Alternative names: Anabolics, Arnies, Gym Candy, Juice, Pumpers, Roids, Stackers, Weight Trainers.
Steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the actions of testosterone. Often used by athletes and others to build muscle mass, abuse can lead to steroid addiction.
Steroids are prescribed as a treatment for many different disorders and diseases, but anabolic steroids are also used illicitly by athletes wishing to gain competitive advantage over others through enhanced musculature and performance. The advantages that come from steroid abuse come at a great cost: it can cause serious side-effects.
Most steroid abusers are male, but steroid use/abuse is increasing among females also.
Symptoms of steroid abuse include:
Many of these changes are irreversible.
No single type of treatment is right for everyone, so a program needs to be tailored to the individual. Counseling is an essential part of any treatment plan. Recovery is a long process, and relapse is possible just as it is for other drug addicts and alcoholics.