Some individuals use steroids because they perceive that increased muscle mass improves their appearance (Yesalis, 1998). Mottram (1996) has suggested that social norms about "bigger being better," feelings of inadequacy, and low self-esteem may influence the younger generation's use of steroids .

There are many athletes who remain in > denial. O.J still believes he is not guilty; Pete Rose still thinks his > career and reputation smells like one; and Barry the Bomb has told us he was > just using a sophisticated version of Ben Gay? And what about Scott > Peterson, Has he confessed yet? Oops, wrong reference. While Peterson made > lying look like an Olympic event, he’s no athlete. >

Recent evidence suggests that long-time steroid users and steroid abusers may experience the classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms. "Addiction is an extreme of dependency, which may be a psychological, if not physical, phenomena," says Dr. Wadler. "Regardless, there is no question that when regular steroid users stop taking the drug they get withdrawal pains and if they start up again the pain goes away. They have difficulties stopping use even though they know it's bad for them."