Steroid addiction is shown by an intense compulsion or craving to use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) despite the harm it does to one’s health, social life, or psychological state. Individuals using steroids consume these synthetic substances to enhance their athletic ability and improve their physical appearance. Over time, the body’s dependency on these drugs leads to addiction.
According to Wenbo, Z.’s 2023 study, ‘The Uses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Among Athletes; Its Positive and Negative Aspects- A Literature Review, ’ approximately 2.9-4.0 million Americans aged 13-50 have used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), with nearly 1 million developing dependence. Usage rates vary, with around 5% among general gym-goers and 25-50% among competitive bodybuilders.
Signs of steroid addiction include an obsession with body image and muscle mass, increased irritability and aggression, mood swings, and spending significant time and money on obtaining and using steroids. Physical signs include rapid muscle gain, acne breakouts, and fluctuations in weight.
The causes of steroid addiction stem from a desire to improve athletic performance and enhance physical appearance. Psychological factors like low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, or chronic stress also contribute. Peer pressure and easy access to steroids amplify the risk of developing an addiction.
Steroid addiction leads to both psychological and physical effects, such as mood disorders, aggression, depression, hormonal imbalances, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and alterations in reproductive function.
Treatment options for steroid addiction include professional counseling, participation in support groups, and medical treatment and therapy.
What Is Steroid Addiction?
Steroid addiction refers to the compulsive craving and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) despite the harmful effects they are causing. Steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone. People typically use these substances to enhance athletic performance or improve physical appearance.
Prolonged usage of steroids causes an individual to develop a dependency characterized by a strong desire to continue using despite negative consequences to one’s health, relationships, and social standing. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, estimates of the number of individuals 18 and older who abuse steroids is in the hundreds of thousands.
This addiction encompasses both a psychological reliance, where the user persists in using steroids to maintain self-esteem and body image, and a physical dependence, marked by the need to consume increasing amounts to achieve the effects or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What Are The Signs Of Steroid Addiction?
Signs of steroid addiction include tolerance and withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and insomnia. These symptoms disrupt personal relationships and professional responsibilities, compounding the challenges of recovery. According to Adam J. Trenton et al.’s 2005 research titled ‘Behavioral Manifestation Of Anabolic Steroid Use,’ Long-term steroid abusers develop symptoms of dependence and withdrawal on discontinuation of AAS.
The following are some of the signs that someone is addicted to steroids:
- Increased Tolerance: Individuals need larger doses of sedatives to achieve the same calming or hypnotic effects, indicating that their bodies are adapting to the drug.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors when not taking the drug suggest physical dependence.
- Compulsive Use: Using steroids more frequently or in higher doses than intended shows a loss of control over drug use.
- Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in using sedatives despite clear negative consequences on health, relationships, or responsibilities.
- Neglect of Activities: Reducing or abandoning social, occupational, or recreational activities due to drug use.
- Excessive time spent: People struggling with steroid addiction spend a considerable amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of steroids.
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Unsuccessful efforts to reduce or stop steroid use signify addiction.
- Rapid Muscle Gain: Rapid muscle gain refers to a significant increase in muscle mass over a short period associated with steroid use.
- Increased Workout Frequency: Increased workout frequency indicates a heightened number of exercise sessions per week, driven by the desire to enhance performance or physique.
- Unexpected Packages: Unexpected packages signify deliveries of substances or products related to drug use that individuals did not anticipate receiving.
- Pill Bottles: Pill bottles are containers used to store medications, commonly associated with the presence of prescription or illicit drugs.
- Vial Packaging: Vial packaging refers to small glass or plastic containers used to hold liquid medications or substances, indicating the use of injectable drugs.
- Acne Breakouts: Acne breakouts are sudden occurrences of pimples or cysts on the skin, frequently linked to hormonal changes from steroid use.
What Are The Causes Of Steroid Addiction?
The causes of steroid addiction are performance pressures, psychological factors, social influence, accessibility, and escalating use.
The key causes of steroid addiction are in detail below:
- Performance and Aesthetic Pressures: Athletes and bodybuilders start using steroids to enhance performance or achieve a desired physical appearance. This pressure, whether self-imposed or from competitive environments, leads to initial use and potential addiction. According to Wenbo, Z.’s 2023 study, ‘The Uses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Among Athletes; Its Positive and Negative Aspects- A Literature Review.’, usage rates are notably higher among competitive bodybuilders (25-50%) compared to general gym-goers (around 5%), and prevalence is greater in Western regions due to a cultural emphasis on muscularity. Key risk factors for AAS abuse among gym members include weightlifting, use of dietary supplements, special diets, and social exposure to regular AAS users.
