FAQs

“The use of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids is dangerous and it sends the wrong message that there are shortcuts to accomplishment. And that performance is more important than character,”

President George W. Bush, 2004 State of the Union Address.

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• What are anabolic steroids?
  Anabolic steroids are a man-made synthetic derivative of testosterone (the male sex hormone). Testosterone is responsible for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for the maintenance of secondary sex characteristics which include growth and maturation of the prostate, seminal vesicles, penis, and scrotum. These drugs can be legally prescribed to treat conditions resulting from steroid hormone deficiency, such as delayed puberty, but also body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass.
• Are anabolic steroids illegal?
  Yes.

  Steroids are classified as controlled substances and carry with them felony charges for simple possession in most states. Whether you are charged with the intent to distribute or simple possession, you might as well be dealing or using crack cocaine in the eyes of the law. Authorities make arrests at traffic stops, border crossings, and through mail interceptions (mail order is a major avenue used in black market distribution). Steroids are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act of the Federal Government.

  Potential legal problems, the mark of a felony conviction, are side effects of steroids that should not be overlooked.

• What are the side effects of using anabolic steroids?

  Physical Effects

  • Musculoskeletal System
    • Bones stop growing
  • Cardiovascular system
    • Water and salt retention = high blood pressure
    • Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
    • Blood clotting disorders
  • Skin
    • Balding
    • Acne (really bad acne!) on the back, shoulders and chest
    • Oily skin
    • Puffy cheeks
  • Gastrointestinal system
    • Liver cysts / liver cancer
  • Hypertension
  • Increased chance of injury to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
  • Jaundice, trembling, aching joints
  • Bad Breath
  • Users can become addicted

  Boys

  • Gynecomastia (Grow breasts)
  • Testicular atrophy
  • Low sperm count
  • Impotence / Sterility
  • Prostate growth
  • Cancer
  • Premature balding

  Girls

  • Male body hair (e.g., beard)
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Deepened voice
  • Irregular periods
  • Breast shrinkage
  • Potential birth defects
  • Enlarged clitoris

  Psychological Effects

  • “Roid Rage”-increased aggressiveness, anger and hostility, which may progress to violence
  • Reckless behavior
  • Feelings of inadequacy
  • Restlessness
  • Psychosis
  • Decrease libido
  • Depression (serious enough to cause suicidal thoughts)
  • Mood Swings
  • Psychological Addiction

  Steroids and the Heart

  Long-term use of anabolic steroids appears to weaken the heart, and it is not clear if this weakening is reversible, researchers say.

  In a small but alarming new study, middle-aged weight lifters who took steroids for roughly a decade showed evidence of impaired heart pumping function that was not seen in weight lifters who did not take steroids.

  The finding suggests that many years of anabolic steroid use weakens the heart more than has been previously recognized, says cardiologist and study researcher Aaron L. Baggish, MD, of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

  It may also have important public health implications because the use of steroids to improve sports performance is no longer the exclusive domain of a small group of elite athletes.

  Steroids use is now common in fighting sports, such as boxing and mixed martial arts, in addition to weight lifting, Baggish says.

  Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced drugs that mimic the naturally occurring male sex hormone testosterone, which builds muscle.

  “Steroid use in the general public wasn’t really an issue until the late 1980s or even the mid-1990s,” Baggish tells WebMD. “Even now, when we hear about steroids it’s because a professional baseball player or cyclist has taken them. But the vast majority of steroid use is now happening among casual athletes who work 9-to-5 jobs.”

  In an effort to better understand the impact of long-term anabolic steroid use on the heart, Baggish and colleagues performed heart function testing on 12 weight lifters who took steroids and seven who did not take the drugs.

  The average age of the study participants was 40, and the steroid users had taken the drug for an average of nine years. The two groups were similar with respect to duration of weight lifting, total physical activity level, and weight, but the steroid users had more muscle mass than nonusers.

  Doppler echo cardiography ultrasound was used to examine blood flow through the heart.

  In most of the steroid users, the heart’s main pumping chamber, known as the left ventricle, showed evidence of weakness during contraction.

  A healthy left ventricle pumps 55% to 70% of the blood that fills the heart. This measurement is known as ejection fraction.

