Addiction is often linked to psychoactive substances like cocaine or destructive behaviours such as gambling. Yet, a less discussed but equally dangerous addiction is abusing anabolic steroids.
At PCP, we are dedicated to raising awareness among athletes and the public about the serious risks associated with steroid abuse.
In this article, we delve into the effects of anabolic steroids, their potential dangers, and strategies for overcoming steroid addiction.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic substances designed to mimic the effects of testosterone within the body. They are also called anabolic-androgenic steroids but commonly go by several street names like roids, juice, pump, or hype.
The word anabolic means “body-building”. This is accurate since these drugs are commonly abused by athletes and bodybuilders to speed up muscle growth and enhance athletic performance.
However, anabolic steroids can be used legally to prevent symptoms like muscle loss in men who have low testosterone or people with muscle-wasting diseases like HIV/AIDS and chronic diseases.
How Do Anabolic Steroids Work?
Despite what many believe, steroids do not directly stimulate muscle growth. Anabolic steroids actually boost lean muscle mass by interacting with your DNA and speeding up protein production in muscle cells.
During exercise, numerous tiny tears occur on muscle fibres. The body treats these tears like injuries and stimulates muscles to grow back larger and stronger to prevent future damage. Anabolic steroids boost this response, helping your muscles heal faster and grow larger. This allows athletes to recover faster in between training sessions and train more frequently.
These drugs also have other effects that boost athletic performance like increasing red blood cell levels and preventing muscle breakdown. They also reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, allowing users to train and compete more frequently.
Are Steroids Addictive?
Yes, anabolic androgenic steroid use causes both physical and psychological dependence.
Physical dependence occurs when the body naturally adapts to chronic steroid use. Therefore, when steroids are stopped users may experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and even steroid cravings.
Psychological dependence is a compulsion to continue using steroids despite the harmful effects. This may be linked to body dysmorphia, or a desire to maintain their physical appearance and performance levels.
Brief History of Anabolic Steroid Abuse in Sports
Anabolic steroid abuse became a concern soon after anabolic steroids were developed in the mid-1900s for treating medical conditions. By the 1950s, weightlifters and bodybuilders had begun experimenting with steroids. By the 60s and 70s, the use of anabolic steroids was widespread amongst various sports like track and field, swimming, football, and baseball.
The widespread use of these drugs during the 1960 Roman Olympics sparked public and media interest in the issue. Following this, medical professionals raised concerns about the potential health risks of this practice.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was the first major sporting organization to ban the use of anabolic steroids in 1967. This was followed by widespread testing in the 1968 Winter and Summer Olympics, though these screening methods were relatively primitive by today’s standards.
Following a series of high-profile doping scandals throughout the 80s and 90s, various national governments and sporting organizations have banned the use of anabolic steroids and increased the strictness of anti-doping regulations.
Is Steroid Use Illegal?
In the UK anabolic steroids are classified as Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Their use is tightly regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
It is legal to possess anabolic steroids for personal use, but they cannot be sold or supplied without a prescription. Importing and exporting these drugs is also illegal without permission unless carried out in person.
In the US anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This makes it illegal to possess, distribute, or use anabolic steroids without a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Using performance-enhancing substances like anabolic steroids in professional and amateur competitions is banned by virtually all professional athletic organizations.
Unfortunately, steroid abuse is common in many sports, a practice called doping. Violating anti-doping laws could lead to severe consequences, including fines and lengthy bans.
This ban is for both ethical and medical reasons surrounding the dangerous health effects of chronic steroid use, as well as the advantage they offer users over other competitors. The misuse of illicit anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) can lead to severe health risks such as cardiovascular problems, psychological issues, and increased likelihood of engaging in
Recent High-Profile Performance Enhancing Drugs Scandals
Steroid users remain a worrying challenge amongst athletes, although exact figures are difficult to estimate. Some recent high-profile cases include:
● In 2012 Lance Armstrong, a celebrated cyclist, was found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids. He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from professional cycling for life.
● Glen Johnson, a U.S. sprinter, tested positive for steroids in 2000. As a result, he faced a ban from competition.
● In 2003 track and field star Dwain Chambers was banned for two years, and stripped of medals and records from the period of his drug use, including his European Championship gold medal.
● Cyclist David Miller was banned for two years in 2004, stripped of his world championship title and other results from the period of his drug use.
● A state-sponsored Russian doping scandal involved the manipulation of urine samples during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. As a result, numerous Russian athletes were banned from international competitions, and Russia faced significant sanctions, including the banning of the country from the 2018 Winter Olympics.
How Anabolic Steroids are Abused
Over the years, numerous formulations of synthetic steroids have been developed to avoid testing methods and increase their effectiveness, leading many to misuse anabolic steroids.
Most people are familiar with steroid injections. However, they can also be oral pills, gels, creams, powders, and nasal sprays.
These medications can be taken in various ways. For example, some athletes experiment with different combinations, a practice called stacking.
Others use a method called cycling, which involves taking steroids for a period, stopping for a break, and then restarting.
Another common system is pyramiding, which involves gradually increasing the dosage over a specific period before tapering off to avoid tolerance.
