1. Steroids

2. What are Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic male hormones (androgens) that promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics.
The primary use of anabolic steroids are to treat delayed puberty, acme types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by disease.
There are 100 different types of anabolic steroids, each requiring a prescription to be used legally in the Unites States.
Athletes and others abuse anabolic-androgenic steroids to enhance performance and improve their physical appearance.

3. Methods of Use Orally Injected into a muscle
Rubbed into the skin in the form of a gel or cream
They are taken in cycles of weeks or months rather than continuously which is referred to as “cycling”.
Users also frequently combine several different types of steroids in a process known as “stacking”.
“Pyramiding” is when Users also slowly escalate steroid use reaching a peak amount at mid-cycle and gradually tapering the dose toward the end of the cycle

4. Street Names Gym candy Arnolds Weight trainers Pumpers Stackers A’s
Anabolics
Roids
Balls
Bulls
Gear
Juice

5. Reasons for Abuse To improve athletic performance
To increase muscle size
To reduce body fat

6. Hazards of Steroid Use Liver tumors Kidney tumors Jaundice
Fluid retention
High blood pressure
Increases in LDL (bad cholesterol)
Decreases in HDL (good cholesterol)
Severe acne
Trembling
Enlarged facial bones
Stunted height
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bone pain
Muscle cramps
Blood clotting difficulties

7. Gender Specific Effects
People who inject anabolic steroids run the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis.
For Adolescents:
Premature skeletal maturation
Accelerated puberty changes
Growth halted prematurely
For Women:
Growth of facial and body hair
Changes in or cessation of menstrual cycle
Pattern baldness
Deepened voices
Enlargement of the clitoris
For Men:
Shrinking of testicles
Reduce sperm count
Infertility
Development of breasts
Increased risk of prostate cancer

8. Psychological Effects
Depression
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Forgetfulness
Lack of interest or energy for everyday life
Aggressive, violent behavior
Paranoia
Manic episodes

9. Withdrawal Symptoms Mood swings Fatigue Restlessness Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Reduced sex drive
Depression
The depression can lead to suicide attempts and if left untreated, can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the drugs.

10. Extent of Use
Approximately 1.8 % of young adults, ages 19-28, surveyed in 2006 reported lifetime use of steroids.
Some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of steroids.
Most illegal steroids are smuggled from other countries, diverted from pharmacies, and made in underground laboratories