.

This is how all hormones both natural and artificial alter the production of unique proteins in cells. Ultimately this is results from weight lifting exercise. Anabolic Steroids users must intake much higher doses than physiological (normal) levels. Without it they don't have results. But these doses only stimulate growth via the previously mentioned process, for a short period of time. After this, the artificially introduced anabolic steroid exerts its effects mostly by attaching to (and blocking) cortisol receptors.

In no time muscles express more and more cortisol receptors in an effort to keep a natural balance in the body. Therefore bigger and bigger doses are required each steroid cycle just to provide the same anabolic effect. When they stop with using steroids, their muscles contain an abnormally high level of cortisol receptors. They can not avoid that. Therefore, along with the suppression of their own natural production of anabolic hormones, the former steroid user also has to contend with a higher than normal number of cortisol receptors. The end result of going off the juice is always the loss of a substantial amount of hard earned muscle. Just as the saying goes, if you want to dance, you've gotta pay the band!

This is why steroids are an extremely bad solution to a lifelong pursuit. However, there is one more problem. Unfortunately, this one is even more serious.

To Juice Users gains come much easier. Therefore, most of them don't bother with at all with right nutrition and proper and effective exercise program that fits in with a 50 hour work week, the spouse and kids.

Some bodybuilders get so hooked by the gains and the powerful feeling from steroids that they can't stand being in the gym when they're not using. Even the pro bodybuilders find it real tough to train when they're not on the juice. I've got to admit, it would be tough to focus on training when you know that no matter what, you're getting smaller, weaker and fatter.

These are the psychological consequences of steroid abuse and they are far more damaging to persons well being than any of the side-effects the medical profession tries to scare athletes about.

I'll tell you something what you can call real shame. All the scientific research shows that no other type of exercise provides as many direct health benefits as weight training.

Pure and muscle building without drugs is the healthiest past-time a person can devote their time to. If you check, you will see that rapidness of muscle gain steroid users have are not so different from gains you get without them IF you follow proven system that works. When you compare the physiological and psychological aspects I've highlighted, the use of steroids among weight lifters can wreck the healthiest, most beneficial past-time a person can participate in.

Sure, most steroid users are not top sportsman or sportswomen. They may never enter accused of cheating fellow competitors and the respective governing sports organization. Paradox of Anabolic Steroid users is that, most of them will never admit that they are cheating one very, very important person.... themselves