Steroids
Steroids, also called anabolic steroids, are synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone. These drugs are taken as a way to enhance athletic performance, increase muscle size, and/or reduce fat. Street names include "roids" or "juice". Common steroids taken by individuals include anadrol, oxandrin, dianabol, decadurbolin, and equipoise. Steroids can be taken through various routes. They may be taken as pills, injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, pellet implantation, or used transdermally (i.e. gels or patches). Pills are the most common routes of administration. Steroids are considered Controlled Substances and as such must be prescribed by a physician. People who abuse steroids generally take doses 10 to 100 times higher than that prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.
Abusers will often take steroids in one of two ways. One technique is called "stacking". "Stacking" refers to the use of two or more different steroids sometimes combining oral steroids with injectible steroids. Another technique is called "pyramiding". "Pyramiding" refers to increasing the dose and frequency or number of steroids over time and then at mid-cycle beginning to gradually reduce the amount, frequency, or number of steroids until the dose is back to zero. These cycles may be repeated or alternated with periods where the person exercises without the drugs. Neither of these techniques' perceived benefits have been scientifically proven. Steroids can cause long-term physical damage.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Steroid abuse is different from the abuse of other illicit substances, like marijuana or heroin, in that it does not produce the euphoria usually seen accompanied with other drugs. Instead, its attraction is the ability to change physical appearance and athletic performance, characteristics that are valuable to many adolescents and athletes.
Physical Risks
- Short stature - if taken by adolescents
- Tendon rupture
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Liver cancer
- Peliosis hepatic - blood filled cysts in the liver which can rupture and cause internal bleeding
- Severe acne
- Oily scalp
- Jaundice
- Fluid retention
- HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C - from dirty needles
- For Men:
- Infertility
- Gynecomastia - breast development
- Shrinking of the testicles
- Male-pattern baldness
- For Women:
- Excessive growth of body hair
- Male-pattern baldness
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Deepening of the voice
- Menstrual irregularities
Possible Mental Health and Behavioral Risks
- Increased potential for rage and/or aggression - "roid rage"
- Irritability
- Mania
- Delusions
- Impaired judgment
- Nervousness
- Depression
Legal Risks
Steroids are placed under Schedule III or the Controlled Substances Act, therefore, it is illegal to possess or sell anabolic steroids. Only medicinal uses are allowed with a valid doctor's prescription. Simple possession of illicit steroids can have legal repercussions including jail time. Steroids are often smuggled from countries that do not require a prescription by a doctor or they may be illegally taken from U.S. pharmacies or sometimes synthesized in illegal laboratories. Physical assault, armed robbery, vandalism, or theft have been reported by some steroid abusers.