  Ten of the 12 steroid users had ejection fractions of less than 55%, which has been linked to an increased risk for heart failure and sullen cardiac arrest.

  Only one of the seven weight lifters with no history of steroid use had a low ejection fraction.
  The steroid users also showed evidence of impaired diastolic function, which is the ability of the left ventricle to relax and fill with blood following contraction.

  Left ventricle relaxation was reduced by almost half among steroid users compared to nonusers.

  The study appears in the latest (4/2010) issue of the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Heart Failure. It was originally intended as a pilot study, but the findings were so striking the researchers decided they needed to be published.

  Steroids and the Kidneys

  Athletes who use anabolic steroids may seriously damage their kidneys, according to new findings presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Renal Week conference (3/2010).

  “Athletes who use anabolic steroids and the doctors caring for them need to be aware of the potentially serious risks to the kidney,” said lead investigator Leal Herlitz, MD, Assistant Professor of Pathology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

  Reports of professional athletes who abuse anabolic steroids are increasingly common. Most people know that using steroids is not good for their health, but until now their effects on the kidneys have not been known.

  Dr. Herlitz and her colleagues recently conducted the first study describing injury to the kidneys following long-term abuse of anabolic steroids. They studied a group of 10 bodybuilders (six Caucasians and four Hispanics) who used steroids for many years and experienced proteinuria and severe reductions in kidney function.

  The men were seen between 1999 and 2009 and had highly muscular physiques. All were long-term anabolic androgenic steroid abusers, had proteinuria of 1g/day or greater, and a renal biopsy diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The average BMI was 34.7 kg/m2 (range: 27-43). The men presented with proteinuria (mean 10.1 g/day, range 1.3- 26.3 g/day) and renal insufficiency (mean serum creatinine 3.0 mg/dL, range: 1.3- 7.8 mg/dL). Five men presented with full nephritic syndrome.

  It is well known that FSGS typically occurs when the kidneys are overworked. The kidney damage observed in this group of bodybuilders had similarities to that seen in morbidly obese patients, but appeared to be even more severe. Renal biopsy revealed FSGS in nine of the patients; four of the nine patients also had glomerulomegaly. One patient had glomerulomegaly alone. Three biopsies showed collapsing lesions of FSGS and four had perihilar lesions. Seven of the 10 men had tubular atrophy of 40% or greater and interstitial fibrosis.

  “It is important to recognize that all the people in this series were long-term abusers, ranging from eight to 20 years of use,” explained Dr. Herlitz, who presented study findings at the 2009 Renal Week conference here. “So, it is unlikely that someone who uses for a few months is going to be significantly harmed. I really have no basis for estimating the prevalence of this problem and I’m hoping that this study will bring attention to the issue so that people will be aware of the entity and we can start to better understand who is affected and why.”

  Follow-up data were available for eight of the 10 patients. The mean follow-up was 2.2 years. One patient progressed rapidly to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and seven patients received renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade. One of these seven also received corticosteroid therapy. All seven patients who received RAS blockade discontinued anabolic androgenic steroids and reduced their exercise regimens. They also lost weight and had a stabilization or improvement in serum creatinine and a decrease in proteinuria.

  Although the bodybuilders who discontinued steroid use experienced improvement in their kidney abnormalities, one individual with advanced kidney disease progressed to ESRD and required dialysis. One subject started taking steroids again and suffered a relapse, developing progressive proteinuria and renal insufficiency.

  Compared with historical controls who had obesity-related glomerulopathy, FSGS in these bodybuilders was a more severe form of the disease with higher creatinine and proteinuria levels at presentation. These patients also tended to have more glomerular and tubulointerstitial scarring.

  The researchers proposed that extreme increases in muscle mass require the kidneys to increase their filtration rate, placing harmful levels of stress on the kidneys. “As in obese patients, the increased strain on the kidney from the elevated body mass leads to hyperfiltration injury,” Dr. Herlitz explained.

  It is also likely that steroids have direct toxic effects on the kidneys. “Numerous animal models have shown adverse effects of androgens on the kidneys and we believe that the anabolic steroids themselves may be directly nephrotoxic,” she said.

