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Steroids (Anabolic)

Brief Description

Most anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are taken orally or are injected. Some people, especially athletes, abuse anabolic steroids to build muscle and enhance performance. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.

Street Names

Juice, gym candy, pumpers, stackers

Effects

Major effects of steroid abuse can include liver damage; jaundice; fluid retention; high blood pressure; increases in "bad" cholesterol. Also, males risk shrinking of the testicles, baldness, breast development, and infertility. Females risk growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, male-pattern baldness, and deepened voice. Teens risk permanently stunted height, accelerated puberty changes, and severe acne. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Statistics and Trends

The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 0.5% of 8th graders, 1.0% of 10th graders, and 1.5% of 12th graders had abused anabolic steroids at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).

Related Publications

Anabolic Steroids (DrugFacts)

Revised July 2012.
Provides basic information about anabolic-androgenic steroids, such as how it is abused, its effects of the brain and mental health, its addictive potential, treatment, and the extent of abuse among youth. En Español

Publication Cover

Anabolic Steroids (Mind Over Matter)

Published January 1997. Revised January 2009.
Shows young teens how anabolic steroids can cause liver damage and cancer and weaken the immune system. En Español

Steroid Abuse and Addiction Research Report Cover

Anabolic Steroid Abuse (Research Reports)

Published July 2001. Revised August 2006.
Explores the latest research on anabolic steroid use, including health consequences of steroid abuse, the effects it can have on behavior, prevention research, and effective treatment approaches. En Español

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

Emerging Drugs

Get more information on K2/Spice, Salvia and Bath Salts. NIDA will update this page with the latest research findings on these and other emerging drugs as they develop.

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Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or 1-800-662-HELP.

Featured Publication

Featured Publication

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction

As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.