Steroids are hormones which are responsible for the regular functioning of the tissues and body organs in an individual. These hormones can either be natural or man-made.
The outer portion of the adrenal gland is responsible for producing natural steroids or corticosteroids in the human body. Meanwhile, the synthetic ones or anabolic-androgenic hormones are the ones used by weight lifters to increase muscle formation.
Like other drugs, this substance is both used for recreational and medicinal purposes. In terms of medicinal purpose, this drug is mostly prescribed in medicating imbalances in hormones which leads to slow progression of puberty.
In addition, other uses of this substance in the field of medicine include the treatment of sclerosis, lupus, bowel inflammation, arthritis, asthma, rose fever, skin inflammation and hives.
In contrast, it is also misused and abused mostly by people in the athletics and weight lifting field. The main purpose of abusing it is for performance and muscle enhancement. Men ages 20 to 30 years are the majority who abuse this drug for the said reason.
In the United States, a large population of high school students is starting to abuse this substance not knowing the adverse health effects it brings. Likewise, approximately 1,084,000 adults or 0.5 percent of the general population are engaged in using synthetic hormones.
This substance is known by different brand and street names. Some of its known brand names are Celestone, Anadrol-50, Methitest, Xyosted, Depo-testosterone, Delatestryl, and more.
Aside from those brand names, this substance also has several street names depending on the location and culture of the area. These street names hide the true name and substance for illegal distribution. Some of its known street names are Juice, Weight trainers, Stackers, Roids, Pumpers, Candy, Gym, and Arnolds.
Steroids, How They Work
There are three ways of taking this substance: injection, oral ingestion, and inhaling. In general, this synthetic hormone replicates the action of the natural hormone produced in the body.
After taking in the substance, it is metabolized in the body and its molecules mixes in the blood where it goes into the androgen receptors and binds to it. Consequently, it stimulates the androgen receptors where the overall effect is an increased production of protein in the body.
In terms of strength, this substance can effectively increase the weight of a person by two to five kilograms within ten weeks of usage. Moreover, several records have shown its potency of increasing muscle strength by around five to twenty percent.
Aside from muscle formation, this action has medicinal applications such as minimizing inflammation and swelling in joints and other parts of the body. Likewise, it also balances the salt and water contents in cells.
Addiction and Dangers
This substance may not have high addictive potential but the inability of the person to determine one’s dependence and tolerance poses both irreparable and treatable health consequences due to imbalances in hormones.
Around one percent of the U.S. population is using this substance for recreational purposes. The main reason for abusing this drug is due to body dysmorphic disorder or the intense drive of a person to pursue a perfect body.
The use of this drug, whether in a small or large doses, leads to certain observable short and long-term effects. The intensity of the effects greatly depends on the dosage and length of time using the drug.
In terms of short-term effects, some of it include acne, increased blood sugar level, uncontrolled mood shifts, decreased sex drive, highly irritable, being hot-tempered, tiredness, and elevated cholesterol level in the blood.
In terms of long-term effects, some of its common effects include a decrease in sperm count, smaller testicles, breast development, and gradual hair loss. For women using this substance, the following effects can be observed: the growth of beard and mustache, change in menstrual period, voice tone becomes lower, breast size decreases, and clitoris swells.
Medications and Treatments
It is best to apply an early first aid treatment to prevent further complications. To know if a person is having an overdose, the following symptoms must be observed: sleepiness during the day, decreased muscle strength, blood pressure rises, anxiety, and skin problems.
In addressing an overdose, there are certain first aid treatments to apply. First, check the stability of pulse rate and heartbeat. Make sure the patient is not having breathing problems. Loosen the patient’s clothing if one sees a difficulty in the patient’s breathing.
Second, remove toxins from the patient’s body through oral ingestion of activated charcoal. It is also advised for the patient to have a regular bowel movement either naturally or through laxatives. Third, keep the patient hydrated all the time.
After, the first formal step in any treatment program is detoxification. A gradual or sudden cessation from taking this drug can induce certain withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include reduced muscle strength, sudden mood shifts, tremors, high blood pressure, skin problems, and lightheadedness.
Another critical factor for the success of any treatment program is the patient’s acceptance for the need for external help. Aside from those medications, therapies are included in every treatment in order to foster positive behavior.
The three common therapies included in the most treatment program are the Reward System, Recovery Groups, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Each therapy has its specific contribution to the recovery and welfare of the patient.
In the Reward System, the therapist will discuss specific rewards for every positive behavior and abstinence from the drug. These rewards will motivate the patient to change for the better.
In Recovery Groups, the patient is included in an anonymous group where members share similar conditions. The main goal of this intervention is to promote good social communication skills among members. Moreover, to exercise social responsibility, the members conduct community extensions.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the main purpose of this intervention is the determination of negative thoughts which triggers unhealthy behavior. The therapist guides the patient in identifying negative thoughts which trigger the craving for the drug. After, the patient is going to formulate positive coping mechanisms whenever these risk factors are faced.
