Slang:
They often have many different trade names. Commonly used anabolic
steroids are Anavar, Sustanon and Dianabol, Winstrol, Deca-Durabolin.
Also known as roids, juice, and gear.
Background:
Steroids are synthetic substances similar to, and often including,
the male hormone testosterone.
In medicine, steroids are used to treat muscle weakness after
surgery. Elsewhere, some bodybuilders use steroids as well as others
who think it'll improve their body image.
Comes in pill form, or as liquid which is injected. Taking a number
of different steroids (and other substances) at the same time is
known as 'stacking'. Anabolic steroids are banned in most sports. An
athlete found using them is often suspended and stripped of previous
titles.
The Effects:
- Users generally
claim steroids make them feel more aggressive and able to train
harder.
- If combined with
regular exercise, it can help build up muscle. However, it is
not yet certain that steroids actually improves muscle power and
athletic performance.
- The drug can also
reduce the recovery time needed after heavy training.
Health Hazards
Irreversible side-effects.
Steroid users are vulnerable to more than 70 physical and
psychological side effects, many of which are irreversible.
Steroid use most seriously injures the liver and cardiovascular
and reproductive systems. In males, steroids can cause withered
testicles, sterility, and hair loss. In females, steroids can
lead to irreversible masculine traits such as breast reduction.
Psychological effects in both sexes can include depression and
an increase in aggressive behavior.
Long-term problems. While
some side effects appear quickly, other potential health
effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not occur for
years. Steroid abuse in young adults can interfere with bone
growth and lead to permanently stunted growth. People who inject
steroids also risk contracting HIV and other blood-borne
diseases from infected needles.
The Risks:
- Unwanted side
effects associated with steroid use include irritability and
aggressiveness ('roid rage'), acne, accelerated hair loss, and a
bloated appearance.
- In women steroids
have a masculinising effect and can cause growth of facial and
body hair, baldness, a deepening voice deepening, shrinking
breasts, enlargement of the clitoris and disruption of the
menstrual cycle.
- For men the risks
include erection problems, breast growth, shrinking testicles,
reduces sperm levels and possible sterility.
- Some of these
side-effects, such as breast growth, can be irreversable without
surgery.
- Long term heavy
use may damage the heart, liver and kidneys. Young people taking
steroids may find their growth rate adversely affected.
- Injecting steroids
can damage veins, while sharing needles or syringes places users
at risk of infection from HIV and hepatitis.
The Law:
- Steroids can only
be obtained legally with a doctor's prescription from a
pharmacist.
- Possession without
prescription isn't illegal but supplying steroids (even for
free) carries Class C penalties.
If you are planning
on taking Steroids:
- It is possible
that using anabolic steroids alongside some anti-HIV drugs may
make the side effects of each worse.
- Steroid users
should be taking them in cycles of no more than 12 weeks at a
time, with an 'off-cycle' of about the same. Your body will
thank you for taking time out to let it recover.
- Many steroids are
counterfeit. As a rough guide, it may well be fake if it doesn't
have packaging and instructions. Also, bone fide steroids have a
lot number and expiry date printed on the box, which should be
in a different coloured ink. Hold it up to the light,
counterfeits are often cloudy or contain bits. If in doubt,
chuck them out.
- Never inject
steroids into a vein. This is likely to produce a fatal
reaction.
Advice and support:
The National Drugs Helpline
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