I think you are at some level of risk no matter what you take, and that is why the up most precautions should be taken when using AAS. I do not believe in the media hype that these risks are unmanageable as well as abundant and beyond control as "they" would have you believe. That's why proper research is so important before you ever begin a cycle of gear...I spent several years and countless hours reading up on gear before I ever cycled, and at times I still feel like I've just brushed the surface as to all there is to learn.
Ones diet is also very, very important, it should be of importance even if you are a natural trainer, but if AAS is your path I believe it should take an even higher role in your plan. A diet that is made up of "healthy" foods, a diet that does not result in large amounts of trans fats, a diet that is not plagued with sodium, and I diet that has a large quantity of water are all important factors in a successful AAS cycle regimen. Foods that tend to promote health problems such as heart disease or high-blood pressure should be eaten very seldom...I prefer to stay away from these things all together. Last but not least, probably more important then the rest is alcohol consumption. It is often touted that alcohol in moderate amounts is part of a healthy lifestyle, but I believe the negative effects outweigh the positive. The effects alcohol has on one's metabolism should be enough to keep any aspiring BB away from alcohol, but you also put a lot of undue stress on your liver that is completely avoidable and unnecessary. You should never drink while on cycle, and I mean never. I think if you are off cycle and you want to have 1 or 2 drinks once in a blue moon that this is fine...as for myself these 1 or 2 drinks happen once maybe twice a year.
Last thing, AAS affects everyone a little differently, so in the end trial and error will be your best friend. I know at first glance that sounds kind of sucky but it is the truth. No one ever said that the "dark side" was a perfect path, but with proper planning in all aspects, training, diet, supplements, etc, it can be a very enjoyable path to follow.
