[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]STEROIDS[/FONT]
What are steroids?
- Although the proper term is anabolic-androgenic steroids, they are commonly referred to as anabolic steroids**
- Anabolic steroids are synthetic male hormones (androgens).
- Anabolic steroids promote growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects).
- Currently there are more than 100 different types of anabolic steroids, each requiring a prescription to be used legally in the United States.
- Most illegal steroids are smuggled from other countries, diverted from pharmacies, and made in underground laboratories.
- The primary uses of anabolic steroids are to treat delayed puberty, acme types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by disease.
- Athletes and others abuse anabolic-androgenic steroids to enhance performance and improve their physical appearance.
Methods of Use
Anabolic Steroids are taken:
- Orally
- Injected into a muscle
- Rubbed on the skin in the form of a gel or cream
**Anabolic steroids are typically taken in cycles of weeks or months (this is known as cycling) rather than continuously**
Cycling consists of taking doses over a specific amount of time, stopping for a period of time, and starting again.
Street Names for Anabolic Steroids
- Gym Candy
- Pumpers
- Stackers
- A's
- Anabolics
- Roids
- Balls
- Bulls
- Gear
- Juice
Reasons for Steroid Abuse
- To improve athletic performance
- To increase muscle size
- To reduce body fat
Hazards of Steroid Use
Some effects of anabolic steroid abuse are permanent and fatal. Major effects of abusing anabolic steroids include:
- Liver tumors
- Kidney tumors
- Jaundice
- Fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Increases in LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Decreases in HDL (good cholesterol)
- Severe acne
- Trembling
- Enlarged facial bones
- Stunted height
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bone pain
- Muscle cramps
- Blood clotting difficulties
Gender Specific Effects
For Men:
- Shrinking of testicles
- Reduce sperm count
- Infertility
- Pattern baldness
- Development of breasts
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
For Women:
- Growth of facial and body hair
- Changes in or cessation of menstrual cycle
- Pattern baldness
- Deepened voices
*People who inject anabolic steroids run the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis*
Psychological Effects of Anabolic Steroid Use
- Depression
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of interest or energy for everyday life
- Aggressive, violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Manic episodes
Withdrawal Symptoms of Anabolic Steroid Use
- Mood Swings
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Loss of Appetite
- Insomnia
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Depression
** The depression caused by anabolic steroid use can lead to suicide attempts and if left untreated, can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the drugs**
Source:
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (www.dea.com)
- NIDA Notes
- NIDA InfoFacts
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Community Bulletin Alert
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Research Report Series
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
