DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. They are primarily abused to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic or physical performance, and improve physical appearance.

Common Street Names

Common street names for anabolic steroids include:

• Arnolds
• Juice
• Pumpers
• Roids
• Stackers
• Weight Gainers

Origin and Appearance

• Origin: Most illicit steroids are smuggled into the U.S. from abroad or illegally diverted from legitimate sources through theft or inappropriate prescribing. The Internet is the most common marketplace, though they are also sold at gyms and schools.
• Appearance: Steroids are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, sublingual tablets, liquid drops, gels, creams, transdermal patches, and both water-based and oil-based injectable solutions.

Methods of Abuse

Steroids are often taken in “cycles” rather than continuously. Common abuse patterns include:

• Cycling: Taking multiple doses over a specific period, stopping for a time, and then starting again.
• Stacking: Combining two or more different types of steroids.
• Pyramiding: Gradually increasing the dose or frequency of abuse until a peak is reached, then gradually tapering off.

Effects of Use

Effect on the Mind

Case reports and small studies indicate that high doses of anabolic steroids may cause:

• Dramatic mood swings and increased irritability.
• Increased feelings of hostility and aggression (often called “roid rage”).
• Impaired judgment and even psychotic episodes.

Effect on the Body

Anabolic steroids act on various parts of the body, leading to a wide range of side effects:

• For Men: Shrinking of testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, and development of breasts.
• For Women: Growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle, and a deepened voice.
• For Adolescents: Stunted growth due to premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes.
• General Health Risks: Increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and potential liver damage (especially from oral preparations).

Injection Risks

Users who inject steroids risk contracting viral infections such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B and C, as well as bacterial infections like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) due to non-sterile techniques.

Overdose and Similar Substances

• Overdose: Anabolic steroids are not typically associated with sudden overdoses; adverse effects generally develop over time.
• Similar Substances: Other substances used for similar purposes include human growth hormone (hGH), clenbuterol, gonadotropins, and erythropoietin.

Legal Status in the United States

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act. While they have legitimate medical uses for treating testosterone deficiency, delayed puberty, or tissue wasting from AIDS, they must be prescribed by a licensed physician.