Anabolics Mall
What does it feel like to take anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids have psychological as well as physical
effects.(1,2) The steroid abuser is more likely to
experiences mood swings including euphoria and feelings of
violence, and suicidal tendencies than his or her peers of the same
sex and age.(2-7) These effects appear to stop after steroids are
stopped, but it is unknown whether there is any permanent psychological
change because no long-term studies of steroid effects on personality
have been done.(8) Some researchers think that the feelings of
euphoria, aggressiveness, and reduced fatigue caused by anabolic
steroids motivate steroid abusers to work out harder and more often
than their non-steroid-using counterparts.(4,7,9-11) They believe
this is the real reason for increases in muscle mass by steroid
abusers. High doses of steroids may alter a person's self-image
and produce changes in behavior.(2,10-12) Weight-lifting steroid
abusers who were evaluated with a standardized psychological test
were found to have antisocial personality traits similar to those
of alcoholics.(2,3) In one study, all but one subject described (roid Rage)
"frequent episodes of temper outbursts, arguments, shouting or throwing
objects, and having urges to beat, injure or harm others. . .."(2)
Personality changes associated with anabolic steroid abuse have led to
violence and the deaths of innocent bystanders.(10,13) In one review of
such cases, (10) a weightlifter on steroids abducted and
murdered a hitchhiker on impulse.(10) Another steroid user
abducted a female store clerk on a whim and shot her when she tried
to escape.(10) In a third case, a steroid abuser convinced
a friend to help him plant an explosive device under his former
fiancee's car. Fortunately, she was unhurt when they detonated
it.(10) In another case, a steroid abuser burglarized three
homes and set them afire, leading to $141,000 in property
damages.(14) In each of these cases, there was no prior history of violence.
Personalities returned to normal when steroids were stopped.(10,14)
REFERENCES
1. Moore WV. Anabolic steroid use in adolescence. J Am Med
Assoc 1988 Dec 16;260(23):3484-6.
2. Perry PJ, Andersen KH, Yates WR. Illicit anabolic steroid use
in athletes - a case series analysis. Am J Sports Med 1990
Jul-Aug;18(4):422-8.
3. Yates WR, Perry PJ, Andersen KH. Illicit anabolic steroid use
- a controlled personality study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990
Jun;81(6):548-50.
4. Wagner JC. Abuse of drugs used to enhance athletic
performance. American Journal Of Hospital Pharmacy 1989
Oct;46:2059-67.
5. Brower KJ, Eliopulos GA, Blow FC, Catlin DH, Beresford TP.
Evidence for physical and psychological dependence on anabolic
androgenic steroids in 8 weight lifters. American Journal Of
Psychiatry 1990 Apr;147(4):510-2.
6. Council on Scientific Affairs. Drug abuse in athletes.
J Am Med Assoc 1988 Mar 18;259(11):1703-5.
7. Kibble MW, Ross MB. Adverse effects of anabolic steroids in
athletes. Clinical Pharmacy 1987 Sep;6:686-92.
8. Yesalis CE, Wright JE, Bahrke MS. Epidemiological and policy
issues in the measurement of the long term health effects of
anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sports Medicine 1989
Sep;8(3):129-38.
9. Kashkin KB, Kleber HD. Hooked on hormones - an anabolic
steroid addiction hypothesis. J Am Med Assoc 1989 Dec
8;262(22):3166-70.
10. Pope HG, Katz DL. Homicide and near-homicide by anabolic
steroid users. Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry 1990
Jan;51(1):28-31.
11. Brooks RV. Anabolic steroids and athletes. Phys Sportsmed 1980
Mar;8(3):161-3.
12. Hays LR, Littleton S, Stillner V. Anabolic steroid dependence.
Am J Psychiatry 1990;147(1):122.
13. Conacher GN, Workman DG. Violent crime possibly associated
with anabolic steroid use. American Journal Of Psychiatry 1989
May;146(5):679.
14. Kleinman CC. Forensic issues arising from the use of anabolic
steroids. Psychiatric Annals 1990 Apr;20(4):219-21.
by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph.
(c) 1992 University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: Steroid use is illegal in a vast number of countries around the world. This is not without reason. Steroids should only be used when prescribed by your doctor and under close supervision. Steroid use is not to be taken lightly and we do not in any way endorse or approve of illegal drug use. The information is provided on the same basis as all the other information on this site, as informational/entertainment value.
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Disclaimer: The information presented is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made.