Steroid Abuse

You hear about it on the news, from school officials, and not just on the college level – steroids. The scientific name for this class of drugs is anabolic-androgenic steroids but that is usually shortened to anabolic steroids. On the street they are referred to as steroids, ‘roids’ or ‘juice’. The common users of the drug include bodybuilders, athletes and those overwrought with fitness. They believe the use of steroids improves their physical performance and therefore gives them a competitive edge. It has been reported that their use will increase lean body mass and strength and provide aggressiveness. Some believe that they can train harder because the steroids reduce their recovery time between workouts. Non athletes may take the drug in the belief that it will increase endurance, muscle size and strength and reduce body fat, thus improving their personal appearance.

If steroids are abused by teens they run the risk of stunted growth through early skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes. Short stature for life is a possibility if the drug is taken before the body has finished growing. Other side effects might include jaundice which is yellowish coloring of the skin as well as tissues and body fluids, fluid retention, high blood pressure, severe outbreaks of acne and trembling. In rare cases tumors may develop on the kidneys or liver. There are also some side effects that are gender specific. The guys might experience testicle shrinkage resulting in reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, breast development and an increased risk of prostate cancer. The girls could develop facial hair, suffer from male-pattern baldness, changes in menstrual cycles, enlargements of the clitoris and a permanent deepening in their voice.

Behavior can be affected also by the occurrence of severe mood swings, including manic like symptoms that can lead to violence. Steroids can also cause depression and irritability, paranoia, jealousy, delusions and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility. Some users may become addicted to the drug. Steroid users can experience withdrawal symptoms that include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness and depression. If left untreated some depression symptoms can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the steroids.


If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
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