The prevalence of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use among brazilian adolescents has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to verify the prevalence of AAS use among high school students of Federal District and identity the major risk factors associated to it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonimous questionnaire was completed by 3830 high school students from public and private schools of Federal District. Comparision of prevalence between groups was made with qui-square test. The confidence interval was 95%. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The pravalence of AAS use was 5.46%, and it was higher among males (10.69%) than females (1.10%)(p<0.01). Prevalence was also higher among private school students (9.10%) than public school students (4.47%), with p<0.01. Among those involved in sports practice, prevalence was 10.77%, and among those non-involved was 1.05% (p<0.01). Mean age of begining of use was 16.15(±1.07) years. Most used drugs were Deca-Durabolin (37.80%), Durateston (31.10%) and Anabol (21.53%). Orientation of use was made by a coleague or friend in 39.23% of cases. The most common reason for AAS use was to have a better looking body, in 39.23% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, prevalence of AAS use was higher among male adolescents. Those involved in sports practice and private school students were also at higher risk of AAS use, and main reason for AAS use was to improve appearance. Data suggest that preventive measures against AAS use among adolescents should be undertaken, specially in greater risk groups.