Do you or someone you know need steroid addiction treatment? Anabolic steroids have medical uses and are prescribed for certain conditions. However, an estimated 3 to 4 million Americans take anabolic steroids for nonmedical reasons, often to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance. About 30% of people who use anabolic steroids become dependent, so you’re not alone if you’re misusing steroids.
If you’re dealing with dependence, calling the steroid hotline can help you get the support you need. Read more to learn about steroid addiction and what you can do to get assistance.
What Are Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, a naturally occurring male hormone. Under the Controlled Substances Act, anabolic steroids are Schedule III substances, which means you need a prescription to obtain them legally. They have several medical uses, including as a treatment for low testosterone or delayed puberty. People with certain types of cancer or AIDS may take anabolic steroids to stimulate muscle growth if the disease causes them to lose muscle mass.
You may have also heard of another type of steroids called corticosteroids. These medications mimic the hormone cortisol. Medically, they’re used to help reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity in the treatment of specific conditions. While both types of steroids can be prescribed by a doctor, corticosteroids are more commonly prescribed. These medications also doesn’t come with the same risk of dependency as anabolic steroids.
How Are Steroids Commonly Abused?
The misuse of anabolic steroids often happens when the person wants to bulk up their lean muscle mass. They might take the drugs in addition to lifting weights to speed up the muscle-building process or to gain larger muscles than they’d get with lifting alone.
Many people misuse steroids to enhance their appearance. They desire a muscular look and feel steroids will help them achieve their optimal appearance faster. For others, steroid use supports their athletic pursuits. They misuse steroids to increase their strength and perform better in competitive sports.
Dangers of Taking Steroids
Even though they’re prescribed for some medical conditions, anabolic steroids can be potentially dangerous in several ways. Being aware of these issues can help you better understand what you’re experiencing if you use steroids. This information can also help you make a plan for dealing with your misuse of steroids.
Side Effects of Using Steroids
Anabolic steroids come with potential side effects, whether the drugs are prescribed by a doctor or purchased illegally. The effects of taking anabolic steroids can be both universal and gender-specific, since they’re a synthetic male hormone. For instance, anabolic steroid use can cause low sperm count in men, while women might experience a change in their menstrual cycles. The side effects vary from mild and annoying to severe and potentially life-threatening.
Possible side effects of anabolic steroid use include:
- Acne
- Baldness
- Breast growth in men
- Low sperm count or infertility
- Testicle shrinkage
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Deepening voice in women
- Body and facial hair growth
- Aggressiveness
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack and other cardiac problems
- Liver disease
- Kidney damage
Challenges of Withdrawal
If you have a steroid addiction or dependency, you might be tempted to stop using the drugs suddenly. It’s important to be aware of the potential withdrawal symptoms before you quit taking steroids. Most of the symptoms are uncomfortable, but not particularly dangerous.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Lower sex drive
- Joint or muscle pain
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
Depression can become severe during the withdrawal process. In some people, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Steroid Addiction Treatment Options
Steroid addiction treatment varies depending on the individual. A personalized plan often features several components, which might include:
- Medically supervised detox
- Behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Medications, including antidepressants and pain relievers
When to Call the Steroid Hotline
The National Rehab Hotline is available to anyone who needs nonemergency assistance with a steroid addiction. If you’re using anabolic steroids without a prescription, calling the hotline helps you access the information and resources you need to address the situation. You might also call if you’ve started weaning yourself off steroids and need help dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
Our caring counselors are available 24-7 to offer guidance and provide referrals for drug treatment programs nationwide. This free service is confidential, allowing you to get the support you need in a comfortable way.