what are steroids? a synthetic compound designed to mimic the effects of the male hormone...
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT ARE STEROIDS?A synthetic compound designed to
mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone.
Who Uses Steroids?• Olympic athletes• Professional athletes• Fitness Buffs/Gym “rats”• Law enforcement• Construction Workers• Bodyguards/Bouncers• Teens
Why are steroids abused?
• Increased athletic performance• Increased attraction of the opposite sex• To medicate a traumatic experience such as
rapeor being bullied or beaten up
• Reduce body fat and increase muscle mass• Muscle dysmorphia• To fit in. Peer pressure
Signs of steroid use• Increased muscle mass• Acne/Oily skin/Back acne• Hair loss• Increased interest in self appearance• Metrosexual qualities• Begins reading bodybuilding or fitness magazines• Isolation from social groups• Begins hanging out with other “big guys”• Change in wardrobe• Secretive behavior• Red blots on skin• More self-care or grooming• Loss of prior self• Drastic change in eating habits
Where do steroids come from?• Pill or injectable
• To the U.S. from Mexico and Europe• Sold on the black market• Via the internet• Home labs; order powder and make own for cheaper
cost• Most gyms have at least one major dealer• Can spot dealer as self-user who is very social and will
usually approach and speak openly of steroids• Legal consequences are not stringent and carry little
punishment• Expensive addiction-users usually develop financial
problems
Are males the only steroid abusers?
• Traditionally yes• Female use has more than doubled
in the past decade• Females use more for weight loss or
toning• Female athletes face the same
pressure as males• Body image issues are the number
one reason given by female abusers
Physical side-effects of steroid abuse…
• Impotence• Sexual dysfunction• Rage behavior (Individuals who have pre-existing
anger problems)• Irreversible development of breasts• Jaundice• Distinctive persistent bad breath• Constant aches and pains due to quick muscle growth• More susceptible to injury• Cysts• Fatigue• Restlessness• Loss of sleep
Physical side effects continued…Long term effects• Heart attack• Stroke• Cancers• Abcesses• Shrinking of testicles• In adolescents irreversible effects on growth
cycle• Most long-term effects are unknown…most
abusers die at an early age
Physical side effects in women• Deepening of the voice• Cessation of menstrual cycle• Development of male characteristics• Growth of facial hair• Decrease in breast tissue• Sexual reproductive defects
Psychological effects of steroid abuse
• “Roid rage” – most often in individuals predisposed to anger
• Manic episodes• Feelings of euphoria• Feelings of invincibility• Major depression• Suicidal thoughts and tendencies• Decrease in social coping skills
Are steroids addictive?
• No definitive studies yet• Steroid abuser’s psychological state predicts
an addictive style• Steroid abusers continue to use even after
adverse effects• Withdrawal symptoms of depression, body
image issues, drug seeking, point to addictive behaviors
Cross addiction patterns
• Steroid abusers tend to be abusers of other drugs
• Most common is opiates such as vicodin, percocet, oxycontin, heroin
• In studies upwards of 50% of admitted steroid abusers also abuse some opiate
• Most also stated they obtained both drugs from same dealer – steroid dealers are smart and will “cash-in” on the cross addictive behaviors
How is steroid abuse treated?
Sierra Tucson• With new evidence suggesting steroids are
addictive• Steroids are treated in the same format as any
other addictive drug and many rehab centers offer these programs
• 12-step programs, NA groups, inpatient therapy, dual diagnosis centers if other psychological issues have surfaced
What to do if someone I know is abusing steroids?
• 1st step is to seek professional help• Let individual know of your concern• Stay away from feeding their addiction by
complementing the way they look• Be sure to respect the individual and speak to
them in an understanding manner• Steroid abuse is becoming more and more
prominent and carries many consequences…not to be taken lightly (i.e. Parents who want their kids to perform well athletically)