- Psychological Factors: Issues like body dysmorphia, where an individual has a distorted perception of their body, or low self-esteem drive people to use steroids as a way to feel better about themselves or gain confidence. According to Gawash, A.’s 2023 study, ‘Association of Body Dysmorphic-Induced Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use With Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 25(5), 23r03532.’, individuals involved in bodybuilding and fitness athletics show heightened vulnerability to a triad of related issues: muscle dysmorphia, patterns of disordered eating, and the use of performance-enhancing substances, particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
- Social Influence and Cultural Norms: Influence from peers, coaches, or societal standards that glorify muscular physiques encourage steroid use. This influence is widespread in environments where performance enhancement is openly discussed or promoted.
- Accessibility and Misinformation: Easy access to steroids through gyms, online sources, or social networks, along with misinformation about the risks and benefits, leads to increased use and addiction. According to Kreutz, J.’s 2025 study, ‘A qualitative exploration of family physicians and people who use anabolic steroids: Barriers to accessing evidence-based care.’, AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroid) users face significant barriers in accessing evidence-based healthcare, including stigmatization from providers, fear of legal consequences, and distrust of physician knowledge. This has led users to rely heavily on social media platforms like TikTok, where misinformation flourishes through over 56,000 fitness accounts with 10,000+ followers as of 2021 and popular AAS-discussing influencers amassing over 1 million subscribers. The problem is compounded by healthcare providers’ limited training in managing AAS use, creating a cycle where users remain isolated from proper medical care and continue seeking information from potentially unreliable sources.
- Escalating Use: Starting with moderate use and escalating to higher doses as tolerance develops leads to dependence, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the effects or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What Are The Effects Of Steroid Addiction?
The effects of steroid addiction manifest in three major ways: physical, mental, and behavioral. Physical effects include hormonal imbalance, liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and musculoskeletal complications. Mental effects manifest through severe mood swings and increased aggression. Behavioral effects lead to social withdrawal, secretive behavior, and potential legal consequences.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anabolic steroids cause severe, long-lasting, and, in some cases, irreversible damage. They lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and psychiatric problems. In addition, stopping steroid use causes depression, leading to resumption of use.
Here are the key effects of steroid addiction:
What Are the Physical Effects Of Steroid Addiction?
The physical effects of steroid addiction include hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular problems, liver damage, and many more.
Here are the key physical effects of steroid addiction:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Steroid use disrupts the natural course of hormones in the body, leading to conditions like gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men) and testicular atrophy.
- Liver Damage: Prolonged steroid use causes liver abnormalities and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as liver tumors. According to Petrovic, A.’s 2022 study, ‘Anabolic androgenic steroid-induced liver injury: An update, ’ prolonged anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use significantly impacts liver health through multiple mechanisms. The liver damage primarily manifests as cholestasis, peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts), and potential tumor development, with oral steroids posing a higher risk than injectable forms. The damage occurs through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory cell infiltration, leading to hepatocyte toxicity and possible fibrosis. While most cases recover with AAS discontinuation, key warning signs include elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, fatigue, and dark urine. The severity of liver injury correlates with dosage, duration of use, and individual genetic susceptibility, though the exact prevalence remains unclear due to underreporting.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Steroids increase the risk of heart disease by affecting the levels of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood, leading to artery blockage. According to Perry, J. C.’s 2020 study, ‘Anabolic Steroids and Cardiovascular Outcomes: The Controversy.’, anabolic steroid use poses significant cardiovascular risks, including altered lipid profiles, hypertension, and increased blood clotting tendencies. Users face elevated risks of heart attacks, life-threatening arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy. Studies have shown that anabolic steroids cause permanent changes to heart structure, including left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac enlargement. These cardiovascular complications have been documented in both short-term and long-term users, affecting both athletes and non-athletes, with some cases resulting in sudden cardiac death.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Although steroids increase muscle mass, they also weaken tendons and ligaments, increasing the risk of injuries. According to Kanayama, G.’s 2015 study, ‘Ruptured Tendons in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study, ’ anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users faced significantly higher risks of tendon ruptures compared to non-users, with 22% of AAS users experiencing ruptures versus only 6% of non-users. The study revealed that AAS users were 9 times more likely to experience their first tendon rupture compared to non-users. Notably, upper body tendon ruptures were found exclusively in AAS users at a rate of 17%, while lower body rupture rates remained similar between both groups, showing no significant statistical difference.