Commonly Abused Anabolic Steroids
● Testosterone
● Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
● Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
● Winstrol (Stanozolol)
● Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
● Trenbolone
● Masteron (Drostanolone)
● Anavar (Oxandrolone)
● Primobolan (Methenolone)
● Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone)
Dangers of Steroid Use
General side-effects
● High blood pressure
● Increased cholesterol
● Risk of heart disease or stroke
● Liver damage and tumours
● Acne
● Male pattern baldness
● Stunted growth
● Stretch marks
● Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
● Aggression (roid rage)
● Psychotic episodes
● Addiction
Effects in men
● Infertility
● Altered sex drive
● Prostate enlargement and increased prostate cancer risk
● Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
● Painful erections
● Shrunken testicles
● Reduced levels of natural testosterone
● Low sperm production
● High estrogen levels
Effects in women
● Risk of cervical and endometrial cancer
● Osteoporosis
● Infertility
● Altered sex drive
● Birth defects
● Facial hair
● Deeper voice
● Larger clitoris
● Menstrual irregularities
● Shrinking breasts
Changes in the male reproductive system are often reversible if anabolic steroids have not been abused for a long period. Unfortunately, some of the changes in women are NOT reversible.
Signs of Steroid Abuse
While it’s not easy to detect steroid use without testing, there are some telltale signs to look out for, as these drugs mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone.
● Rapid muscle growth
● Severe acne or skin changes
● Hair loss or baldness
● Breast shrinking in women or breast growth in men
● A deepened voice and increased body hair in women
● Increased aggression (“roid rage”)
● Mood swings
● Needle marks
● Excessive time spent on physical training
● Sudden obsessive focus on diet and body appearance
If you suspect someone is abusing steroids, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help.
Steroid Withdrawal
Steroid withdrawal symptoms occur when a person stops using anabolic steroids after a period of chronic abuse. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of steroid, duration of use, and individual factors.
Symptoms of Steroid Withdrawal
● Decreased libido
● Erectile dysfunction
● Chronic fatigue
● Mood swings
● Depression
● Anxiety
● Muscle loss
● Sleep disturbances
● Appetite changes
How To Overcome a Steroid Addiction
Seek Professional Help
Addiction specialists can provide a comprehensive treatment plan to address both the physical and psychological aspects of steroid dependence.
This may include supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and ongoing medical monitoring to prevent and treat potential complications.
Addiction specialists also offer access to a wide range of resources such as therapy, educational material, and aftercare services.
Supportive Care
This approach includes a range of services such as medical treatment, nutritional support, and physical therapy. Supportive care also involves providing emotional and psychological support to manage the stress and anxiety associated with withdrawal and recovery.
An important part of supportive care is mental health therapy. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand and change their behaviour patterns.
Support groups provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges, offering a platform for sharing experiences and receiving encouragement. Together, these resources help address the psychological roots of steroid dependence and promote healthier coping mechanisms.
Treatment for Side Effects of Steroid Abuse
This involves treating cardiovascular issues, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and musculoskeletal problems. Hormone therapy can be used to normalise testosterone levels, while other medications might be necessary to manage symptoms like acne, hypertension or mood swings.
Surgical treatments may also be required for treating gynecomastia, while fertility clinics can help with issues concerning conception.
Comprehensive treatment ensures that all health aspects affected by steroid abuse are addressed, promoting overall well-being.
Aftercare
This phase includes ongoing support through regular medical check-ups, counselling sessions, and participation in support groups. Aftercare plans are tailored to individual needs and may involve continued therapy, lifestyle changes, and strategies to prevent relapse. Effective aftercare helps integrate people back into their daily lives while sustaining the progress made during initial treatment.
Strategies for Combating Steroid Use Among Athletes
Education and Awareness
This involves campaigns to inform the public about the dangers and long-term health risks associated with anabolic steroid use. It also means providing targeted education to athletes, coaches, and trainers about the legal and health consequences of steroid use.
Policy and Regulation
The government should strictly enforce existing laws and regulations regarding the sale, distribution, and use of anabolic steroids. Implement mandatory drug testing in sports organizations, including at amateur and professional levels, to deter athletes from using steroids.
Support Systems
Establish helplines, peer groups, and counselling services for individuals struggling with steroid use or those seeking information. Provide resources and education for families to help them understand steroid abuse and support their loved ones.
Healthcare Interventions
Offer medical treatment for individuals dealing with the side effects of steroid use, including detox programs, hormonal therapy and mental health services to address underlying issues such as body dysmorphia, depression, and anxiety that may lead to steroid abuse.
Promoting Healthy Alternatives
Encourage the use of safe, natural supplements and proper nutrition to enhance physical performance and muscle growth. Promote training programs that focus on natural bodybuilding techniques and the benefits of hard work, discipline, and consistency. Highlight successful athletes who achieved their goals without the use of steroids, emphasizing the importance of natural talent and perseverance.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Collaboration between various sports organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and educational institutions, to create a unified approach to combating steroid use and trafficking.
For example,
● World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
● International Olympic Committee (IOC)
● United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
● U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
● Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
● Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA)
● Anti-Doping Switzerland (ADCH)
● International Cycling Union (UCI)
Seek Help at PCP
Steroid abuse in sports poses a significant health risk and ethical concern. Athletes and the public must be educated about the dangers of anabolic steroids and the importance of natural performance enhancement.
If you or someone you know is struggling with steroid abuse, seek professional help immediately. For more information and support, visit PCP and join our mission to promote safe and healthy athletic practices.
Together, we can combat steroid abuse and foster a fair and healthy sporting environment.
