The Consequences of Steroid Abuse

 

There are two different types of steroids; anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. The difference between them is the receptors they each bind to, resulting in different effects on the body. Corticosteroids are what is commonly called steroids and are an anti-inflammatory drug. They include prednisone and cortisone.

Anabolic steroids are man-made versions of something similar to the male hormone testosterone. An example of an anabolic steroid regulates bone and muscle mass, red blood cell production, sex drive, and fat distribution.

While steroids are not something one might consider gets abused, one of our graduates opens up and tells his story of struggling with steroids.

“Steroids are not an immediate rush; it’s more of a long-term thing.
It makes you feel powerful. When you see what you can lift increase, you feel powerful. When you start to see the results
is when it becomes addicting.”

“Steroids are not an immediate rush; it’s more of a long-term thing. It makes you feel powerful. When you see what you can lift increase, you feel powerful. When you start to see the results is when it becomes addicting.

“I was trying to solve a problem by abusing steroids. I thought looking muscular and having a good physique would raise my self-confidence and make me happy. Since they are obviously used to gain strength and size, and I felt as if I was never big enough, I abused them to help me solve that. I was addicted to the look, the rapid changes, and how it made me feel powerful. Steroids are different than other drugs. There is not an instant gratification that comes with it.

“While there are no withdrawals from it, steroids do deplete the body’s testosterone. As a result, you feel tired and emotional. When quitting steroids, you are supposed to take post-cycle therapy to get your body to produce its testosterone naturally. I didn’t do that, so it was challenging when I quit cold turkey.

“Using steroids is sometimes obvious, but these are some things to look for if you have suspicions of a loved one taking steroids. Of course, the most obvious is gaining strength and size rapidly. Mood swings are another sign that someone could be using steroids. I had a buddy who got himself into trouble due to his fits of anger. Another sign to look for is acne.

“If you are using steroids, get off them. It’s not going to bring you happiness. You can’t expect a drug to bring you happiness; all it will do is cause you misery and get stuck in a state of nothing is good enough.”

P.G. Narconon Graduate

It’s a common misconception that males are the only ones who abuse steroids. However, there are females known to use them just like men. Here are a few signs in both men and women:

Males:

• Breast tissue development (could be permanent, varies on the individual)
• Shrinking of the testicles (could be permanent, varies on the individual)
• Impotence
• Reduced sperm production

Females:

• Voice deepening (could be permanent, varies on the individual)
• Hair growth on the face, stomach, and upper back (could be permanent, varies on the individual)
• The clitoris becomes enlarged (could be permanent, varies on the individual)
• Breast development stopped
• Abnormal periods

If your loved one suddenly stops taking steroids, these are some of the withdrawal signs to look for:

• Depression
• Insomnia and Restlessness
• Cravings
• Mood Swings
• Fatigue

It is essential to know the signs and symptoms of both the use and the withdrawals of steroids so you can get the person to quit or safely detox off them. If you or a loved one are struggling with steroid use, reach out for help. There is a way to find happiness: accepting yourself for who you are. Narconon helps people overcome addiction and find true happiness.

Sources:

https://www.moveunitedsport.org/5-facts-need-know-corticosteroids-v-anabolic-steroids/