What Are The Mental Effects Of Steroid Addiction?
Three mental effects of steroid addiction on its users are;
- Mood Swings: Users experience wild shifts in mood, from feelings of invincibility to severe depression. According to Windfeld-Mathiasen, J.’s 2022 study, ‘Psychiatric morbidity among men using anabolic steroids.’, anabolic steroid users showed significantly higher psychiatric morbidity compared to non-users. The study found that steroid users were 2.69 times more likely to need antipsychotic treatment, 2.34 times more likely to require anxiolytics, 1.65 times more likely to use antidepressants, and 2.29 times more likely to need psychostimulants. In the two years following steroid use detection, the risk of requiring antipsychotic and anxiolytic treatments increased by 2.36 and 2.97 times, respectively. Additionally, 18% of steroid users required psychiatric hospital contact compared to 13.5% of non-users, demonstrating a clear correlation between steroid use and mental health issues.
- Aggression: individuals struggling with addiction exhibit addiction commonly referred to as “roid rage,” which affects personal and social relationships. According to Chegeni, R.’s 2021 study, ’Aggression and psychological distress in male and female anabolic-androgenic steroid users: A multigroup latent class analysis.’, AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroid) users fall into five distinct patterns of aggression and psychological distress. The majority of users display moderate to low levels of aggression, with 18.64% showing moderate aggression and distress, 22.95% exhibiting moderate direct aggression with mild indirect aggression, 11.71% demonstrating mild direct aggression with moderate indirect aggression, and 39.06% showing low aggression with mild distress. Notably, about 8% of users fall into the high aggression category with moderate psychological distress, with males being significantly more represented in this high-risk group (91.67% male vs 8.33% female).
- Psychological Dependence: The perceived need to continue steroid use becomes a psychological drive, leading to distress if access to the drug is threatened. According to Zoob Carter, B. N.’s 2024 study, ‘Development and validation of dependence and craving measures specific to athletes who use anabolic-androgenic steroids.’, anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence affects approximately 30% of users, with distinct characteristics that set it apart from traditional drug addictions. Unlike substances that provide immediate intoxication, AAS are taken over extended periods to achieve delayed rewards of increased musculature and strength, rather than an instantaneous high.
What Are The Behavioral Effects Of Steroid Addiction?
Three behavioral effects of steroid addiction on its users are;
- Secrecy and Deception: To continue using steroids, individuals tend to lie or hide their behavior from family and friends.
- Social Withdrawal: Due to the obsession with body image and drug schedules, users might withdraw from social relationships and activities.
- Legal and Financial Issues: Illegal obtaining steroids leads to legal consequences, and spending substantial money on these substances results in financial problems.
What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Steroid Addiction?
The withdrawal symptoms of steroid addiction include fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings.
These symptoms begin within 24 hours of stopping steroid use and last for weeks to months, depending on the duration and intensity of the steroid use, highlighting the need for a carefully managed and supportive withdrawal process.
The following are some of the withdrawal symptoms of steroid addiction:
- Fatigue: Individuals withdrawing from steroid addiction experience extreme tiredness that impacts daily functioning as the body adjusts to the absence of steroids.
- Mood Disorders: Depression, irritability, and anxiety are expected as the psychological dependence on steroids is challenged.
- Loss of Appetite: A significant reduction in appetite and weight loss occurs when attempting to quit steroids, which affects overall health and energy levels.
- Restlessness: A general sense of discomfort and an inability to stay still make it difficult for individuals to relax.
- Insomnia: Difficulty in falling asleep is common while withdrawing from steroid addiction, compounding fatigue and affecting mental health.
- Decreased Libido: Sexual desire decreases as the body’s natural hormone levels struggle to regulate after prolonged steroid use.
- Cravings: A strong desire to use steroids again is so overwhelming and is a significant challenge in overcoming addiction.
What Are The Treatment Strategies For Steroid Addiction?
The treatment strategies for steroid addiction are medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication management, support groups, education and counseling, family therapy, and lifestyle modification. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, People who use steroids do not seek treatment for their use, with 56 percent of users never telling their physician about their use.
