Steroid-Like Drugs Banned

WASHINGTON — The steroid-like drugs that surged in popularity after the homerun-hitting days of Mark McGwire will soon be off the store shelves. President Bush recently signed a law banning sales of certain anabolic drugs.

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 adds 18 substances to the list of banned steroids — including androstenedione, more commonly known as andro.

The new law will create a new grant program that will give $15 million towards education programs to teach children about the dangers of steroids. It also requires a review of federal sentencing guidelines and calls for an increase in the severity of criminal penalties for those caught making, selling or possessing the substances.