• Am I addicted to steroids?
  Question One of my friends sat me down and told me that, in his opinion, I’m a drug addict. He thinks it’s so serious that I need to go into a treatment program. He wasn’t talking about meth, crack or heroin, because I don’t use those drugs. I drink moderately, smoke marijuana occasionally, and sometimes use poppers when I’m having sex. I don’t have a problem with any of those things.

  What he was talking about was my anabolic steroid use. I’ve been on the juice for five years, and it’s made a huge change in my life. I used to be a skinny guy even though I worked out regularly. But since starting steroids, I’ve gained twenty-five pounds, all of it muscle. I get a lot more attention from guys, I’m more sexually confident, and I have all the sex I can handle.

  I use it in cycles, twelve weeks on and twelve weeks off – basically to keep my balls from shrinking. I don’t like the ‘off’ periods. I get depressed and tired more easily. I miss the energy boost and the buzz, and feeling horny all the time. I’ll admit that sometimes I cheat and start the ‘on’ cycle early. That’s one reason my friend says I’m addicted. He also thinks my personality has changed. He says I’m more difficult to be around and harder to get along with. I know steroids have changed me, but frankly, I like most of the changes, and I’ve never thought of these chemicals as addictive.

  Am I wrong? Could my friend be right? Answer: One simple slogan which can help clarify if you are addicted to any drug is “If it’s causing problems, it is a problem.”

  Are steroids causing problems in your life? Judging by what you write, you’re currently aware of some downsides, but at this point you feel that the cost/benefit ratio is definitely tilted in your favor. If that’s true, you probably have little incentive to stop using them, which makes the question whether you’re addicted somewhat academic. But to answer your question, yes, your friend could be right.

  When most people think of drug addicted they think of abuse of opiates or uppers, and in my experience, most gay men who use steroids see themselves as very different from tweakers or crack heads. But for some people there may be more similarities than they like to admit. According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse: “An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers become addicted to the drugs, as evidenced by their continuing to take steroids in spite of physical problems, negative effects on social relations, or nervousness and irritability. Also, they spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and the desire to take more steroids. The most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms is depression, because it sometimes leads to suicide attempts.
  Steroids have legitimate medical uses, such as combating HIV-related wasting. But they can also have destructive physical effects. Some of these, like acne, oily hair/skin, and baldness, may seem minor compared with the benefits. But other effects aren’t so benign. Steroid abuse can drastically increase cholesterol levels and has been associated with cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, even in athletes as young as 30. It’s also been associated with liver problems, including cancer.

  I also wonder if you may be experiencing negative psychological effects, that you aren’t noticing. There’s no doubt that steroids make a lot of guys feel more manly, which is a highly valued effect for many gay men who have been repeatedly told that they can’t ever be Real Men. And there’s no denying that the juice makes some men a lot more sexually successful. For those who believe that their bodies are what matters most about them, and that sexual attractiveness is the measure of all things, that’s all they need to know. Thanks to chemistry, we can now live for decades like horny 18-year-olds. But is that really what we want to do?

  Basic questions about what is of value in our lives are involved here. I’ve watched many steroid users take more risks, become more confident, hotter, bolder, and more aggressive. But are there subtler pleasures and satisfactions in this life that they’re missing in doing that? Have you observed steroids make anyone kinder, more compassionate, more peaceful, more appreciative of beauty, more generous? I haven’t. In fact, I believe these qualities often suffer, even atrophy, in all too many guys. I’ve watched too many people become more angry and irritable, less patient with delays and frustrations, and sometimes more prone to abusive behavior. Is any of this happening to you? Maybe your friend is trying to give you valuable information about how steroids are affecting your friendships and your capacity for nonsexual intimacy. What, exactly, does he mean when he says that you’re more difficult get along with now? If I were you, I would listen very carefully to what he’s saying. Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is tommoon.net.

