[plmuscle]

We have to examine this rationally. I have never argued that prescription medication is not harmful; in fact, I hold the converse opinion. The fact is I have discussed medication extensively with physicians. What I have learned is that there is no free ride with prescription drugs. Take prescription ibuprofin for instance, a drug of which I have intimate familiarity. This is an excellent anti-inflamatory, but it will damange internal organs after prolonged use. When I take it I can expect some relief but, concurrently, I know that it will also harm my kidneys and liver. But one would never take this drug without medical necessity. Steroids when prescribed for treatment of illness are in the same category. They will treat illness/symptoms but with a cost. This is a classic trade-off, harmful effects are accepted for a better quality of life, albeit a most likely a shortened one. Steroids will cause harmful effects, and this is a medical fact!

The problem with steroids that are ingested illegally is that they are not taken for treatment of illness. Instead they are taken for the preceived benefit of the user, and this is the same excuse offered by many illegal drug abusers. Self-medication using illegal drugs or prescription drugs illegally has no legal defense. God knows how many times I have heard drug abusers tell me they need pot, sedatives, speed, etc., for their perceived benefit. When I caught them, they went to jail. The fact is they were drug abusers subject to applicable state and federal laws. Steroids abusers fall into this category. If anyone, cops included, take any prescription drug without a prescription, s/he will subject themselves to introduction to the criminal justice system.