The inside information on appearance
and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).

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.

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.

Physical Effects

• Musculoskeletal System
  • Bones stop growing
• Cardiovascular system
  • Water and salt retention = high blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesteral 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

• Gynocomastia (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

Side effects - additional information:

ACNE:

Rampant acne is one of the more obvious indicators of steroid use. When taking anabolic steroids, an adult will commonly be confronted with this same problem. This is because the sebaceous glands, which secrete oils in the skin, are stimulated by androgens. Increasing the level of such hormones in the skin may therefore enhance the output of oils, often causing acne to develop on the back, shoulders and face. The use of strongly androgenic steroids in particular can be very severe, in some instances causing blemishes on the skin or spots. By washing your face and always showering after exercises it will reduce this effect. If you have very severe acne see your dermatologist, but in most instances even a dermatologists can't do anything until your cycle is over.

AGGRESSION:

Aggressive behavior can be one of the scarier sides of steroid use. Men are typically more aggressive than women because of the testosterone difference, and especially with the use of steroids (especially androgens) can increase a person’s aggressive tendencies. Yet some bodybuilders and power-lifters like this effect for the use of lifting heavier and more explosive. A steroid user who cannot manage to control themselves should seriously rethink there process of cycling, because thinking doing more is better might be right or wrong know your body first.

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK:

Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction to the presence of a foreign protein in the body. It most commonly occurs when an individual has an allergy to things like a specific medication (such as penicillin), insect bites, chemicals, foods, food additives/preservatives. With this sometimes-fatal disorder the smooth muscles are stimulated to contract, which may restrict a person’s breathing. This reaction is not really seen with hormonal products like anabolic steroids, but with counterfeits and low production values of these independent underground labs it may.

BIRTH DEFECTS:

Anabolic steroids can have a profoundly impact on the development of a fetus. Adrenal Genital Syndrome in particular is a very disturbing occurrence, in which a female fetus can develop male reproductive organs. Woman should not use anabolic steroids or other medications that may be harmful to the fetus, and always check with your doctor first.

BLOOD CLOTTING:

The use of anabolic steroids is shown to increase prothrombin time, or the duration it will take for a blood clot to form. This basically means that while an individual is taking steroids, he/she may notice that it takes slightly longer than usual for a small cut or nosebleed to stop seeping blood. Realistically the changes in clotting time are not extremely dramatic, so athletes are usually only concerned with this side effect if planning for a surgery.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:

As mentioned earlier, the use of anabolic steroids may have an impact on the level of LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol values. As you probably know, HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol, because it can act to remove the cholesterol deposits from the arteries. LDL has the opposite effect, aiding in the buildup of cholesterol on the artery walls. The general pattern seen with steroid use is a lowering of HDL concentrations, while total and number of LDL increases.

DEPRESSION:

Steroid use will obviously have an impact on hormone levels in the body, which in turn may result in a change in one’s general disposition or mood. Depression usually occurs at times when an individual’s androgen/estrogen levels are significantly off balance. This is most common with male bodybuilders, at times when anabolic steroids are discontinued. During this period estrogen levels may be markedly elevated, which is often coupled with a deeply suppressed endogenous testosterone level.

GYNECOMASTIA:

Gynecomastia is medical term for the development of female breast tissue in the male body. This occurs when the male is presented with unusually high level of estrogen, particularly with the use of strong aromatizing androgens such as testosterone and Dianabol. The excess estrogen can act upon receptors in the breast and stimulate the growth of mammary tissues. If left unchecked this can lead to an actual obvious and unsightly tissue growth under the nipple area. In many cases taking on a very feminine appearance.

HAIR LOSS:

The use of highly androgenic steroids can negatively impact the growth of scalp hair. In fact the most common form of male pattern hair loss is directly linked to the level of androgens in such tissues, most specifically the stronger DHT metabolite of testosterone. The technical term for this type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which refers to the interplay of both the male androgenic hormones and a genetic predisposition in bringing about this condition. Those who suffer from this disorder are shown to posses finer hair follicles and higher levels of DHT in comparison to a normal, hairy scalp.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/ HYPERTENSION:

Athletes using anabolic steroids will commonly notice a rise in blood pressure during treatment. High blood pressure is most often associated with the use of steroids that have a high tendency for estrogen conversion, such as testosterone and Dianabol. As estrogen builds in the body, the level of water and salt retention will typically elevate (which will increase blood pressure). This may be further amplified by the added stress of intense weight training and rapid weight gain.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:

The use of anabolic/androgenic steroids has been shown to produce changes in the body that may impact an individual’s immune system. These changes however can be both good and bad for the user. During steroid treatment for instance, many athletes find they are less susceptible to viral illnesses.

KIDNEY ISSUES:

Since your kidneys are involved in the filtration and removal of byproducts from the body, the administration of steroidal compounds (which are largely excreted in the urine) may cause them some level of strain. Actual kidney damage is most likely to occur when the steroid user is suffering from severe high blood pressure, as this state can place an undue amount of stress on these organs. There is actually some evidence to suggest that steroid use can be linked to the onset of Wilm’s Tumor in adults, which is a rapidly growing kidney tumor normally seen in children and infants. Such cases are so rare however, that no conclusive link has been established.

PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT:

Prostate cancer is currently one of the most common forms of cancer in males. Benign prostate enlargement can precede this cancer, and is clearly an important medical concern for men who are aging. Prostate complications are believed to be primarily dependent on androgenic hormones, particularly the strong testosterone metabolite DHT in normal situations, much in the same way estrogen is linked to breast cancer in woman.

TESTICULAR ATROPHY:

The human body always prefers to remain in a very balanced hormonal state, a tendency, a tendency known as homeostasis. When the administration of androgens from an outside source causes a surplus of hormone, it will cause the body to stop manufacturing its own testosterone. Specifically this happens via a feedback mechanism, where the hypothalamus detects a high level of sex steroids and shuts off the release of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone, formerly referred to as luteinizing hormone releasing hormone).

WATER and SALT RETENTION:

Many anabolic steroids can increase the amount of water and sodium stored in body tissues. In some instances steroid induced water retention can bring about a very bloated appearance to the body in which will also reduce the visibility of muscle features. Although water retention may not be the most unwelcome side effect during a bulking cycle, it can lead to dangerous problems such as high blood pressure and kidney damage. The body is clearly under more strain when dealing with unusually high level of water, so athletes should not simply ignore this.

Yes, they can be.

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. Untreated, some depressive symptoms associated with anabolic steroid withdrawal have been known to persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the drugs.

Source:  About.com

Q:  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? 

A: 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 addiction 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.

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.

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.

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)
• Agression, 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

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.

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.

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.

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 weightlifting 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

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.

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

 

Anabolic steroids come in the form of tablets, capsules, a solution for injection and a cream or gel to rub into the skin. Weightlifters, 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.

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

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 hurdle 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 timeframe 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. 

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

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.

Recent studies by university scientists show that the top 3 reasons cited by people for first time use of anabolic steroids are:

1. Improve physical appearance/body image
2. To feel better about myself
3. 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 user want to “look like” the athletes do, but have no interest in competing on the athletic field.