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STEROIDS

Facts

• Doctors never prescribe anabolic steroids for muscle building in young, healthy people.
• Abuse of anabolic steroids can have long-term negative effects on the male reproductive system.
• Anabolic steroids trigger aggressive behavior which can lead to violence. These outbursts are referred to as ”roid rages.”
• Research indicates that some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of anabolic steroids, including insomnia and irritability
• Severe depressive symptoms and suicidal tendencies are often prevalent after steroid use is discontinued. This may contribute to continued use. 
• Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, even in athletes younger than 30. 
• Steroids are legal by prescription only, to be used to treat specific medical conditions and only safe when used under a physician’s supervision.
• Needle Sharing can be a problem for anabolic steroid users. This can lead to life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. 
  

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​NIDA (National Institute on
Drug Abuse) findings show that in 1998, 68.1% of 12th graders believed that steroids were harmful. In 2005, just seven years later only 56.8% believed that steroids were harmful. Prevention research shows that as perceived risk goes down, use rates go up. 


​Appearance

Steroids are most common in liquid and pill form​

Testosterone

Cypionate 

Winstrol 

Anadrol 

Android

​How Anabolic Steroids are Used/Abused

• Pills are taken orally
• Liquid is Injected IM (Intramuscular) 

Behavioral Effects of Anabolic Steroids

​Many users report feeling good about themselves while on anabolic steroids, but researchers report that extreme mood swings can also occur, including manic-like symptoms leading to violence. This is because these drugs act in a part of the brain called the limbic system, which influences mood and also involves learning and memory. It can also lead to depression or irritability. Steroids can also result in impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility. 

Physical Effects of Anabolic Steroids

For Boys

• Shrinking of testicles
• Impotence
• Reduced sperm count
• Infertility
• Baldness
• Development of breasts
• Increased risk for prostate cancer 

For Girls

• Facial hair growth
• Male-pattern baldness
• Changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle
• Enlargement of the clitoris
•  Permanently deepened voice
•  Smaller breasts 

Common Slang Terms

• Arnolds
• Gym Candy
• Pumpers
• Roids
• Stackers
• Weight Trainers
• Gear

Paraphernalia