Things to know about steroids

Dose

Dosage is often done by ‘cycling’; weeks on the drug followed by weeks off, then the cycle starts again. 'Stacking' means taking several steroids at the same time to get greater effect. The higher the dose and the longer steroids are taken the more risk of damage to the body (see below).

The downside

As well as shrinking balls, other unwelcome side-effects can include:

• acne (acne on the back is a tell-tale sign of steroid use)
• baldness
• growth of breast tissue (‘bitch tits’)
• water retention (puffy skin)
• loss of sex drive
• high blood pressure and risk of stroke
• raised cholesterol and heart disease
• abnormal liver function
• enlarged prostate
• depression, paranoia and problems sleeping
• stunted growth in adolescents, men under 24 shouldn't use steroids.

Steroids can make men short-tempered, possibly violent (‘roid rage’).

Problem use

Although not physically addictive, men can become hooked on the feelings of increased self-esteem and masculinity and feel depressed or lethargic when coming off them.

At risk

If sharing injecting equipment when taking steroids, infections in blood (such as HIV and hepatitis B and C) can be spread. Injecting can also cause skin abscesses, blood poisoning and serious infections of the heart if injecting introduces bacteria into the body. Steroids should be avoided if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health problems, glucoma (an eye condition) or anything wrong with your heart.

Illegally sold steroids may be contaminated, diluted, fake or intended for use with animals.

Mixing with HIV drugs

Steroids can raise cholesterol levels (fat in the blood). As this can also be a side effect of HIV meds, someone on HIV treatment who's also on steroids should use them with caution and have their cholesterol levels monitored. Steroids, when you're on HIV medication, put extra strain on your liver, making side effects more likely.

Mixing With stimulants

Drugs like crystal meth, ecstasy and coke will wipe out your energy levels, interfere with gym work-outs and make you lose weight when you're trying to bulk up.

As steroids can effect your mood it may be better while on a course of them to avoid other drugs that change your mental state.

The law

Anabolic steroids are prescription-only drugs controlled by the Medicines Act. They're also class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Penalties

Possession is not illegal in the UK as long as they're for personal use only. It is illegal in other countries, including the US.

The penalty for intending to supply to others, including giving to friends, or importing/exporting them, is up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

More information and support

For help and advice concerning drugs see the page of Useful info and support in the Power room on this website.