• Am I hooked on steroids?
  Although they are not physically addictive, steroids are most definitely psychologically addictive. To find out if you are a steroid junkie, take the following quiz. Four or more YES answers mean you’ve got yourself a very serious problem.
  • Have you been regularly using steroids and other bodybuilding drugs for at least two years or more?
  • Have you been on two or more drug cycles in the past six months?
  • Are you stacking your bodybuilding drugs by taking three or more different drugs at the same time?
  • Have you had problems like blood in the urine or semen, sharp back or abdominal pains, inability to get an erection, pains in your chest, light-headedness, uncontrollable rage, and still you continue to use steroids?
  • Have you encouraged other bodybuilders to use steroids and perhaps even sold drugs to them?
  • Do you stay on “light” dosages between regular cycles because you’re convinced that complete cessation will make you lose all of your steroid gains?
  • Do you continue to use bodybuilding drugs even if your wife or girlfriend has begged you to quit?
  • Have you tried to quit several times only to go back again?
  • Do you continue to use steroids even though you have numerous injuries from lifting super heavy weights?
  • Are you spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year on steroids while your bills continue to mount?

  Information provided courtesy of Athletes Against Steroids (http://www.athletesagainststeroids.org/)

• Are steroids any more dangerous for teens than for adults?
  Yes. In addition to the standard list of side effects, teens can face further side effects from steroids including the permanent stunting of growth. The use of anabolic steroids by teens in pursuit of muscle can only be characterized by immaturity and stupidity. Even the most ardent of steroid supporters will typically vehemently advise against steroid use before a person reaches their mid-twenties and the natural growth process has been fully completed. Using before the growth process is completed can actually condemn a young person to never even reaching his natural genetic potential as growth plates are permanently closed. And this may be the least worrisome of the dangers associated with use at a young age.
• Are steroids sold on the street “real” steroids?
  Not always. >Because legal steroids are difficult to attain and because there is a huge demand for their potential benefits, a black market has developed marketing both authentic but illegally obtained steroids as well as counterfeit versions of the drugs. It is estimated by many that more than half of the steroids on the black market are counterfeit. These drugs, often indistinguishable from the real thing to even the well-trained eye, present additional danger to users. Manufactured in underground labs, outside of safe pharmaceutical practices, these drugs can become contaminated creating additional health risks. Dosage levels are impossible to accurately determine and therefore “safe as possible” use by even the most knowledgeable of users is compromised. Often times, substances sold as steroids aren’t really steroids at all. You can pay a lot of money for vitamins.
• Can you spot a steroid user?
  According to Dr. Harrison Pope of Harvard University, “the unique thing about steroids is that a trained eye can spot a user when they are walking in the door. “Physical changes resulting from anabolic steroid use may include:
  • Rapid weight gain (Rapid increase in muscle mass)
  • Small red or purplish acne, including breakouts on the shoulders and back
  • Unusually greasy hair or oily skin
  • Changes in breast size
    • Boys: Gynecomastia (the abnormally excessive development of the breast tissue in males)
    • Girls: Decrease in breast size
  • Females:
    • Deeper voice
    • Hair growth on face
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Thinning hair throughout the head or receding hairline (male pattern baldness)
  • Aggression, hostility, and irritability
  • Blood spots on underwear (from injection sites)
  • Increased length and thickness in hair (on body parts other than the head)
  • Jaundice or yellowing of the skin (this may signal liver damage)
  • Skin eruptions and infections, such as abscesses and cysts
  • Drastic appetite shifts (extreme hunger or lessened/loss of appetite)
  • Disrupted sleep patterns (not sleeping well or sleeping too much)
  • Fluid level changes, bloating (face & body), and night sweating
  • Dizziness, trembling, nausea or vomiting
  • Hyperactivity or lethargy (too little energy)
  • Trouble urinating; discoloration or blood in urine
• Do steroids cause permanent damage?
  Yes. Use of anabolic steroids can overall shorten life expectancy. They are very damaging to the body and cause lasting and/or life-threatening results.
• How can I get help?
  Call the Drug Help National Hotline at 800-378-4435 for guidance and confidential advice. Talk to an adult: parents, doctor, coaches or school nurse.
• How many high school students are using anabolic steroids?
  Many experts agree that about 5-6% of US students have admitted that they have used anabolic steroids. That is somewhere between 800,000 to one million kids. Many are surprised to learn that the fastest growing group of users is young teen females. These numbers do not include those kids that are unknowingly ingesting anabolic steroids that are found in some dietary supplements. Two recent studies have revealed that about 20% of dietary supplements (of the sort used by athletes and bodybuilders) are contaminated (spiked) with anabolic steroids. And, since 12-20% of high school students report that they use these dietary supplements, we believe the real number of anabolic steroid users is much higher than the 5-6% number indicated in the first paragraph.
• Is Creatine a safe supplement?
  Many athletes take nutritional supplements instead of or in addition to performance-enhancing drugs. Supplements are available over-the-counter as powders or pills. The most popular supplement among athletes is probably creatine monohydrate. Creatine is a naturally occurring compound produced by your body that helps your muscles release energy. Scientific research indicates that creatine may have some athletic benefit by producing small gains in short-term bursts of power. Its benefits include:
  • Helping muscles make and circulate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which stores and transports energy in cells, and is used for quick, explosive bursts of activity, as in weight lifting or sprinting
  • Delaying muscle fatigue

