Anabolic steroids, also known as ‘roids’, produce a very similar effect to that of the male hormone testosterone. Whilst anabolic steroids are frequently used in the medical field to treat muscle weakness after surgery, they are also often abused in weight training and exercise addictions.
Common product names for anabolic steroids include:
- Sustanon 250
- Deca-Durabolin
- Anavar
- Dianabol
- Stanozolol
Anabolic steroids are reported to increased ability in regard to physical exercise, and in addition, to help the body recover from strenuous physical exertion. Due to their effect, anabolic steroids are popular amongst those involved in weight training and fierce physical competitions, including cycling, weightlifting and multiple track and field events.
Anabolic steroids can initiate rapidly in users a physical and psychological addiction. Withdrawal effects can include:
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
The onset of psychological dependence can occur almost immediately. Changes in physicality, if accompanied by intense exercise regimes, can be recognised quickly. The desire to keep seeing results significantly aids the development of a psychological dependence on the drug, causing frequent reliance on steroids in training. This reliance is especially evident in body builders and athletes. Athletes rely on steroids to increase their strength, resulting in accelerated performance in competitions. Once a higher level of performance is achieved, athletes often report a reluctance to stop using steroids, creating a dangerous pattern of using.
Risks associated with anabolic steroid use can include:
- Mood swings, aggression and in extreme cases violent behaviour
- Growth stunting (if used as a adolescent)
- Paranoia, confusion and insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack
- Increased chance of developing problems with the liver, resulting in liver failure
- If injecting risks include spread of HIV and development of viral infections such as hepatitis
Anabolic steroids also pose risks to the individual that are associated with gender.
Risks for males include:
- Erection problems
- Testicles can shrink
- Developing breasts
- Sterility
- Developing severe acne
Risks for females include:
- Developing severe acne
- Facial hair growth
- Voice can deepen
- Breasts can shrink
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Reduction in sex drive
- Menstrual problems
Substance addictions, regardless of the nature of the substance, i.e. recreational or prescribed drugs, can be treated effectively in an appropriate in-patient setting. Treatment clinics are able to provide a supportive environment in which you can learn the strategies and skills to stay in long-term recovery.
