In an effort to reverse the trend of increasing use of anabolic steroids by teens and young adults, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and several key national organizations have joined to launch a science-based, multimedia education initiative that explains the hazards of these drugs. Also, researchers from Oregon Health Sciences University will discuss a science-based prevention program they developed that effectively reduced steroid use by high school football players.

WHAT: News Conference

WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, April 14, 2000 (Camera crews may set-up at 9 a.m.)

WHERE: The National Press Club
Holeman Lounge
529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC

WHO: Representatives from NIDA and the Oregon Health Sciences University will discuss recent research related to anabolic steroid abuse.

Each of the following partners in the initiative will make brief statements:

National Collegiate Athletic Association
American College of Sports Medicine
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Association of School Nurses
National Federation of High Schools
International Students in Action
Dr. Drew Pinsky of MTV�s Loveline and drDrew.com

At 1 p.m., NIDA will convene a scientific meeting (open to interested reporters) where researchers will discuss in more detail the history of anabolic steroids, their use, side effects, and effective prevention programs. (An agenda for this meeting follows.)

Note: The news conference will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.videonewswire.com/nida/041400 . Reporters may e-mail questions during the news conference to a temporary e-mail address - steroidconf@nida.nih.gov -- that will be available between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. (ET) on Friday, April 14.

A video news release about the initiative will be distributed via satellite as follows:

Friday, April 14 - 3-3:30 p.m. ET --C-Band - Telstar 6 - Transponder 3 � Downlink Freq. 3760 MHz - Audio 6.2 & 6.8.

Saturday, April 15 - 1:30-1:45 p.m. ET -- C-Band - Telstar 6 - Transponder 12 - Downlink Freq. 3940 MHz - Audio 6.2.& 6.8.

Monday, April 17 - 10:30-10:45 a.m. ET --C-Band - Telstar 6 - Transponder 9 � Downlink Freq. 3880 MHz - Audio 6.2 & 6.8.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world�s research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and other topics can be ordered free of charge in English and Spanish by calling NIDA Infofax at 1-888-NIH-NIDA (644-6432) or 1-888-TTY-NIDA (889-6432) for the deaf. These fact sheets and further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at http://www.drugabuse.gov .

Agenda

"Science, Steroids, and Youth: A Research Roundtable on Anabolic Steroids"

Convened by the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Friday, April 14, 2000
1 p.m. � 5 p.m.

National Press Club
Holeman Lounge
Washington, DC

1:00 Welcome
Alan I. Leshner, PhD
Director
National Institute on Drug Abuse

1:15-1:45 "The Steroid Predicament: History,Epidemiology, and Social Values�
Charles Yesalis, ScD
Penn State University

1:45-2:05 "Sex, Rhythms, and Rage:Bio-behavioral Effects Of Anabolic Steroid Abuse"
Marilyn McGinnis, PhD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine

2:05-2:25 "Steroids, Aggression, and Violence"
Harrison Pope, MD
Harvard University

BREAK

2:45-3:30 "How to Prevent the Use of Anabolic Steroids and Other Drugs Among Adolescent Athletes"
Linn Goldberg, MD
Diane Elliot, MD
Oregon Health Sciences University

3:30-4:30 Putting the Research to Use: Roundtable Discussion

NIDA Press Office Contacts: Beverly Jackson or Michelle Muth at 301-443-6245.