Medical Detoxification
Medical detoxification involves safely reducing and eliminating steroid use under medical supervision. Healthcare providers monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms to minimize discomfort and complications.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Therapy techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals with addiction identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that led to steroid abuse. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also addresses issues related to body image, self-esteem, and stress management.
Medication Management
While no specific medication directly treats steroid addiction, doctors sometimes prescribe medications to address symptoms like depression and anxiety or to manage hormonal imbalances caused by steroid abuse. According to Kanayama, G.’s 2010 study, ‘Treatment of anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: Emerging evidence and its implications, ’ AAS (Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid) dependence treatment involves multiple medications and therapies. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), clomiphene, and tamoxifen are used to treat hypogonadism, while serotonergic antidepressants help manage both body dysmorphic disorders and withdrawal depression. The treatment addresses three mechanisms: body image (using cognitive-behavioral therapy), androgenic (hormonal restoration), and hedonic (similar to opioid dependence treatment approaches).
Support Groups
Participating in groups like Narcotics Anonymous or other recovery-focused gatherings provides peer support and encouragement, which are vital for long-term recovery.
Education and Counseling
Ongoing counseling from addiction specialists helps individuals understand the risks associated with steroid use, the benefits of recovery, and strategies for avoiding relapse.
Family Therapy
Involving family members in the recovery process improves communication, heals relationships, and builds a supportive home environment conducive to sobriety.
Lifestyle Modifications
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management techniques, supports overall well-being and reduces the risk of relapse.
How Do I Treat Steroid Overdose?
To treat steroid overdose, follow four key steps: stabilize the patient, perform detoxification, administer medication, and provide support or counseling.
Stabilize the patient’s condition by monitoring vital signs. Proceed with detoxification to safely eliminate steroids, using medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. Provide psychological support and counseling to address underlying issues related to steroid abuse. Ensure ongoing support through counseling and support groups to promote recovery and prevent relapse.
What Are The Prevalence Statistics Of Steroid Addiction?
Here are the prevalence statistics of steroid addiction:
- Monitoring the Future Survey 2022 shows that an estimated 0.8% of 8th graders, 0.5% of 10th graders, and 1.3% of 12th graders reported misusing steroids in the past 12 months.
- According to the retired National Football League (NFL) players, 9.1% of players admitted to using Anabolic Steroids during their career.
- Julian S Baker et.al. ’s 2006 ‘Gym users and abuse of prescription drugs’ show that there are almost three million ‘steroid’ users in the USA, and among that, 2.7%-2.9% of young American adults have taken steroids at least once in their lives.
Can Steroid Addiction Affect Fertility?
Yes, steroid addiction can negatively affect fertility, leading to reduced sperm count in men and menstrual irregularities in women, potentially causing long-term reproductive issues.
According to Sharma, A.’s 2022 study, ‘Common symptoms associated with usage and cessation of anabolic androgenic steroids in men, ’ anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) addiction directly impacts male fertility by suppressing natural testosterone production and disrupting reproductive function. Users experience low libido and hormonal imbalances, particularly during withdrawal, which significantly affect their reproductive health and fertility potential.
How Are the Effects Of Steroid Addiction And Sedative-Hypnotic Addiction Different Or Similar?
The effects of steroid addiction and sedative-hypnotic addiction are both different and similar in several key ways. Steroid addiction primarily affects physical appearance and body functions, manifesting in hormonal imbalances and liver damage. Sedative-hypnotic addiction, in contrast, affects the central nervous system, resulting in memory impairment and drowsiness. While these substances affect different body systems, both types of addiction share common elements: they both cause psychological dependence and lead to similar behavioral patterns, including continued substance use despite negative consequences and withdrawal symptoms during cessation attempts.
What Are the Legal Consequences For Using And Selling Steroids?
Legal consequences for using and selling steroids without a prescription include fines, imprisonment, and other penalties, varying significantly depending on the country’s specific laws.
Can Steroid Addiction Cause Withdrawal Symptoms Even After Short-Term Use?
Yes, even short-term use of steroids can cause withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and restlessness when the drugs are discontinued.
According to Kanayama, G.’s 2009 study, ‘Anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: an emerging disorder, ’ approximately 30% of anabolic steroid users develop a dependence syndrome, with users experiencing prominent withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, loss of sex drive, and depressed mood. To manage these effects, users implement cycling strategies where they take steroids in blocks of time, which helps minimize withdrawal symptoms between cycles, allows hormone levels to return to normal, and helps conserve their drug supplies. The significance of withdrawal in steroid dependence is substantial, with studies showing that 44.6% of users experience withdrawal symptoms, making it one of the most commonly reported criteria for steroid dependence.
