Steroids are used for a multitude of reasons varying from speeding up the maturation process in late-blooming teenagers to professional athletes trying to improve their performance on the field. Some people are prescribed to take steroids from the doctor, while others are obviously not. However, because they are easily accessible, many more people are starting to use them. Though they do not provide a high like other drugs, they still effect the body in pleasurable ways which can lead to an addiction. In an article on the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is explained that in previous research on animals, that they would self-administer steroids, similarly to any other addictive drug. Also, like other addictive drugs, there are withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of using steroids. The most severe symptom is depression which can lead to attempted suicide and other self-destructive behaviors. Other symptoms are mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, reduced sex-drive, and other various side-effects. In stopping the use of steroids, research has shown the use of opioids to reduce the side-effects from the cessation of steroids. However, the use of opioids brings about a whole host of new effects on the body. The addiction side of steroids is hardly ever shown, but the side-effects are very real and should be publicized more openly.
Jenna M. W.
Sources:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids
http://www.medicinenet.com/anabolic_steroid_abuse/page3.htm#are_anabolic_steroids_addictive
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