There are several reasons people might find themselves addicted to steroids. Bodybuilders and young athletes are at risk of using these substances long-term.
The problem with steroid misuse is, after prolonged use, they can cause severe health effects. A greater risk of heart problems and stroke are linked to anabolic steroids. Oral steroids are often linked to liver damage and other health complications.
It’s essential to understand the short and long-term health effects of steroid addiction:
Limited evidence suggests the effectiveness of anabolic steroids in improving athletic performance. Most research suggests people who use steroids will increase their muscle strength. Some people might use anabolic steroids and believe them to be a part of a healthy lifestyle. However, several risks accompany those who use steroids without a prescription or medical supervision.
Anabolic steroids affect everyone differently, though common side effects include:
Steroid misuse can cause hormonal balances that affect men and women differently. Some of these changes may be irreversible and permanent, while others may be reversible.
For men, steroid misuse can lead to:
In women, steroid misuse can cause:
Teens and young adults who misuse steroids risk several side effects and complications. The risk of these side effects is higher when injected by young men in their teens or early 20s before they’ve stopped growing.
The body is programmed to stop growing after puberty, and when hormone levels reach a certain point, the body might think it’s done. As a result, steroids may send a message to the bones to stop growing too soon, resulting in stunted growth and other hormonal problems.
Young people who use steroids to gain weight or muscle mass may experience other side effects like:
While steroids don’t cause a “high” similar to other addictive drugs, anyone who uses them can develop an addiction. Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using them, including:
The fear of withdrawal is often one of the main reasons people continue to take steroids, falling into an addictive cycle that can be challenging to escape. Depression might be one of the most dangerous effects of withdrawal due to its long-lasting, intense nature. In some cases, individuals may experience suicidal thoughts or attempts during withdrawal. Depression can last up to a year after the use of the drug stops.
Research also demonstrates a link between those who use steroids and increased mental health issues. For instance, those who misuse steroids might also develop other substance use disorders or find that steroids exacerbate symptoms of underlying mental health conditions.
People who misuse steroids are also more likely to report anxiety than non-users. Some have been known to develop manic or psychotic symptoms due to exposure to anabolic steroids as well as major depressive symptoms and sleep disorders, often in periods of abstinence after frequent use.
The following is a list of psychological effects of long-term steroid misuse:
Chronic steroid misuse can create changes in the brain that may impact the production and supply of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These impacts can then cause changes in mood and behavior.
Steroids can weaken the immune system. That means that people addicted to steroids are at an increased risk of experiencing frequent illnesses and diseases. Prolonged use of anabolic steroids has also been linked to several health problems, including:
One of the most devastating risks of long-term steroid use is a heart attack, stroke or death, especially among those who combine steroids with stimulants like speed or ecstasy. Injecting steroids in unhygienic environments can also increase the risk of contracting viruses like HIV, tetanus and hepatitis C or B.
Individuals should seek immediate treatment for steroid addiction with a professional health care provider to prevent these outcomes.
Since steroid addiction can cause severe health problems, it’s essential that individuals enter a facility that medically and professionally addresses their needs.
When individuals first enter a steroid addiction treatment center, licensed medical professionals will evaluate them for their treatment needs. This can help physicians determine how steroids might have impacted the patient’s behavior and hormonal balance.
From here, the process of treating steroid addiction will vary depending on the person and their unique needs. Typically, addiction treatment will include:
Medical professionals will first help the patient detox safely. A medically assisted detox can ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications associated with long-term steroid misuse. During detox, professionals will monitor the patient for any physical changes and side effects while eliminating the drug from the body. This might include a taper-down approach where physicians will gradually reduce the steroid dose until it has been safely removed from the bloodstream.
Doctors might also prescribe medications during detox, such as synthetic hormones to help balance testosterone levels or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain.
When withdrawal symptoms subside and the patient is physically stabilized, they’ll learn the tools to manage their steroid addiction through inpatient, outpatient or partial hospitalization programs. Addiction specialists will evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan that appropriately addresses your situation. You’ll learn life skills and relapse prevention techniques to help you beat the cycle of addiction.
People with mild steroid addiction often choose outpatient treatment for its flexible scheduling options. In outpatient care, you can continue going to school or work and care for your loved ones.
In residential care, you can expect 24/7 supervision while following a daily routine, establishing a nutritious diet and participating in healthy hobbies and exercise. You may choose residential care if you do not have an adequate support system at home.
Outpatient, inpatient and hospitalization programs might offer individual or group therapy, motivational interviewing or support groups to help you heal and recover from steroid addiction. Licensed professionals can work with you to establish an ongoing treatment plan to support your ongoing health and wellness.
Since addiction is chronic, aftercare is essential to help you prevent relapse and continue down a healthy path. Outpatient care is typically provided as a step-down program following residential care. It can help patients transition to their daily lives and maintain sobriety post-treatment. Others may attend support groups and 12-step programs to support their aftercare needs.
Even after professional treatment, individuals should stick to therapy and other forms of treatment to help prevent relapse. This way, they can learn healthy coping mechanisms, avoid triggers and promote lifelong sobriety.
We’ll now answer a few common questions we receive about steroid treatment:
A steroid addiction treatment center might use clonidine to help manage anxiety or antidepressants to help minimize the effects of steroid withdrawal on depression. An endocrinologist may recommend synthetic hormones to help your body regain hormone balance.
A professional evaluation can determine the appropriate medications and therapies to help you heal from steroid misuse. By alleviating any distressful side effects, you can more safely and smoothly navigate the recovery process and start feeling better.
Not everyone who takes substances will become addicted. Since everyone’s brains and bodies are different, reactions to drugs will vary from person to person. Some people will quickly find themselves addicted to steroids, while others might gradually develop a substance problem.
While many can develop a physical tolerance to substances, tolerance doesn’t always lead to addiction. Specific genetics and environmental factors can put people at a higher risk of developing substance use disorder.
Steroids are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders who set unattainable goals for themselves. It can be challenging to overcome anabolic steroid misuse due to the feelings many might experience while taking them. Some athletes might receive more recognition due to bolstered strength from steroids. Others may feel better about their bodies when taking these substances and find quitting challenging. Recognizing addiction can be difficult for many people struggling with steroid misuse.
One of the best ways to support a loved one suffering from addiction is to learn more about their drug use. Educating yourself on how these substances affect the body and how your loved one may have succumbed to addiction can be beneficial. Express that you understand their feelings and are genuinely concerned for their well-being. Providing emotional support in times of need can encourage your loved one to seek professional help.
Explore the latest resources from Gateway Foundation.
