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 steroidsanabolic steroids

steroids

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.
The anabolic steroid is medically used to increase body tissue. This drug also prevents the breakdown of tissue which certain diseases may cause. Certain steroids may also be used in some types of allergy medications.The use of steroids dates back to World War II. German soldiers were given steroids to increase their strength and aggression.

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.

steroid bottle

Effects
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone testosterone. The full name is androgenic (promoting masculine characteristics) anabolic (building) steroids (the class of drugs). These derivatives of testosterone promote the growth of skeletal muscle and increase lean body mass. Anabolic steroids were first abused nonmedically by elite athletes seeking to improve performance. Today, athletes and others use steroids to enhance performance and also to improve physical appearance. Major side effects include liver tumors, jaundice, fluid retention, severe acne and trembling. Aggression and other psychiatric side effects, including wild mood swings involving violence, may result from anabolic steroid abuse.

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.