Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are manufactured substances related to male sex hormones (testosterone). “Anabolic” refers to muscle building and “androgenic” refers to increased male sexual characteristics such as the building of muscle. The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.
Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Both males and females have testosterone produced in their bodies: males in the testes, and females in the ovaries and other tissues. The full name for this class of drugs is androgenic (promoting masculine characteristics) anabolic (tissue building) steroids (the class of drugs). Some people, both athletes and non-athletes, abuse AAS in an attempt to enhance performance or improve physical appearance. AAS are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months followed by shorter resting periods (this is referred to as “cycling”). In addition, users often combine several different types of steroid dosages, a practice referred to as “stacking.” The potential for AAS abusers to become addicted is consistent with their continued abuse despite physical problems and negative effects on social relations. Also, steroid abusers typically spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs, which is another indication of addiction. Some of the most abused steroids include:
- Deca-Durabolin
- Durabolin
- Equipoise
- Winstrol
- Anadrol
- Oxandrin
- Revalor
- Clenbuterol The common street (slang) names for anabolic steroids include:
- Arnolds
- Gym candy
- Pumpers
- Roids
- Stackers
- Weight trainers
- Juice
- Clen
A variety of non-steroid drugs are commonly found within the illicit anabolic steroid market. These substances are primarily used for one or more of the following reasons:
- to serve as an alternative to anabolic steroids;
- to alleviate short-term adverse effects associated with anabolic steroid use; or
- to mask anabolic steroid use. Examples of drugs serving as alternatives to anabolic steroids include clenbuterol, human growth hormone, insulin, insulin-like growth factor, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Examples of drugs used to treat the short-term adverse effects of anabolic steroid abuse are erythropoietin, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), human growth hormone (HGH), and tamoxifen.
How steroid abuse affects the body
Health risks, symptoms and side effects that are seen with long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids are: harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage (hepatic damage), and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart. Parts of the brain that influence moods and that are involved in learning and memory are called the limbic system. Anabolic steroids act in the limbic system; in animals, they have been shown to impair learning and memory. They can also lead to changes in mood, such as feelings of depression or irritability and suicidality. Anabolic steroid users may act malicious to people they’re normally pleasant to, like friends and family. Anabolic steroids in the brain may trigger really aggressive manic behavior. Some outbursts can be so severe they have become known in the media as “roid rages.”
Withdrawal, Detox, Treatment and Rehabilitation for Steroid Abuse
Because of the possible psychological damage seen when one abuses steroids, supportive therapy is needed in most cases. Addicts and steroid abusers are educated about what they may experience during withdrawal and are evaluated for suicidal thoughts. If symptoms and effects are severe or prolonged, medications or hospitalization may be needed for recovery. Some medications that have been used for treating steroid withdrawal restore the hormonal system after its disruption by steroid abuse. Other medications target specific withdrawal symptoms—for example, antidepressants to treat depression and analgesics for headaches and muscle and joint pains. Some patients require assistance beyond pharmacological treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral therapies and inpatient treatment.