Abstract/ Introduction:
Being involved in athletics comes with the price of expectations, demands, and stress, often stemming from various sources. It can have a significant impact on an athlete's emotional and physical well-being. Over the years, some have equipped themselves with the necessary outlets to relieve them of these burdens. Others, however, turn to a seemingly harmless medication proven to vastly improve the performance of athletes, particularly when it comes to competitions. This medication is referred to as anabolic steroids and comes in several forms, including injections, pills, inhalers, and liquid. Because steroids do not result in a “high” when consumed, many believe they do not possess addictive qualities. However, many establish a mental reliance on the drug as they believe they cannot perform as well without it.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are man-made drugs that do not come from any plant species in nature. They are made to mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone, by activating androgen receptors and stimulating its effects. Because steroids mimic a hormone predominantly found in male bodies, it results in the development of male sex characteristics, particularly an increase in muscle growth. The increase in muscle tissue and body mass results in better performance in athletics.
There is another type of steroid referred to as corticosteroids, however, they do not share the same effects as their counterpart. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone, are typically used to treat allergic reactions. They don’t facilitate muscle growth nor do they mimic the effects of a natural androgen. Because of this, they are much less addicting.
Safe Applications of Anabolic Steroids
Apart from being used to enhance athletic performance, anabolic steroids can be used to treat certain medical conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to:
Delayed puberty, especially in adolescent boys
Hormonal imbalances in men
Hypogonadism
Impotence
Breast cancer
Osteoporosis
Muscle loss due to disease
Certain types of anemia
Weight loss in individuals with HIV
Endometriosis
Anabolic steroids cause DNA elements in muscle cells to be more active, which increases the production of the proteins needed to create muscle fibers and tissues. In a short amount of time, this causes an increase in body mass and muscular growth. Additionally, these elements boost bone density and have an effect on how well the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems work
Anabolic steroids are available as tablets, liquid injectables, topical gels, and creams. Juice, Stackers, Hype, and Roids are some of the street names for anabolic steroids. The following are some of the most popular steroid brands:
Anadrol-50
Oxandrin
Winstrol
Anavar
Dianabol
Equipoise
Brands such as Equipoise actually produce steroids for veterinary purposes, meaning they are used for animals. However, they are still abused because they are cheaper and more accessible than other steroid brands.
Image provided by Medline Plus
How Addiction Occurs
Steroid abusers risk developing a serious addiction even though these medicines don't chemically provide euphoria or a "high" like most addictive substances do. The drive to maintain positive self-esteem and achieve a desirable appearance can easily take control, driving ever-increasing use. Abuse is defined as the use of a drug outside of recommended dosages or for purposes other than those for which it was prescribed.
The two main reasons why anabolic steroids are addictive are as follows. The obsessive drive to seek out and take anabolic steroids is a behavior common among people with substance use disorders (SUDs). The second is the onset of withdrawal symptoms when a user drastically reduces or stops using steroids. When anabolic steroids quickly increase physical strength and appearance, the obsessive-compulsive tendency to keep using them typically starts, which could eventually lead to an addiction. Individuals with a history of SUDs are at a higher risk of abusing anabolic steroids. People taking steroids may develop withdrawal symptoms once they stop consuming them, including a loss of appetite, insomnia, fatigue, and depression.
What Steroid Abuse Can Look Like
Any use of anabolic steroids without a prescription constitutes abuse and is prohibited. The doses that those who abuse anabolic steroids frequently take are 10 to 100 times more than those that would ever be prescribed. Anabolic steroids modify the body's process for gaining muscle. People cause minor muscle tears while exercising, however, the muscle tissue gets stronger after the tears have healed. The healing process is accelerated by anabolic steroids. This enables people to exercise harder, more frequently, and more effectively.
Some people who abuse anabolic steroids for a long time eventually develop a high tolerance to the drugs, leading them to use two or more different steroids simultaneously. We refer to this as "stacking." People who stack are considerably more likely to experience adverse consequences.
Anabolic steroids are misused by people to alter their capabilities and physical appearance. For a competitive edge, several bodybuilders and athletes use steroids. The medications may be used by bodybuilders to bulk up, appear stronger, and feel more confident. Before a game, some football players take steroids to feel more aggressive. For greater power at the plate, several Major League Baseball players have used steroids.
Methods of Steroid Abuse
There are 3 primary methods of steroid abuse that people use. These include stacking, cycling, and pyramiding.
Stacking
Taking various Steroid kinds at once is known as stacking, as is combining oral and injectable versions. Although stacking has not been scientifically demonstrated to boost effects, many steroid abusers hold this belief.
Cycling
Cycling is the practice of using steroids for a set amount of time, typically 6 to 12 weeks, followed by a period of abstinence. Abusers of steroids employ "off" cycles to let the body make its own testosterone and lessen organ damage.
Pyramiding
Pyramiding is a way to take steroids while they are in the "on" cycle. Users begin the cycle with a low dose and gradually raise it to a maximum dose in the middle of the cycle. The user gradually reduces their Steroid dosage throughout the second part of the cycle.
Steroid Abuse Statistics (provided by Addiction Center)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while anabolic steroids can be an extraordinarily addictive substance, there are also some measures that can be taken to avoid substance abuse. For starters, do not begin consumption of anabolic steroids if you suffer from self-esteem issues and body dysmorphia, as the medication often worsens these issues. You should not be taking more than your prescribed dose by medical professionals. Therapy can also be an excellent decision to address why you feel the need to consume steroids, and how it may possibly affect you in the future.
Citation:
(Cover Image Source: Men's Health Singapore)
“Anabolic Steroid Addiction and Abuse.” Addiction Center, 6 June 2023, www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/steroids/.
“Anabolic Steroids.” MedlinePlus, medlineplus.gov/anabolicsteroids.html#:~:text=Anabolic%20steroids%20are%20synthetic%20(man,but%20in%20much%20smaller%20amounts. Accessed 11 July 2023.
“Steroids.” Better Health Channel, 14 June 2000, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/steroids.
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