Steroids
'Sex,' or androgenic steroids, are a group of synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Even though testosterone is called a male sex hormone, it occurs naturally in women as well, but in much smaller amounts. There are many legitimate medical uses for steroids, such as treating osteoporosis. However, users who take steroids illegally do so to increase lean muscle mass.
The abuse of steroids is more common among professional athletes and bodybuilders as well as those teenagers and adults who feel that hyper-muscularity is vital to their self-esteem and positive body image. The male hormone testosterone has both anabolic and androgenic effects. Anabolic effects include promoting bone density and the growth of skeletal muscle, and the rapid recovery from injury. The androgenic or masculinising effect of testosterone is responsible for the development and maintenance of all the male characteristics, including the penis, testicles, muscle mass, deep voice and facial hair. Steroids can take the form of tablets, capsules or injectable liquids, depending on the brand. Common slang terms for steroids include 'roids', 'gear' and 'juice'.
How steroids work
Steroids work by imitating the properties of naturally occurring hormones. Muscle tissue is peppered with receptor sites specific to growth. These sites or 'locks' can only be accessed by the correct hormonal 'key'. Steroids can activate these receptor sites because their chemical composition is so similar to the hormone testosterone. Once the receptor sites have been stimulated, a domino effect of metabolic reactions takes place as the body is instructed by the drug to increase muscle tissue production.
Common effects
The user generally experiences an increase in muscle strength very quickly. Muscle growth is speedier because of this heightened ability to lift heavier weights; the user can train more often and for longer periods of time because of their improved recovery rate. Increase in lean muscle mass is rapid. However, fluid retention is common and the muscle tissue tends to look soft and bloated.
Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
If a person's positive body image depends on looking large and muscular, then giving up steroids can be extremely difficult. Some users continue to take steroids even though their health is failing. This psychological dependence can lead to depression, anger or anxiety if access to steroids is denied, if only temporarily.
Damage caused by long term use
Steroids can produce many unpleasant and often permanent side effects, including:
Damage to the gonads (testicles or ovaries)
Liver diseases, such as cancer
Malfunctions of the kidneys or heart
'Roid rage', which is characterised by uncontrollable outbursts of psychotic aggression
Paranoia
Mood swings, including deep depression
Severe acne
High blood cholesterol levels
Injuries to tendons that can't keep up with the increased muscle strength
Delusional feelings of being superhuman or invincible
Fluid retention
Trembling and muscle tremors
Stunted bone growth in adolescents.
Gender related side effects
For men - testicle and penis shrinkage, reduced sperm count, impotence, gynaecomastia ('bitch tits'), baldness.
For women - loss of the menstrual cycle, shrunken breasts, deepened voice, facial hair, growth of the clitoris.
Other drugs commonly used
A person who abuses steroids is likely to turn to other supplementary drugs to either speed up their physical transformation or counter the side effects of steroids. The dangers of mixing these drugs aren't fully known. Some of these drugs may include:
Amphetamines - to counteract feelings of deep depression and aid in fat loss.
Beta blockers - to counteract trembling.
Diuretics - to counteract fluid retention.
Human growth hormone - such as human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to stimulate the body's natural production of testosterone and counteract testicle shrinkage.
Type of help available
Treatment options for drug addiction include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Alcohol and other drug service
Sports psychologist.
Things to remember
Steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the masculinising effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone.
Typical users include professional athletes, bodybuilders, and those people whose positive body image depends on looking muscular.
Side effects can include liver disease, damage to the reproductive organs and severe mood swings.
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