ANABOLIC STEROIDS JUST THE FACTS Report #5 - 6/28/00 Anabolic steroids are widely abused drugs that promote protein synthesis and decrease protein catabolism in muscle cells. They have been also called performance enhancing drugs because of their ability to dramatically aid the increase of strength, endurance and recovery in athletes. Recent statistics report that over 3 million athletes and bodybuilders in this country alone have used anabolic steroids. A recent Sports Illustrated article has stated that 90% of professional athletes have taken some form of illegal performance enhancing drugs. This is amidst a vast array of scare tactics, steroid testing, new anti anabolic ster