A Desk Reference Manual on Drugs and Substances of Abuse for LAP Directors

CHAPTER 5: Steroids

Introduction

Since the 1950's, amateur and professional athletes have used steroids to increase muscle bulk and to improve strength, endurance, and performance. While the non-medical use of steroids is illegal in Canadaand the United States, many competitive and amateur athletes have bought into the wide-spread belief that steroid use will enhance appearance and performance.

Although there are no conclusive studies that demonstrate improved performance as the result of steroid use, uncontrolled observations testify to their effectiveness.

Risks Associated with Steroid Use

The use of steroids causes many physical and mental problems, some of which can be permanent. These problems may be experienced, even after relatively small doses of steroids. The effect of steroid use in any particular individual is impossible to predict, as body reaction is tied directly to individual body chemistry. The dangers of steroid use do increase with higher doses and use over longer periods. Nonetheless, some individuals experience negative effects from the very first use of anabolic steroids.

Negative consequences from steroid use can range from the apparently trivial to the life threatening, and may include:

• Cancer of the kidneys or of the liver or of the colon
• Acne
• Psychotic breakdown
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Increased risk of heart attack and heart disease
• Increase in cholesterol levels of bad cholesterol
• Decrease in cholesterol levels of good cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Jaundice and liver damage
• Bad breath
• Sore joints
• Severe mood swings
• Clinical depression
• Paranoia
• Aggressive or violent behaviour
• Delusions
• Increased risk of injury to ligaments, tendons, muscles, spine

Men increase their risk of prostate cancer, sterility and impotence. They may also experience a low sperm count, shrinking of the testicles and testicular cancer. Increased baldness, breast development, reduced libido, and even pain on urinating are fairly common.

Women may become more masculine after steroid use and may develop a deeper voice, an enlarged clitoris, changes in menstrual cycle, shrinking breast size, facial hair, and other masculine traits. For infants exposed to steroids before birth, there is a serious risk of fetal birth defects.

Steroids can become habit forming and users may experience dependency and then addiction. Addiction to anabolic steroids is extremely serious and recovery may prove very difficult.