STEROIDS AFFECT THE HEART: Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular disease,
including heart attack and stroke. These heart problems can
even happen to athletes under the age of 30.
STEROIDS AFFECT APPEARANCE: In both sexes, steroids can cause male pattern baldness, cysts,
acne, and oily hair and skin.
STEROIDS AFFECT MOOD: Steroids can make a person angry and hostile for no reason.
There are recorded cases of murder attributed to intense anger
from steroid use.
STEROIDS INCREASE THE RISK OF INFECTION: Sharing needles or using dirty needles to inject steroids
creates a risk for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
STEROIDS ARE ILLEGAL TO POSSESS WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION: Doctors prescribe steroids for specific medical conditions.
They are only safe for use when a doctor monitors the patient.
THE MAJORITY OF TEENS ARE NOT USING STEROIDS: Among teenage males, who are most likely to use steroids, only
1.8% of 8th graders, 2.3% of 10 graders, and 3.2% of 12th
graders reported steroid used in the past year.
Q.
A.
ARE STEROIDS ADDICTIVE?
Yes, they can be. Withdrawal symptoms include mood swings,
suicidal thoughts or attempts, fatigue, restlessness, loss of
appetite, and sleeplessness.
Q.
A.
HOW LONG DO
STEROIDS STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?
The length of time that steroids stay in the body varies.
Injected steroids may be detected in the body for 3 or 4 months
while the oral types may remain for 1 to 4 weeks.
Q.
A.
WHAT CAN I
DO TO EXCEL IN SPORTS IF I DON'T USE STEROIDS?
Focus on getting proper diet, rest, and good overall mental and
physical health. Theses things are all factors in how the body
is shaped and conditioned. Excelling in sports is achievable
and done by millions of athletes without relying on steroids.
Q.
A.
WHAT ARE
THE SLANG TERMS RELATED TO STEROIDS?
Arnolds, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Stackers, Weight Trainers, Juice.
Other slang terms associated with steroid use include:
Roid rages - uncontrolled outburst of anger, frustration, or combativeness that may result from using anabolic
steroids.
Shotgunning - taking steroids on an inconsistent basis.
Stacking - using a combination of two or more anabolic steroids.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STEROIDS, CONTACT Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
Administration
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information
800.729.6686
•
TDD 800.489.4889
linea gratis en espanol 887.767.8432
www.ncadi.samhsa.gov
