Information about Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are used by some people to help them build muscle more quickly. They are taken either as tablets or in liquid form which is injected. Anabolic steroids can sometimes by prescribed by doctors (for example to treat muscle weakness) but are different to 'corticosteroids', which are sometimes prescribed for inflammation, hayfever and other allergies, and for autoimmune conditions.

Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs. For more information about classifications and sentencing, click here.

Effects: Testosterone, the male hormone, is a natural anabolic steroid. Synthetic anabolic steroids tend to have similar effects. Steroids can help people build muscle mass faster as part of an exercise regime. They can also help you to recover faster after exercise. People also report effects like feeling 'wired', being irritable and agressive, and this can result in violence.

Risks: It is possible to get psychologically addicted to steroids. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after having used steroids for a while - these include headaches, tiredness and depression. There are a lot of side effects like acne, baldness, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart failure and strokes, and kidney and liver damage. Women who use steroids can find that their voice becomes permanently deeper and breast tissue reduces. For men, steroids can cause breast tissue to develop, as well as causing impotence and sterility. There have been reports of extreme violence as a result of steroid use, and users generally become more aggressive.

There are also the health risks that come with injecting any drug - such as the risk of infections or of catching blood borne viruses if needles or any other injecting equipment is shared.

Minimising the risks: The main way to minimise the risks above is not to use steroids, or to reduce your use. Never share injecting equipment - clean needles and syringes are available from the needle exchange at Bolton Drug Service. Young people who have not finished growing should never use steroids as they can cause bones to stop growing.