Addiction Drug Use Basic Facts About Anabolic Steroids By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial process Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 22, 2021 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on January 22, 2021 Print Peter Dazeley Collection / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, which promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass. Street Names for Anabolic Steroids 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 Do They Look Like? Steroids come in tablets or liquid form. How Are They 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 lessening the more negative effects. This form of abuse is known as "stacking." Who Uses Steroids? Bodybuilders and athletes often use steroids to boost their competitive advantage and improve their physical appearance, but anyone can potentially use them. What Are the Effects of Steroids? Reports indicate that use of anabolic steroids increases lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance. 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 Hazards of Using 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 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 withdrawal characteristics related to addiction when they stop using steroids, including severe cravings, depression, and sleeping disorders. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute on Drug Abuse. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Speak to a Therapist for Addiction Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.