Steroid misuse
Introduction
Anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
If used in this way, they can cause serious side effects and addiction .
Anabolic steroids are manufactured drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. They have limited medical uses and aren't to be confused with corticosteroids , a different type of steroid drug that's commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions.
This page explains the dangers of misusing anabolic steroids, and aims to advise and support those who are addicted to the drugs. It covers:
- anabolic steroids and the law
- why people misuse anabolic steroids
- how they are taken
- side effects
- addiction
- getting help
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Anabolic steroids are prescription-only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
Are anabolic steroids illegal?
Anabolic steroids are class C drugs, which can only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription. It's not illegal to possess anabolic steroids for personal use. They can also be imported or exported,
Why people misuse anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects. Some athletes, weightlifters and bodybuilders take them regul
How anabolic steroids are taken
Anabolic steroids are usually injected into the muscle, but some are available intablet form,or as creams or gels that areapplied to the skin. Most people who use anabolic steroids are aware of the d
Side effects of anabolic steroids
Regularly taking anabolic steroids causes a range of male features, not just increased muscle mass. It can also lead to potentially dangerous medical conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertens
Addiction
Like many other substances, anabolic steroids are addictive. This means you can crave the drug, require more to get the same effect, and have withdrawal symptomsifyou suddenly stop taking them. A per
Getting help
You should see your GP if you think you're addicted to anabolic steroids. Treatment for an addiction to anabolic steroids will be similar to that of other types of addiction. Your GP may refer youto
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