Basic Facts About Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, which promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass.

Street Names

Arnolds, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Roids, Stackers, Weight Trainers, Gear, Juice

What are Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced versions of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. While they may be legally prescribed, illicit use far exceeds legitimate use.

What Does It Look Like?

Steroids come in tablets or liquid form.

How is it Taken?

Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected.

Many users use them in what is called 'cycling'. Users take them in cycles of weeks and months instead of continuous use. They frequently use several different types of steroids in order to maximize the good benefits of a specific steroid and lessoning the more negative effects. This form of abuse is known as 'stacking'.

Who Uses Steroids?

Body builders and athletes often use steroids to boost their competitive advantage and improve their physical appearance. Those who use steroids often talk about feeling good about themselves and invincible while using steroids. The positive feelings can soon turn to anger, rage, paranoia and violence.

What are the Effects of Steroids?

Reports indicate that use of anabolic steroids increases lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance.

What are the Hazards of Steroids?

Steroids often make users feel edgy, moody, aggressive and paranoid. Other short-term hazards include:

Headaches

Nosebleeds
Acne
Stomach pain
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Fluid retention
Muscle tightness
Muscle cramps
Tendon problems

Many problems can arise from long-term use. These include:

Heart disease

Liver Cancer

Hypertension

Eating disorder

Elevated cholesterol

Stunted growth

Episodes of rage

Delusions

Violent behavior

HIV

Hazards for Specific Groups

Adolescents
Adolescents may experience stunted growth due to premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes which is irreversible.

Women
Women often experience a "masculinization" effect when using steroids. They may have an increase in facial hair, enlarged clitoris, deepened voice and changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Men
Men may experience a "feminization" effect when using steroids. They can experience infertility, shrinking testicles, reduced sperm count, impotence, baldness and development of breasts.

Are Steroids Addictive?

Steroid users often experience characteristics related to addiction when they stop using steroids including severe cravings, depression, and sleeping disorders.

Sources:
National Institude on Drug Abuse
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information