Drugs Information, what you really should know about, drugs facts on and facts about anabolic steroids
A Guide for worried parents, teenagers who are using drugs or thinking about using drugs and anyone who wants to know more about the subject.
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Anabolic steroids are derivatives of the male hormone
testosterone. The derivatives promote the growth of skeletal muscle
and increase lean body mass. Athletes and nonathletes use steroids
illegally to enhance performance and to improve physical appearance.
Steroids are taken orally or injected. |
Common Street Names:
Roids, sauce, slop.
How they are taken:
Steroids are found in liquid or pill form with the drug being either injected
or swallowed. Athletes and other abusers take them typically in cycles of
weeks or months, rather than continuously, in patterns called cycling.
Cycling involves taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of
time, stopping for a period, and starting again. In addition, users
frequently combine several different types of steroids to maximize their
effectiveness while minimizing negative effects, a process known as
stacking.
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Effects |
Risks:
Research shows that aggression and other psychiatric side effects may result
from anabolic steroid abuse. Many users report feeling good about themselves
while on steroids, but researchers report that steroid abuse can cause wild
mood swings including manic-like symptoms leading to violent, even homicidal,
episodes. Depression often is seen when the drugs are stopped and may
contribute to steroid dependence. Researchers reported also that users may
suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired
judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.
Side effects of using steriods (MEN): | |||
shrinking of the testicles | reduced sperm count | baldness | development of breasts |
Side effects of using steroids (WOMEN) | |||
growth of facial hair | changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle | enlargement of the clitoris | deepened voice |
Side effects of using steroids (ADOLESCENTS) | |||
growth halted prematurely through premature skeletal maturation and accelerated pubertal changes. | |||
Side effects of using steroids (GENERAL) | |||
Cardiovascular System: | cholesterol modifications | heart disease | anaphylactic shock |
high blood pressure | septic shock | death | fetal damage |
edema (water retention) | diarrhea | insomnia | aggressive, combative behavior |
depression | unpleasant breath odor (continuous) | yellowing of the eyes or skin |
For information about other drugs, return to Drug Information Page.