Steroids

The anabolic steroids used by athletes are usually testosterone based, and are used to build muscle quickly. Steroids may be injected, taken orally or rubbed onto the skin as a cream or a gel. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are usually synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Sometimes doctors prescribe them to help people with certain kinds of anemia and men who don't produce enough testosterone on their own. But doctors never prescribe anabolic steroids to young, healthy people to help them build muscles. Without a prescription from your physician, anabolic steroids are illegal.

Abusing anabolic steroids can result in prematurely stunted growth through early skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes. Teens risk remaining short for the remainder of their lives if they take anabolic steroids before they stop growing. Other effects include jaundice (yellowish coloring of skin, tissues, and body fluids), fluid retention, high blood pressure, increases in LDL (bad cholesterol), decreases in HDL (good cholesterol), severe acne, trembling, and in very rare cases liver and kidney tumors.

People who are addicted to steroids may begin taking them at first to enhance their appearance or athletic performance. They become dependent on the steroids since they feel better when using them versus not using them. Dependency continues since the users do not want to lose their athletic edge, and wish to continue enhancing their physique. There are several signs that a person has become addicted to steroids including a preoccupation with getting the next dose, continued use in spite of the negative consequences, the users feels like they cannot control their use, abnormal speed of muscle growth and withdrawal symptoms when the person discontinues the use of steroids.

Q: What are some of the unwanted results of steroid use?

A: Boys suffer from a shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, breast development, and increased risk for prostate cancer. Girls will notice a growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle, enlargement of the clitoris, and a permanently deepened voice.

Q: What else can happen to me if I use steroids?

A: Steroids can also lead to other changes in mood, such as feelings of depression or irritability. Depression, which can be life-threatening, often is seen when the drugs are stopped and may contribute to the continued use of anabolic steroids. Researchers also report that users may suffer from paranoia, jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.

At Caron we have experience working with steroid abuse and can medically supervise the users detox. We use a variety of modalities including individual, group and family therapy, anger management and medication for cravings and pain. We work with each individual to assess and treat body image issues as well as performance issues and use education to prevent relapse.