re: Bieber's actions blamed on steroid use (Clenbuterol)

Let me see if I can refute your "not worse than" assertion in a way you can understand. Steroids target nuclear receptors, which means they have several barriers to overcome in order to reach their target. Generally speaking, the greasier (carbon to noncarbon ratio) the steroid, the better. Unfortunately, greasy drugs need to be made less greasy/more soluble for clearance. Most of this happens in the liver; hence, greater liver toxicity. Also, lifting weights naturally increases bone density and strengthens muscle attachment points to bones (ligaments,tendons). Anabolic steroids cause muscle growth and strength to outpace this natural process, which leads to an increase in bone and joint damage.