Final answer:
The claim that anabolic steroids are natural and depress the central nervous system is false. They are synthetic versions of testosterone and can cause a wide array of harmful side effects. Misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health issues and is banned in professional sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that anabolic steroids are natural drugs that depress functions of the central nervous system is false. In reality, anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone, and they are known primarily for their muscle-building (anabolic) and masculinizing (androgenic) effects. Anabolic steroids are sometimes prescribed by healthcare providers to treat medical conditions such as delayed puberty, muscle loss from certain diseases, or hormonal issues. However, they are infamously misused by some athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance or improve physical appearance, which can lead to a variety of harmful side effects and health risks.
Anabolic steroids act differently from other drugs of abuse because they do not directly trigger a "high" or rapid increases in the chemical dopamine in the brain. Yet, misuse of these substances can lead to a substance use disorder and other serious mental and physical health problems like heart disease, liver damage, mood swings, and changes in physical appearance. It's important to recognize that the misuse of anabolic steroids carries significant risks, and such use is banned by all major collegiate and professional sports organizations due to the unfair advantage they impart and their potential for harm.