What’s so bad about a drug that increases muscle mass and helps athletes and bodybuilders hit their peak?
Everything, if you’re talking about anabolic steroids that have been obtained without a legitimate prescription. The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 made obtaining, owning and using anabolic steroids without a prescription akin to having LSD or heroin — and it is punished accordingly. The law also takes aim at synthetic steroids so that manufacturers can’t simply skirt the law with a new drug formula whenever they want. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 placed even more restrictions on anabolic steroids and enhanced the federal penalties for making, selling and possessing them. Many states have followed suit by enacting their own measures against the drugs.
That doesn’t always stop their use, however. Many people obtain anabolic steroids through sources overseas, where the drugs can be obtained legally without a prescription. Others get them through clandestine arrangements with shady physicians who are willing to write prescriptions for steroids even when there’s no legitimate medical need for them. There are even illegal labs that are dedicated to producing the “juice” that many body-conscious people want.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that around 1 million people in this country are illegally using anabolic steroids at any given time — and the authorities in Texas have been cracking down on dealers and users alike.
If you’re caught with anabolic steroids, even those intended for your personal use, you could be facing harsh penalties at either the federal or state level. An experienced drug defense attorney can help you assess your options, protect your rights and negotiate for the best possible outcome of your case. Find out more today.