Use of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids by Athletes

To the Editor: We read the Sounding Board article by Hallagan et al. (Oct. 12 issue),¹ on the use of anabolic—androgenic steroids by athletes, with considerable dismay. The authors' assertion that dissemination of “information on the adverse health consequences” of these drugs will be an “effective means of curbing the abuse” is not justified. Over the past three years we have prospectively evaluated educational materials, lectures, and discussions on the adverse and potential performance-enhancing effects of anabolic steroids among high school varsity football players.^2,3 Despite improvement in the knowledge of the untoward consequences of these drugs, there was no alteration…