  There’s no evidence that creatine enhances performance in aerobic or endurance sports.

  Your liver produces about 0.07 ounces (2 grams) of creatine each day. You also get creatine from the meat in your diet. Creatine is stored in your muscles, and levels are relatively easily maintained. Because your kidneys remove excess creatine, the value of supplements to someone who already has adequate muscle creatine content is questionable. Risks Supplements are considered food and not drugs by the FDA. This means supplement manufacturers are not required to conform to the same production safety standards as drug manufacturers do. It is common to find supplements that have been diluted or contaminated with other substances, which may inadvertently lead to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

  Possible side effects of creatine that can decrease athletic performance include:

  • Stomach cramps
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight gain

  Weight gain is sought after by athletes who want to increase their size. But with prolonged creatine use, weight gain is more likely the result of water retention than an increase in muscle mass. Water is drawn into your muscle tissue, away from other parts of your body. This puts you at risk of dehydration.

  High-dose creatine use may potentially damage your:

  • Kidneys
  • Liver

  It appears safe for adults to use creatine at the doses recommended by manufacturers. But it’s unknown what kind of effect taking creatine has over the long term, especially in teens or younger children. The American College of Sports Medicine advises against taking creatine if you’re under 18 years old.

  Answer provided by Mayo Clinic Staff

• Is it okay for females to take anabolic steroids?
  Research shows women use Anabolic Steroids for reasons that are quite different from those of men, although there is often some overlap. Not only are the reasons different but the risks and side effects associated with female steroid usage are also different than men. Use of anabolic steroids is more dangerous for women and girls because the female body is simply not equipped for exogenous male hormone intake. Steroids are synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. They possess an anabolic effect (muscle and strength building) and are androgenic, meaning (they affect sexual characteristics). Steroids are used to make men manlier, and for this single reason, steroids are far more potentially harmful for females to use than males. When introduced to the female endocrine system, anabolic steroids create a serious jolt. Steroid use by women is not only dangerous, but it’s really unnecessary. Many women believe that since men possess greater testosterone levels, and get bigger and stronger with anabolic steroids, that they will require considerably more of these drugs to achieve similar results. Since muscle size and strength does not increase in a manner directly proportionate to the amount of male hormone within the body, the theory is technically false. In fact, studies have shown that women get considerable anabolic benefit out of dosages that are only a fraction of those needed by men. Thus, even those women who detrimentally decide to risk their health by using male hormones have no business taking them in large quantities. The female body is simply not equipped for the administration of anabolic steroids. Steroids are very powerful messengers that signal cells to behave in very specific ways, many of which never become outwardly visible, making the exact extent of the harm unknown to the female user. Although type, dosage, and duration play significant roles in the severity of negative effects, even a one-time cycle (use over a specific time period) at very low doses can cause irreversible damage even well after the cycle is completed. Adverse physical conditions can and do occur in women using anabolic steroids. Virilization is the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. This set of anatomical structures and features unique to males and females that are not directly related (and therefore secondary) to the production of sex cells. Most virilization is produced by androgens, any natural or synthetic compound (including steroids) that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. Some negative side effects of taking steroids are permanent and others can go away, at least partially, when the drug is discontinued. Some of these side effects can include, but aren’t limited to, deepening of the voice, increased body hair (including the growth of dark facial hair), loss of scalp hair, liver or kidney damage, oily skin, acne, facial pore enlargement, clitoral enlargement, decreased breast size, and increased levels of LDL cholesterol.
• Is it safe to take the “natural” steroids sold at health food stores?
  So-called “natural” steroids, which are sold as over-the-counter supplements at many health food stores, aren’t safe. Because natural steroids contain “natural” substances that aren’t chemically altered, they can be marketed as dietary supplements — which are subject to limited regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. Still, they can have the same harmful effects as synthetic steroids. Although prescription steroids have legitimate medical uses, it’s important to remember that steroids of any type have significant risks. When used inappropriately, steroids can cause various long-lasting or irreversible health problems. If you’re hoping to increase strength and build muscle, don’t count on “natural” steroids or other medications. Eat a healthy diet and include regular strength training in your workout routine.

