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Anabolic Steroids Dependancy

Anabolic Steroids are a synthetic form of the male hormone testosterone. They are most commonly used in medicine to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after surgery, and come in pill form or as a liquid which can then be injected. They can only be obtained legally through prescription from a doctor. Many anabolic steroids sold illegally are in fact counterfeit and generally don’t have the same effect. Some have no active ingredient at all. When not used for medical purposes, misuse of steroids is not uncommon. People have been known to take anything from 10 to 100 times the recommended dose.

Anabolic steroids are often taken for their performance enhancing effects. Some bodybuilders and athletes combine taking steroids along with their exercise regime in order to build up body mass. Many users believe that steroids allow them to train harder and longer and help speed recover after vigorous exercise. It is not yet conclusive, however, whether or not steroids do in fact improve a persons sporting performance.

What is certain is that anabolic steroids can have some pretty unpleasant side effects. These include irritability, mood swings, aggressiveness (‘roid rage’), acne, and accelerated hair loss. For women, steroid use can result in excessive facial hair, deepening of the voice, shrinking breasts, enlargement of the clitoris, and changes to the menstrual cycle. In men, prolonged use can lead to erection problems, breast growth, shrinking testicles, lower sperm levels and sterility. Steroids may even stunt growth if used from a young age. These effects on the body are often irreversible without surgery. Long term steroid use can also increase the risk of heart, kidney and liver problems. Users who inject steroids risk damaging their veins, or worse, contracting HIV or hepatitis through the sharing needles. In fact, injecting steroids directly into a vein can be very dangerous and may cause a fatal reaction.

Taking steroids regularly can result in psychological dependence, causing the user to develop an increased desire to continue taking the drug. If steroid use is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as lethargy, depression, and headaches may be experienced.