This generally means that people are able to train more often and for longer periods of time, with improved recovery. The effects of anabolic steroid use can differ from person to person. Some people may experience:. They may do this to either speed up their physical transformation or counter the side effects of the steroids.
The dangers of mixing these drugs aren't fully known. Some of these other drugs may include:. Anabolic steroids do not cause physical dependence. However, if a person relies on them for their self-esteem and confidence, then giving up can be extremely difficult.
The pressure to keep using steroids may result in feelings of anger or depression if their access to steroids is denied, even temporarily. It can take up to 4 months to restore natural testosterone levels after being on anabolic steroids for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms from steroids can include:.
Treatment options for drug dependence or addiction may include:. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area. Steriods are only permitted for people with certain medical conditions on prescription by their medical practitioner. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.
Asking for help when you first suspect you have an alcohol or drug problem is important. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or phone DirectLine. The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs that speed up the workings of the brain. Benzodiazepines tranquillisers are highly addictive and should only be used for certain conditions in a short-term or emergency situation.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Drugs. As anabolic steroids are often injected, there are risks associated with sharing needles.
These are the same risks associated with recreational drug use, and include:. Like many other substances, anabolic steroids are addictive. This means you can crave the drug, require more to get the same effect, and have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them.
A person who is addicted to anabolic steroids will want to keep using them despite experiencing unpleasant physical side effects. When doctors prescribe steroid medication, they always advise coming off the medication slowly by gradually reducing the dose. Coming off anabolic steroids suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms that include:.
You should see your GP if you think you're addicted to anabolic steroids. Treatment for an addiction to anabolic steroids will be similar to that of other types of addiction. Your GP may refer you to a specially trained drugs counsellor. They'll discuss your addiction with you, how to safely stop taking steroids, and any obstacles you may face when trying to stop, plus strategies for dealing with those obstacles. Page last reviewed: 30 August Next review due: 30 August Anabolic steroid misuse.
Are anabolic steroids illegal? Why people misuse anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids can be used as performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects. How anabolic steroids are taken Anabolic steroids are usually injected into the muscle or taken by mouth as tablets, but they also come as creams or gels that are applied to the skin.
Users might: Take the drugs for a period of time and then stop for a rest period before starting again. This is known as "cycling". Where does it come from? What does it look like?
Such methods include the following: Cycling: a period of taking and then not taking the drugs in the belief that the drug-free cycle allows the body to recover normal hormone levels Pyramiding: taking doses in cycles of six to 12 weeks, starting with a low dose, then slowly increasing it, and then decreasing the amount to zero, believing this allows the body time to adjust to the high doses Stacking: taking two or more types of steroids, mixing oral and injectable forms, believing the different drugs interact to have greater effect.
Who uses it? How does it make you feel? Is it addictive? However, some people who abuse steroids meet criteria for drug dependence in that they: continue to take steroids, even when they experience negative physical or emotional effects spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, depression, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and the desire to take more steroids.
Is it dangerous? Taking high doses of steroids increases risk of: enlargement and abnormalities of the heart, blood clots, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Steroid-related heart failure has occurred in athletes younger than What are the long-term effects of using it? The effects of long-term use include: acne, cysts, oily hair and skin, and thinning scalp hair in both sexes feminization in men, including permanent breast development testicle shrinking, difficulty or pain urinating and increased risk of prostate cancer in men masculinization in women, including breast size and body fat reduction, coarsening of the skin, enlargement of the clitoris, deepening of the voice, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair and changes or cessation of the menstrual cycle; with long-term use, some of these effects may be permanent in children or adolescents, the high levels of testosterone stop bone growth, preventing them from ever growing to full height aggression and violence; personality changes revert when drug use is stopped.
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