  Answer: Edward R. Laskowski, MD, Mayo Clinic

• What can parents do to combat steroid use?
  Recent surveys of boys and girls in schools across North America have brought up a number of factors that raise concern for present-day scholars. One of them is the serious issue of steroid use who are involved in high-level sport. Much of the steroid use is happening clandestinely, and it would seem that in many cases parents are not aware of the purchase and use of the steroids by their child. It therefore becomes critical that parents are well-informed about the issues around steroids, and talk freely and openly with their children. So what can you as a parent do to combat steroid use? Firstly, be informed, talk about steroids openly with your children. There is a good deal of literature around at the moment, and plenty of information on this web site which can be used as a good starting point for any parent trying to find out more about this topic. Be aware of the signs of steroid use. The signs range from a number of physical clues and a number of behavioral changes. Espouse the values of fair play in all you and your family do. Steroid use is essentially cheating, and this needs to be spelt out in all the discussions you have with your children. Help build self-esteem, and play down unrealistic self-image and performance expectations. Teenage years are complex from a psychological point of view. Parents have a massive role to play in molding a child’s acceptance and confidence in who they are. Central to this is the importance of parents not putting pressure on their children to perform or bring home headline sporting achievements. Reinforce that it is better to play fair than to win at all costs. You have to be a formidable presence in your kid’s life (because there are a million other outside influences).If you suspect that things are getting out of hand, you must confront your child. These are serious issues, with ramifications that could affect your children for the rest of their lives, so act quickly.

  Then, explore alternatives, and seek professional help if necessary. Anticipate that this will be a difficult path to walk with your child, as they will be rethinking decisions that they have already taken. It is vital that you stay involved in their lives, no matter what, and love them unconditionally!

  We need to take a stand against cheating and a win-at-all-costs mentality.

  Should you come across a teacher, coach, trainer or anyone else who encourages the use of steroids please contact your local law enforcement agencies.

• What do anabolic steroids look like, and how are they used?
  Anabolic steroids come in the form of tablets, capsules, a solution for injection and a cream or gel to rub into the skin. Weight lifters, bodybuilders and athletes who use steroids often take doses that are up to 100 times greater than those used to treat medical conditions. Regimented methods of taking steroids are believed to enhance the effects of these drugs and lessen harm to the body. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. Such methods include the following:
  • Cycling: a period of taking and then not taking the drugs in the belief that the drug-free cycle allows the body to recover normal hormone levels
  • Pyramiding: taking doses in cycles of six to 12 weeks, starting with a low dose, then slowly increasing it, and then decreasing the amount to zero, believing this allows the body time to adjust to the high doses
  • Stacking: taking two or more types of steroids, mixing oral and injectable forms, believing the different drugs interact to have greater effect.
• What effects do anabolic steroids have on behavior?
  Case reports and small studies indicate that anabolic steroids, particularly in high doses, increase irritability and aggression. Some steroid abusers report that they have committed aggressive acts, such as physical fighting, committing armed robbery, or using force to obtain something. Some abusers also report that they have committed property crimes, such as stealing from a store, damaging or destroying others’ property, or breaking into a house or a building. Abusers who have committed aggressive acts or property crimes generally report that they engage in these behaviors more often when they take steroids than when they are drug-free. Some researchers have suggested that steroid abusers may commit aggressive acts and property crimes not because of steroids’ direct effects on the brain but because the abusers have been affected by extensive media attention to the link between steroids and aggression. According to this theory, the abusers are using this possible link as an excuse to commit aggressive acts and property crimes. Anabolic steroids have been reported also to cause other behavioral effects, including euphoria, increased energy, sexual arousal, mood swings, distractibility, forgetfulness, and confusion. In the studies in which researchers administered high steroid doses to volunteers, a minority of the volunteers developed behavioral symptoms that were so extreme as to disrupt their ability to function in their jobs or in society. In a few cases, the volunteers’ behavior presented a threat to themselves and others.

