Transcript WHAT ARE STEROIDS? - UA Campus Health Service

WHAT ARE STEROIDS?
A synthetic compound designed to mimic the
effects of the male hormone testosterone.
Who Uses Steroids?
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Olympic athletes
Professional athletes
Fitness Buffs/Gym “rats”
Law enforcement
Construction Workers
Bodyguards/Bouncers
Teens
Why are steroids abused?
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Increased athletic performance
Increased attraction of the opposite sex
To medicate a traumatic experience such as rape
or being bullied or beaten up
Reduce body fat and increase muscle mass
Muscle dysmorphia
To fit in. Peer pressure
Signs of steroid use
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Increased muscle mass
Acne/Oily skin/Back acne
Hair loss
Increased interest in self appearance
Metrosexual qualities
Begins reading bodybuilding or fitness magazines
Isolation from social groups
Begins hanging out with other “big guys”
Change in wardrobe
Secretive behavior
Red blots on skin
More self-care or grooming
Loss of prior self
Drastic change in eating habits
Where do steroids come from?
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Pill or injectable
To the U.S. from Mexico and Europe
Sold on the black market
Via the internet
Home labs; order powder and make own for cheaper cost
Most gyms have at least one major dealer
Can spot dealer as self-user who is very social and will usually
approach and speak openly of steroids
Legal consequences are not stringent and carry little punishment
Expensive addiction-users usually develop financial problems
Are males the only steroid abusers?
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Traditionally yes
Female use has more than doubled in the
past decade
Females use more for weight loss or toning
Female athletes face the same pressure as
males
Body image issues are the number one
reason given by female abusers
Physical side-effects of steroid abuse…
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Impotence
Sexual dysfunction
Rage behavior (Individuals who have pre-existing anger
problems)
Irreversible development of breasts
Jaundice
Distinctive persistent bad breath
Constant aches and pains due to quick muscle growth
More susceptible to injury
Cysts
Fatigue
Restlessness
Loss of sleep
Physical side effects continued…
Long term effects
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cancers
• Abcesses
• Shrinking of testicles
• In adolescents irreversible effects on growth cycle
• Most long-term effects are unknown…most abusers die
at an early age
Physical side effects in women
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Deepening of the voice
Cessation of menstrual cycle
Development of male characteristics
Growth of facial hair
Decrease in breast tissue
Sexual reproductive defects
Psychological effects of steroid abuse
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“Roid rage” – most often in individuals predisposed to
anger
Manic episodes
Feelings of euphoria
Feelings of invincibility
Major depression
Suicidal thoughts and tendencies
Decrease in social coping skills
Are steroids addictive?
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No definitive studies yet
Steroid abuser’s psychological state predicts an addictive
style
Steroid abusers continue to use even after adverse
effects
Withdrawal symptoms of depression, body image issues,
drug seeking, point to addictive behaviors
Cross addiction patterns
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Steroid abusers tend to be abusers of other drugs
Most common is opiates such as vicodin, percocet,
oxycontin, heroin
In studies upwards of 50% of admitted steroid abusers
also abuse some opiate
Most also stated they obtained both drugs from same
dealer – steroid dealers are smart and will “cash-in” on
the cross addictive behaviors
How is steroid abuse treated?
Sierra Tucson
• With new evidence suggesting steroids are addictive
• Steroids are treated in the same format as any other
addictive drug and many rehab centers offer these
programs
• 12-step programs, NA groups, inpatient therapy, dual
diagnosis centers if other psychological issues have
surfaced
What to do if someone I know is abusing
steroids?
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1st step is to seek professional help
Let individual know of your concern
Stay away from feeding their addiction by
complementing the way they look
Be sure to respect the individual and speak to them in
an understanding manner
Steroid abuse is becoming more and more prominent
and carries many consequences…not to be taken lightly
(i.e. Parents who want their kids to perform well
athletically)
Help is available:
On campus – Counseling and Psychological Services
(CAPS) 520-621-3334
Off-campus – Sierra Tucson
1-800-842-4487