Anabolic Steroid Abuse & Addiction Side Effects

Abuse And Addiction Symptoms

Long-term steroid misuse can impact brain pathways and chemicals affected by other drugs, such as dopamine, serotonin, and opioid systems. Someone abusing steroids will experience physical and psychological signs of addiction. These include:

What Are Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic hormones designed to mimic male sex hormones. Doctors prescribe them to help with certain conditions, such as anemia or low testosterone (low-T) levels. But they are also used illegally to enhance muscle growth. People in good health and too young a low-T problem take steroids to promote muscle growth, decrease body fat, and improve athletic performance.

Although it might seem as if the benefits of using steroids are positive, they are harmful and potentially fatal. Steroid addiction can affect the body long after no use, especially when taken by adolescents. Some common street names for steroids include:

Side Effects

Steroid use produces several side effects. Steroids contribute to acne and hair loss, stimulating male breast development and female beard growth. Additionally, they may result in liver tumors and cardiac issues. People who misuse steroids also have a higher risk of experiencing uncontrolled “roid rage” and violent mood swings. Introducing them into a balanced body throws things into an imbalance. This is dangerous for anyone as well as for adolescents.

Hormones are an essential part of adolescent development. Introducing them into a developing body creates confusion. Boys who use steroids have a higher risk of reduced sperm count and shrunken testicles, in addition to gynecomastia. Steroids oppositely affect girls by interfering with the development of feminine traits. Female steroid users have deeper voices, male pattern hair growth, and decreased breast size.

Steroids can also cause peliosis hepatis, which triggers blood-filled cysts in the liver. Internal bleeding can occur if these cysts rupture.

Health Effects Of Anabolic Steroids Abuse

Aside from mental effects, steroid use commonly causes severe acne. It also causes the body to swell, especially in the hands and feet.

Long-Term Effects

Anabolic steroid misuse might lead to severe, even permanent, health problems such as:

• Kidney Problems or Failure

• Liver Damage and Tumors

• Enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk

• of stroke and heart attack, even in young people

• Increased Risk of Blood Clots

Several Other Effects Are gender- and Age-Specific:

How Do Anabolic Steroid Abuse Affect The Brain?

Anabolic steroids work differently from other drugs of abuse; they do not have the same short-term effects on the brain. The most crucial difference is that steroids do not directly activate the reward system to cause a “high”; they also do not trigger rapid increases in the brain chemical dopamine, reinforcing most other types of drug-taking behavior.

Misuse of Anabolic Steroids Might Lead to Adverse Mental Effects, such as:

Anabolic Steroid Abuse Withdrawal

Steroid use disorder is possible when abusing steroids. Someone with a steroid use disorder will continue to use even with negative consequences. The physical problems, mood swings, and other adverse side effects won’t deter their use. They might also prioritize steroids over additional responsibilities, such as family obligations, financial security, and work. Some even try to quit steroid use and fail.

Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms include:

Other Risks And Dangers Of Steroids

In addition to the expected risks of abusing anabolic steroids, there are other concerns. These were likely present issues when steroid use began, and the person tried steroids as a result. For example:

Some steroid users have muscle dysmorphia, which is a disorder that results in a man thinking he looks weak or small even if the opposite is true. It is similar to what those with eating disorders experience when they believe themselves to be overweight even if they are significantly underweight.

Anabolic Steroid Abuse Treatment

Treatment is available for steroid abuse, but it’s not often used. Research shows most people don’t discuss their steroid use with their doctors. Misleading information is available online. Steroid users also turn to their peers for information. In both cases, steroid users tend to be dissuaded from seeking professional help, even though it’s available.

Treatment of steroid use disorder effectively, a program needs to address the physical dependence and the underlying causes. Successful treatment includes:

• Support for muscle dysmorphia and other psychological issues that drive steroid use

• Endocrine therapy to restore the body’s natural function

• Medication to alleviate depression (endocrine treatment might help with this)

• Medication and support for co-occurring conditions

• Behavioral therapy and medications to manage withdrawal symptoms

We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing support through anabolic steroid abuse and other aspects of treatment. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.