  Source: About.com

• What happens when you stop using anabolic steroids?
  Withdrawal from using anabolic steroids is very dangerous and should be supervised by a medical doctor.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, headaches, anxiety, and depression.
  • Theses withdrawals are so serious that it can lead to suicide attempts. These feelings can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking drugs.

  People can be very hesitant to consult a physician or family doctor when needing to or wanting to discuss details about anabolic steroids. Because of doctor patient confidentially, you should not be afraid to discuss steroids or how to stop using them. The biggest mistake a person can make when they decide to stop using steroids is to just stop taking them altogether. Steroids are powerful hormonal drugs in which the body has to be weaned off of properly. Simply discontinuing steroid usage can cause just as many problems as using them. Talk to a medical professional about the discontinuation of steroid use, it’s the first rule on the road to recovery.

  The “bridge” is a term used to describe the gap in time from when anabolic steroids are eliminated from the system to when the body can again start the production of natural testosterone. During this time, there is a shift in the hormonal balance between estrogen and testosterone. This can cause testosterone levels to be very low until the body can start producing it’s on testosterone again. By using prescribed medications, it can make this transition for the body more manageable. It can eliminate or significantly reduce the time frame as well as minimizing any potential serious side effects. A physician can request blood tests to determine the proper dose of medicine to be taken. The doctor will recommend an effective course of action after they have thoroughly evaluated your condition.
  When consulting a physician or family doctor about discontinuing the use of steroids, make sure you have gathered all of the necessary information regarding your steroid use. It is important to be open and honest regarding your steroid history so the medical professional can clearly every aspect of what should be done. Include all the drugs taken, the length of usage, your dosages & scheduling habits, and any experienced physical & mental side effects. Remember, steroids can be sold under many different types of names on the black market, so make a thorough list of all products taken and possibly the purchased containers.

  Follow all of your physician’s instructions with your dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
  The potential for addiction to anabolic steroids is very real. Any mental and emotional complications should not be confronted alone. Your doctor should be able to recommend counseling by someone qualified to assist with any questions or mental concerns you have.

• What treatments are effective for steroid abuse?
  Few studies of treatments for anabolic steroid abuse have been conducted. Current knowledge is based largely on the experiences of a small number of physicians who have worked with patients undergoing steroid withdrawal. The physicians have found that supportive therapy is sufficient in some cases. Patients are educated about what they may experience during withdrawal and are evaluated for suicidal thoughts. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, medications or hospitalization may be needed. Some medications that have been used for treating steroid withdrawal restore the hormonal system after its disruption by steroid abuse. Other medications target specific withdrawal symptoms — for example, antidepressants to treat depression, and analgesics for head-aches and muscle and joint pains. Some patients require assistance beyond simple treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral therapies.

  Source: About.com

• Where do the anabolic steroids come from? And how do young people get them?
  Anabolic steroid users obtain these drugs in a variety of different ways which primarily include buying them from sources at local gyms and schools, purchasing them via the Internet, and even acquiring fraudulent prescriptions from licensed medical facilities. Believe it or not, anabolic steroids aren’t always sought by their potential buyers; often the reverse is true as these drugs find their way into the paths of unwitting users-to-be. Virtually all the anabolic steroids that are sold on the “street” are illegally imported from China. They are shipped in a powder form then mixed with baby oil, cooking oil, Wesson oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, and sometimes even motor oil. They are easy to obtain. They are sold at almost all gyms where the “big guys” work out, or they can be purchased over the Internet using a credit card or money order.
• Why are kids motivated to use anabolic steroids and other appearance and performance enhancing drugs?
  Recent studies by university scientists show that the top 3 reasons cited by people for first time use of anabolic steroids are:
  • Improve physical appearance/body image
  • To feel better about myself
  • Improve athletic performance

  Conclusion: anabolic steroids are not just being used by athletes any more. We estimate that about half of the users are what we call “mirror athletes”. These users want to “look like” the athletes do, but have no interest in competing on the athletic field.