Steroid Abuse

Steroids are actually classified as anabolic-androgenic and corticosteroids.  The latter, including cortisone, are used to relieve and control inflammation.  They can be used to treat a variety of conditions including lupus.  The anabolic type is the one typically heard about on the news in relation to abuse in sports.  These are synthetic chemicals that enhance the body’s ability to make and retain muscle.  These chemicals used by injection imitate the ones found naturally in the body.  They stimulate the production of testosterone which leads to muscle growth.  Steroid abuse refers to the overuse of this type.

Addiction is an obsession, a compulsion or dependence on a substance or process.  Several characteristics accompany this neurobiological disorder.  The user needs an increased amount of the substance or needs to do the act more often to achieve the desired effect.  There can also be a strong craving that cannot be ignored.  The use of the substance or the performance of the act is continued without regard for ensuing negative consequences. In steroid addiction, the substance is the chemical that the user believes will build muscle and enhance performance.

Steroid abuse is dangerous because steroids are dangerous.  They are very destructive to the health of the user.  These ill effects may not appear until years later, but the damage is being done from the moment the chemical enters the body.  Steroid abuse can produce problems such as tumours of the liver, enlargement of muscles including the heart, aggressive behaviour, some cancers and damage to the reproductive system.  Female users may also experience the development of male features such as facial hair and a deepening voice as well as clitoral enlargement.  Use among adolescents has been on the rise in recent years.  Using these chemicals at this crucial time can stunt the growth of bones and result in short stature.

Steroid addiction has fuelled an industry of illegal trade.  As that they are illegal in many countries, there is no regulation on the purity or safety of the actual product.  The chemical is often produced in underground or home laboratories in non sterile conditions with ingredients of questionable quality.   The drugs must then be brought to the buyer, often involving smuggling and organized crime.  The point of sale may be at a gym or a bodybuilding competition or even over the internet.  Treatment for steroid abuse does exist and can be successful. The key to recovery is stopping as soon as possible before the chemical can do further harm to the body. One of the best forms of treatment for steroid abuse is addiction counselling.

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