Anabolic steroids Category: Performance and Image Enhancing Substances

Also called: steroids, roids, juice, nandrolone, restandol, striant, sustanon.

How it’s used

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. You can get them as a tablet, capsule or liquid to inject. Your doctor may prescribe them to treat specific conditions. They are also popular with bodybuilders, athletes and other sports people because they can improve your performance.

Short-term effects

May increase your muscle mass if you take them as part of a body building regime
They can increase your appetite, energy, motivation, confidence and self-esteem
May let you train harder and recover quicker

Long-term effects

You may become more aggressive and violent – ‘roid rage’
Hypertension – your body retains water and blood pressure goes up
If you’re still growing it may stunt your growth
Increases your risk of liver failure, stroke or heart attack
Mood swings, hallucinations and depression
Paranoia, confusion and trouble sleeping
In men – can cause balding, breast enlargement (‘man boobs’) and impotence
In women – can cause facial and body hair growth, deeper voice, smaller breasts and menstrual problems

Other dangers

Damage to veins if you inject
Risk of HIV and hepatitis if you share needles
Liver abnormalities, including cancer

If you are pregnant

Do not take steroids if you are pregnant as we don’t know what the risks are to your baby.

Addictive

Steroids are not physically addictive but you can become psychologically dependent, so you find it hard to cope without them.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal from steroids can make you feel tired and depressed. You may also have muscle pain.

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies such as acupuncture
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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