n sources, doctors, friends, mail-order firms and the black market. Most of the drugs come form underground laboratories in the U.S. and foreign countries, mainly Mexico. Also, steroids that originate in such labs often contain unknown ingredients. Physicians account for only a very small percent of illicit steroid traffic. A study of steroid users who competed in the 1987 national championships of the U.S. Powerlifting Federation found that 73 percent identified the "Black Market" as their drug source. Through investigations conducted since 1985, the Justice Department and the FDA have observed significant changes in the distribution of steroids. At the beginning, people without prior criminal records diverted legally produced steroids of domestic origin to black market channels. Next came smuggling into the U.S of steroids manufactured abroad; domestic production of counterfeit steroids in underground labs; and finally, the black market in steroids operates in all parts of the country. Less is known about the ways athletes obtain other major performance-enhancing drugs. Limited amounts of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) are available from illicit sources for $500 to $1'500 per unit, a price range that reflects the great gap between supply and demand. There are three main reasons why so little of the drug finds it way into the black market. First, the technical knowledge required to make HGH is not widely diffused, even within the pharmaceutical industry. Second, building a facility to produce the drug illegally would be prohibitively expensive. Finally, the company's strict distribution controls have been highly effective so far. (Athletes and Drugs)In conclusion, drug in professional athletics is a major problem facing society today. Not only are the athletes themselves at fault, but coaches, trainers and even owner push the use of illegal drugs to new highs every day. This problem needs to be remedied, and reme...
