A Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association random survey found that nearly 1 million teenagers are using performance-enhancing supplements. The insurance company used the results from a random phone survey of nearly 800 teenagers to project this nationwide figure. Researchers blame the media for glamorizing professional athletes' use of such performance-enhancing supplements as creatine for the increase in adolescent use.

Researchers found that creatine was the most abused substance. Approximately one-half of the students surveyed used this amino-acid supplement. There is no definitive data regarding long-term effects of creatine use, yet doctors do know that the substance causes diarrhea and cramping. In addition, kidney problems have been linked to creatine, which is marketed to teens in a variety of "health" snacks, including cookies and candies.

Teens are also using some other performance-enhancing chemicals such as anabolic steroids and the stimulant ephedrine. Anabolic steroids can cause severe health problems, including but not limited to liver and heart failure and emotional problems. Ephedrine has been associated with fatal heart problems.