Steroids (known as anabolic-androgen steroids) are synthetic substances taken as pills, injections, or topical treatments that mimic the effect of testosterone on the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, an effect that promotes cell tissue growth, especially in muscles. Steroids are used to treat many medical conditions such as low libido, delayed puberty, and osteoporosis. They also mitigate the symptoms of cancer and AIDS.
Some athletes illegally use steroids to enhance athletic performance. Steroids allow them to build extra muscle mass and strength to boost their competitive advantage. The additional muscle also enables them to exercise harder and more frequently without overtraining. Many individuals also report that steroids boost their confidence.
People who abuse steroids take them at much higher doses than those prescribed for medical purposes. Although specific effects of taking steroids at high doses have not been studied due to ethical reasons, several risks posed by steroid use are well documented. They include the following:
- Heart damage
- Liver damage
- Stunted bone development
- Extreme mood swings
- Acne
- Weight gain
Some steroid users become addicted. Signs of addiction include the following:
- Continued use despite physical problems and negative social consequences
- Spending large sums of money to obtain steroids
- Withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, appetite loss, insomnia, and cravings when not taking the drug
Withdrawal from high doses of steroids is linked to depression, fatigue, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. Because it can be just as dangerous to stop taking steroids as it is to start using them, professional oversight of the detox process is critical.
Steroid Addiction and Bullying
Being victimized by a bully raises a child or teenager’s risk of steroid abuse. Bullying is a distinctive pattern of deliberately harming and humiliating others, and kids who project insecurity are more likely to be targeted. They may see abusing steroids as a way to “bulk” up quickly and protect themselves from further shame. To an adolescent mind, achieving a cut physique and appearing strong to peers is a powerfully motivating goal that seems worth the risk.
Educational programs that share information about bullying, drug use and addiction while also teaching relevant life skills provide powerful protection against all three. Benefits include the following:
- Prevents casual experimenters from becoming habitual users
- Stopping experimentation
- Reinforcing the anti-experimentation tendencies of those who have not yet tried drugs
- Presenting information for students to use in making drug decisions for themselves
- Increasing student understanding of complex factors related to drug use
- Preventing addiction or severe dependence
- Developing appreciation for healthy lifestyle skills
- Encouraging thoughtful reflection on attitudes toward drugs, drug use, and drug users
Professional treatment centers go beyond education to address the deeper emotional and psychological underpinnings that lead to drug use and bullying in the first place.
Help for Steroid Addiction
If you or someone you love struggles with steroid addiction, help is available. You are not alone. Admissions coordinators are available at our toll free, 24-hour helpline to guide you to wellness.
