Why are AAS illegal and cigarettes and booze legal?

[Metalject]

People who use steroids are typically healthier and take less prescription medications.

People who drink alcohol and smoke are typically unhealthy and take more prescription medications.

And that's the reason steroids are controlled substances in the U.S.

[austinite]

People who use steroids are typically healthier and take less prescription medications.

People who drink alcohol and smoke are typically unhealthy and take more prescription medications.

And that's the reason steroids are controlled substances in the U.S.

I agree that the state of health is worse in alcoholics and smokers, however, this should not be translated as steroid users being healthy (not that you said that, just making a point). The majority of steroid users are completely irresponsible. I feel comfortable saying over 95% of user are irresponsible and therefore, unhealthy.

[Metalject]

I agree that the state of health is worse in alcoholics and smokers, however, this should not be translated as steroid users being healthy (not that you said that, just making a point). The majority of steroid users are completely irresponsible. I feel comfortable saying over 95% of user are irresponsible and therefore, unhealthy.

I agree that many steroid users are irresponsible with their steroid use. However, I also believe responsible use is often in the eye of the beholder. I believe you and I have gone back and forth on this before. That said, there was a great research article several years back on this topic of health. I cannot remember off hand where it was from but I'll try to dig it up. The study found that most steroid users took fewer prescription drugs than non-steroid users, called in sick less often than non-steroid users, went to the emergency room less often than non-steroid users and a few other related things.

Does the above mean they're outright healthier than non-steroid users? Well, I think most (not all) steroid users typically eat healthier than non-steroid users. Most all exercise regularly, whereas most non-steroid users do not. There was another interesting study a few years back that Rick Collins was a part of that found steroid users drink far less and partake in recreational drugs far less often than non-steroid users. Again, does this make them healthier? These things definitely aren't working against the steroid user, that much is certain. Sure, they may have health issues the non-steroid users doesn't experience as often later on, but there's really no hard proof of this one way or the other in terms of what people often deem "legitimate studies" other than the vast majority of bodybuilders from the last 50+ years have lived fairly normal and generally healthy lives.

Another slightly related tid bit I found interesting from the Collins study. It found the vast majority of steroid users were far less likely to have been in a fraternity in college. As I think most would agree, those who are in college fraternities are more often than not the epitome of young irresponsible behavior but something in the mind set of a future steroid user is different. And I say future steroid user because the study found the vast majority of steroid users are in their 30's and not teens or those in their early 20's as often portrayed. Anyway, slightly off-topic but somewhat relevant IMO.