Steroid use among high school students is relatively low, but has increased over time. Student surveys indicate that steroid use among Florida students is slightly below the national rate.
If the Legislature wishes to address the issue of steroid use by high school athletes, options include continuing the policy of local control and decision making as to whether students should be tested, requiring school districts to cover steroid dangers in health and athletic programs, requiring districts to specifically prohibit steroid use in student codes of conduct, and/or mandating random testing of student athletes. While some Florida school districts have implemented drug testing programs for students, none specifically test for steroid use. Steroid testing is expensive, with costs ranging from $50 to $250 per test. Although testing facilities are limited, school districts wishing to conduct such tests could contract for testing services with the National Drug Free Sport, Inc., which conducts drug tests for college athletes, the University of Florida, or private companies.

Steroid Education Programs Are Available, But Most School Districts Still Do Not Test
Report 07-25 April 2007

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.