Anabolic steroids:
What are anabolic steroids?
Chemicals similar to some anabolic steroids occur naturally in the body and are essential for the development and functioning of the reproductive organs
- Most synthetic anabolic steroids on the market are similar to the male hormone testosterone. Medically, anabolic steroids are used in the treatment of anaemia and to help muscles recover after a long bed rest. They are not the same as cortico-steroids, used to treat inflammation, allergy, eczema and asthma
- Names include nandranol and stanozolol, Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar and slang terms such as ‘roids’
- Can be swallowed as tablets but most need to be injected as liquid into the muscle (not veins)
- Taken in a variety of combinations over periods of 6-8 weeks
The law
- Oral or injectable steroids are prescription-only drugs. Supplying without authority carries class C penalties even if the supplier does not charge. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for five years and/or fine.
Effects
- Users claim the drug makes them feel more aggressive and able to train harder. Combined with intensive training and a special diet, steroids will increase body mass and size of muscles.
- Can also help users recover from strenuous training.
Purity
- Large number of fakes are sold
- Often steroids intended for veterinary use are sold
- Counterfeit tablets are sold that have no active ingredient
Risks
- Can stop young people growing properly
- For men erection problems, breast growth, Shrinking testicles, sterility, acne, increased chance of liver failure and heart attack
- For women Growth of facial hair, deepening voice, shrinking breasts
- Pregnant women risk passing secondary male characteristics on to a female foetus
- Hypertension. Anabolic steroids encourage the body to retain water, which raises blood pressure
- Injecting can cause muscle and vein damage. Sharing injecting equipment puts users at risk of infections such as hepatitis and HIV
- Violent ‘roid rages’ and depression
- Temporary psychiatric problems such as confusion, paranoia and sleeping problems
- After stopping, users report lethargy and depression
- Many users take combinations of different anabolic steroids. Mixing drugs increases the risks
Dependence and treatment
- Do not produce physical dependence but can cause psychological dependence
- There is no accepted specific treatment
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