How Does Steroid Addiction Impact Athletic Performance Long Term?
Steroid addiction negatively impacts long-term athletic performance by causing severe health complications and career-ending competitive bans despite initial performance gains.
Kanayama, G.’s 2008 study, ‘Long-term psychiatric and medical consequences of anabolic–androgenic steroid abuse: A looming public health concern?’, AAS users who seek athletic enhancement take doses 50-100 times higher than natural testosterone production, with cycles lasting several weeks to months. This leads to irreversible cardiovascular complications, including cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and atherosclerotic effects. Additionally, users face significant neurological and psychiatric risks, including possible permanent neuropsychiatric toxicity, mood disorders, and increased vulnerability to other substance abuse issues, undermining any temporary performance benefits gained from steroid use.
What Are the Different Forms Of Steroids?
Different forms of steroids include oral pills, injectable steroids, and skin patches.
What Are The Different Slang Names For Steroids?
Common slang names for steroids include ‘Roids,’ ‘Juice,’ ‘Gear,’ and ‘Stackers.’
Are There Non-Medical Treatments Available For Steroid Addiction?
Yes, there are non-medical treatments for steroid addiction, including behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups, which help address the psychological aspects of addiction and provide a network for recovery.
How Does Family Therapy Contribute to the Recovery Process For Individuals Addicted To Steroids Compared to Those Addicted To Stimulants?
Family therapy contributes differently to the recovery process for individuals addicted to steroids versus stimulants. For steroid addiction, therapy addresses specific family dynamics and pressures that contribute to the addiction, particularly expectations around athletic performance and physical appearance. In contrast, for individuals addicted to stimulants, family therapy focuses on managing stress, improving communication patterns, and establishing a supportive home environment to prevent relapse. While both scenarios utilize family therapy to rebuild trust, enhance communication, and create support networks, the therapeutic approaches vary based on the distinct challenges each substance presents. The therapeutic techniques applied in steroid addiction center on body image and performance pressure, while stimulant addiction therapy emphasizes stress management and daily routine stability.
Can Steroid Addiction Lead To Other Substance Abuse Issues?
Yes, steroid addiction can lead to other substance abuse issues as individuals addicted to steroids are at higher risk for abusing other substances, either to enhance the effects of steroids or to cope with side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
According to Skårberg, K.’s 2008 study, ‘The development of multiple drug use among anabolic-androgenic steroid users: six subjective case reports, ’ AAS (anabolic androgenic steroid) users frequently develop multiple drug use patterns, combining steroids with various substances both simultaneously and sequentially. The most common drug combinations include alcohol, amphetamines, anti-estrogens, testosterone releasers, pain medications, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and ephedrine. These combinations are primarily used to both enhance the effects of AAS and minimize its side effects.
Where and How Is Steroid Typically Manufactured and Produced?
Steroids are manufactured in pharmaceutical companies and illegal laboratories, with legitimate versions produced for medical use and illicit versions made under unregulated conditions.
What Psychological Effects Are Unique to Steroid Addiction, And How Do They Differ From Those Seen In Tramadol Addiction?
The psychological effects unique to steroid addiction include intense aggression, severe mood swings, paranoid thinking, and delusional beliefs about invincibility – a cluster of symptoms termed “roid rage.” These effects contrast markedly with how tramadol addiction affects psychology, as tramadol addiction primarily causes euphoric states, heightened anxiety, clinical depression, and impaired cognitive function due to its opioid mechanism. Treatment approaches must be tailored accordingly – steroid addiction requires focused behavioral therapy to address aggression and mood volatility, while tramadol addiction necessitates careful withdrawal management combined with treatment for anxiety and depression. Understanding these distinct psychological profiles enables healthcare providers to implement targeted therapeutic strategies for each substance use disorder.
What are The Drug Control Policies and Implications for Steroids?
Drug control policies and implications for steroids encompass comprehensive regulatory frameworks at multiple levels. These policies mandate strict control over prescription and dispensing, require ongoing surveillance by agencies like the FDA, and establish severe penalties for illegal manufacturing and distribution. The implications extend to healthcare providers who must follow precise documentation requirements, distributors who face rigorous compliance standards, and users who need valid prescriptions. These regulations aim to prevent misuse while ensuring that legitimate medical access remains available under proper supervision.
