body builder using steroids

Steroid Side Effects - a High Price to Pay for Muscle

Anabolic steroids are a synthetic steroid hormone that resembles testosterone in promoting the growth of muscle. Such steroids are used medically to treat some forms of weight loss and illegally by some athletes and others to enhance physical performance. Anabolic steroids act by increasing the androgenic testosterone effects within the body.

Some athletes take a form of steroids, known as anabolic-androgen steroids or just anabolic steroids, to increase muscle mass and strength. This type of steroid will also decrease fat and enhance athletic performance and body appearance. The main anabolic steroid hormone produced by your body is testosterone. Testosterone has two main effects on your body. Anabolic effects promote muscle building.

The long list of adverse side effects that anabolic steroids have been associated with cover a wide range. Here are some but not all:

  • shrinking of the testicles
  • breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men
  • low sperm count
  • increased hair growth
  • deeper voice and reduced breast size in women
  • high blood pressure, stroke
  • high cholesterol
  • acne (on the back, shoulders and chest) and oily skin
  • rage, violence and aggression, often referred to as “Roid Rage”

There are others which are life threatening such as heart attacks and liver cancer.

Signs of abuse can be varied from physical changes as stated above, changes in mood, personality and behavior. There is a long list of signs and symptoms of abuse at www.taylorhooton.org. Knowing these signs can help someone before it’s too late and they have contracted some medical condition that may be irreversible.

Steroid Use Among Teens

Per the above website, over 1.5 million teens admit to using anabolic steroids. It is obvious from this statistic that this abuse is starting at a young age and the pressure of becoming a great athlete coupled with the competitive nature of sports, is having a sad effect on our youth. It is no longer an asset just to be a natural athlete. To be competitive and make it to the big leagues, they are forced to go this route. Then this routine must be continued when they enter college and professional sports.

Trying to solve the side effects of steroids with additional drugs

steroids and other drugs

Some research has shown that steroid users have gone on to use other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of anabolic steroids. Per a research study done at the government drug abuse informational center, 86% of men who entered treatment had first used steroids and were now using some kind opioid to counteract insomnia and irritability resulting from anabolic steroids. There are also known side effects of anyone who is trying to stop taking them and will often have withdrawal symptoms such as; depression, mood swings, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and reduced sex drive as well as others.

Per news reports, Orlando shooter showed signs of long term steroid use at the time of his death after his deadly rampage. There is no further information at this time if he was abusing any other drugs or medication until further tests are completed.

In our experience, steroid users often resort to abusing other street drugs, such as methamphetamine. This makes coming off of them all the more complicated.

Seek professional help if you or someone you know has a problem with steroids. If you are thinking of trying steroids or know someone who is, please get all the information available before contemplating using this life altering substance. It is a big price to pay for muscle.

If you or a loved one is abusing steroids, contact Narconon Ojai. We have successfully helped numerous individuals with this addiction. 

Call now for a confidential interview at (877) 736-7435.

AUTHOR

Kathy

Kathy Dion has worked in the addiction field for almost 2 decades. As a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Clinical Supervisor, she has been instrumental in the opening of new centers, supervised numerous facilities and helped thousands of addicts.

NARCONON OJAI

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION