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Dependency and Withdrawal |
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General Information
What are Steroids?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone, testosterone. All steroids have anabolic and androgenic effects.
Anabolic effects include:
- stimulation of protein synthesis (particularly in the skeletal muscles)
- healing wounds
- promotion of bone growth and calcium deposition
- stopping nitrogen loss through urine
Andogenic effects are:
- those involved in the development and maintenance of the primary and secondary male sex characteristics.
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Street names for AAS include:
- roids
- gear
- juice
How are Steroids taken?
Steroids are:
- administered either orally or by injection.
- usually taken in a cyclic pattern
The "on" cycle is where users administer steroids for a period of time to gain specific short-term goals. These are followed by "off" cycles, where there is no steroid use. Cycles vary from 6-16 weeks and 1-4 per year.
The administration of AAS can be complex as there are a number of dosage management techniques.
These include:
- Pyramiding: The dose is increased to a certain level and then reduced back towards the base level during the cycle.
- Tapering: The largest dose is taken at the beginning of the cycle and tapered down over a 4-6 week period to nothing.
- Constant: Some users administer the same amounts of AAS during the cycle.
Who uses Steroids?
- Sports people - Some sports people use AAS to increase performance in competitive sport.
- Body image - (aesthetes) This group includes competitive body builders, those in the entertainment industry and gay men, who use for cosmetic reasons.
- Occupational users - Some people use AAS to increase muscle size and strength to assist them with their line of work - bouncers, security personnel and bodyguards.
- Adolescents - These are often young males who may wish to emulate the physical stature portrayed in sporting competitions and popular media.
Dependency and Withdrawal
A person may be dependent on AAS if they show these characteristics:
- continuing to use despite risks to health
- taking more of the drug to get the same effect
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms can be both psychological and physiological. They may include feeling:
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depressed
- nervous
- angry or irritable
Effects of Steroids
- Physical Side Effects
- hair loss
- liver problems
- acne
- sleeplessness
- headaches
- increased cholesterol
- permanent short stature in adolescents
- tendon injuries
- water retention
- hypertension
- jaundice
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Physiological Side Effects
- increased aggression
- depression
- increased irritability
- mood swings
- changes in libido (increase or decrease)
- suspicion
- psychological dependence
Men
- shrinking testicles - "sultana nuts"
- prostate problems
- infertility/decreased sperm production
- gynaecomastia - breast enlargement - "bitch tits"
Roid Rage
This term is commonly used to describe bursts of aggressive behaviour by AAS users. However it is still controversial as to whether there is clear evidence to support the notion of roid rage. If this type of behaviour does occur it is usually at the extreme end of users? aggression and is typically short in duration.
Women
- clitoral enlargement
- smaller breasts
- permanent deepening of the voice
- menstrual irregularities
- fetal damage
- growth of body and facial hair
Other Drugs commonly used by Steroid users
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Human Growth Hormone:
Acts on carbohydrates, fats and protein. Taking high doses over a long period may cause:
- acromegaly (overgrowth of hands, feet and face)
- pathological growth of the heart
- diabetes
- joint pain
- heart disease
Insulin:
Plays an important role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate and fat, as well as regulating blood glucose levels. Taking high doses over a long period may cause:
- mental disorientation
- convulsions
- coma
- brain damage
- death
Stimulants (amphetamines, ephedrine):
Act on the central nervous system and are used to stimulate training sessions. Side effects include:
- difficulty in sleeping
- depression
- anxiety
- overheating
Diuretics:
Used to lose weight and decrease fluid retention. Excess use can result in:
- dehydration
- fainting
- dizziness
- cardiac arrest
- death
Beta Blockers:
- Used to treat hypertension and control hand tremors. The most significant adverse reaction is asthma.
Tamoxifen:
Blocks the action of the hormone estrogen. Used to combat the side effects of gynaecomastia ("bitch tits"). Can cause:
- flushing
- vaginal bleeding
- gastro-intestinal disorders
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Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG):
Stimulates endogenous testosterone. Side effects include:
- gynaecomastia (enlarged breasts)
- headaches
- irritability
- depression
- fatigue
Beta 2 agonists: Clenbuterol:
Can increase lean body mass and decrease fat content in animals. A dangerous stimulant if taken in high dosages. Side effects include:
- anxiety
- palpitations
- sleeplessness
- lethargy
- changes in the electrical rhythm of the heart