1. WHAT ARE STEROIDS? A synthetic compound designed to mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

2. Who Uses Steroids? • Olympic athletes • Professional athletes • Fitness Buffs/Gym “rats” • Law enforcement • Construction Workers • Bodyguards/Bouncers • Teens

3. Why are steroids abused? • Increased athletic performance • Increased attraction of the opposite sex • To medicate a traumatic experience such as rape or being bullied or beaten up • Reduce body fat and increase muscle mass • Muscle dysmorphia • To fit in. Peer pressure

4. Signs of steroid use • Increased muscle mass • Acne/Oily skin/Back acne • Hair loss • Increased interest in self appearance • Metrosexual qualities • Begins reading bodybuilding or fitness magazines • Isolation from social groups • Begins hanging out with other “big guys” • Change in wardrobe • Secretive behavior • Red blots on skin • More self-care or grooming • Loss of prior self • Drastic change in eating habits

5. Where do steroids come from? • Pill or injectable • To the U.S. from Mexico and Europe • Sold on the black market • Via the internet • Home labs; order powder and make own for cheaper cost • Most gyms have at least one major dealer • Can spot dealer as self-user who is very social and will usually approach and speak openly of steroids • Legal consequences are not stringent and carry little punishment • Expensive addiction-users usually develop financial problems

6. Are males the only steroid abusers? • Traditionally yes • Female use has more than doubled in the past decade • Females use more for weight loss or toning • Female athletes face the same pressure as males • Body image issues are the number one reason given by female abusers

7. Physical side-effects of steroid abuse… • Impotence • Sexual dysfunction • Rage behavior (Individuals who have pre-existing anger problems) • Irreversible development of breasts • Jaundice • Distinctive persistent bad breath • Constant aches and pains due to quick muscle growth • More susceptible to injury • Cysts • Fatigue • Restlessness • Loss of sleep

8. Physical side effects continued… Long term effects • Heart attack • Stroke • Cancers • Abcesses • Shrinking of testicles • In adolescents irreversible effects on growth cycle • Most long-term effects are unknown…most abusers die at an early age

9. Physical side effects in women • Deepening of the voice • Cessation of menstrual cycle • Development of male characteristics • Growth of facial hair • Decrease in breast tissue • Sexual reproductive defects

10. Psychological effects of steroid abuse • “Roid rage” – most often in individuals predisposed to anger • Manic episodes • Feelings of euphoria • Feelings of invincibility • Major depression • Suicidal thoughts and tendencies • Decrease in social coping skills

11. Are steroids addictive? • No definitive studies yet • Steroid abuser’s psychological state predicts an addictive style • Steroid abusers continue to use even after adverse effects • Withdrawal symptoms of depression, body image issues, drug seeking, point to addictive behaviors

12. Cross addiction patterns • Steroid abusers tend to be abusers of other drugs • Most common is opiates such as vicodin, percocet, oxycontin, heroin • In studies upwards of 50% of admitted steroid abusers also abuse some opiate • Most also stated they obtained both drugs from same dealer – steroid dealers are smart and will “cash-in” on the cross addictive behaviors

13. How is steroid abuse treated? Sierra Tucson • With new evidence suggesting steroids are addictive • Steroids are treated in the same format as any other addictive drug and many rehab centers offer these programs • 12-step programs, NA groups, inpatient therapy, dual diagnosis centers if other psychological issues have surfaced

14. What to do if someone I know is abusing steroids? • 1st step is to seek professional help • Let individual know of your concern • Stay away from feeding their addiction by complementing the way they look • Be sure to respect the individual and speak to them in an understanding manner • Steroid abuse is becoming more and more prominent and carries many consequences…not to be taken lightly (i.e. Parents who want their kids to perform well athletically)

15. Help is available: On campus – Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 520-621-3334 Off-campus – Sierra Tucson 1-800-842-4487