DASH - Isle of Man Drug Advice Helpline

The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us.

Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support.

ANABOLIC STEROIDS
(‘Roids’, Trade names: Andriol, Anadrol, Anavar, Dianabol, Maxibolin)

Anabolic Steroids are PRESCRIPTION only
under the Medicines Act.

CLASS C DRUG which means:

Maximum sentence for possession is 2 years imprisonment + fine

Maximum sentence for supply, currently 5 years + fine

What is it? Anabolic steroids are a man-made drug similar to the hormone ‘testosterone’ which is found naturally in the body. Steroids are sold under a number of different trade names. Testosterone is the chemical found in men, which is responsible for facial hair, deep voice and masculine features. This effect is called the ‘androgenic’ effect of testosterone.

Anabolic steroids stimulate the growth of tissues such as muscle and this is called the ‘anabolic’ effect of testosterone.

Anabolic Steroids should not to be confused with corticosteroids, which are used for treating a number of medical conditions.

Anabolic Steroids can be swallowed in tablet or liquid form or injected.

Why would anyone use them? People use anabolic steroids non-medically for a number of reasons such as body-building, to improve athletic performance or by people who think it will improve their body image. Others say the aggression it gives them enables them to train harder.

What does it do? Muscle tissue can be built up faster and fuel stored in the muscle makes more energy available for muscles to work. Also, there is an increase in red blood cells in the body, which enables more oxygen to be delivered to the muscles during training and improves the endurance ability of the muscles. Hence it’s reputation as a ‘performance-enhancing drug.’ International Sporting organisations have banned the use of anabolic steroids (because it’s cheating) and those caught will usually find their sporting career at an end.

What are the risks? As we’ve said, anabolic steroids are man-made versions similar to the naturally occurring hormone, testosterone. By adding more testosterone to the body you can build up too much in the system and a process called ‘aromatisation’ occurs. This means that the brain tells the body to convert the excess testosterone to the female hormone ‘oestrogen’ and men can then develop breasts.

Taking more and more or large doses will not build muscle faster. The steroid receptor sites in your body can only bind so many steroid molecules before they become saturated. Too many steroid molecules floating about with nowhere to go will leave them causing damage to the liver and kidney's and 'aromatisation' will occur.

‘Roid Rage’ refers to violent episodes some people experience when taking steroids.

Other Side Effects
· Acne
· Baldness / Headaches
· Stunted growth in young people
· Sleep disorders, confusion, depression
· Aggression, mood swings, insomnia, paranoia
· Liver damage, cancer, jaundice
· Sterility, shrinking testicles, impotence, enlarged prostate gland
· Heart palpitations, enlarged heart, high blood pressure, increased blood clotting time
· Heart disease
· Muscle & Tendon injuries

Any more risks? Yes, in addition to the above risks, there are further risks for women. Whilst women have small amounts of testosterone naturally in the body, taking Anabolic steroids unbalances the female hormone system. By introducing more testosterone, the masculine effects can occur. Irreversible voice deepening and increased facial hair growth, thinning hair or baldness can happen.

More adverse effects will be seen depending on what type of Anabolic steroid is used.

As with all drugs, illegally manufactured anabolic steroids have no control over content or purity. What's in the container may not even resemble a steroid - you could end up injecting olive oil! They are often made in unsterile conditions and could contain bacteria too.

Young People - Steroids should never be used by young people as their bones are still growing. Taking them can affect the bone growth. If you feel the need to take them because you think it will improve your body image it might be an idea to talk to someone. Also, diet and fitness programmes are a safer, legitimate option.

Oral Steroids
Oral anabolic Steroids are not necessarily safer than injectable steroids. The chemical alteration made to the steroid prolongs the life of oral anabolic steroids in the body. Nearly all Oral Steroids are (Check your container) C-17 Alpha-alkylated and because it stays around longer means it is more poisonous to the liver. There is also an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and hepatic cancer of the liver.

Injecting Risks? Again, with injecting any drug, the risks are high. Infections such as HIV and Hepatitis can occur when sharing needles – get in touch if you want a list of needle exchange participants on the Island. Needle exchange service can advise on the CORRECT SIZE needle to use.

Abscesses can occur when bacteria enters the site or if the needle was not inserted far enough into the muscle and the steroid fluid is not fully dispersed – get in touch with your GP/ A&E as soon as possible if this happens. There is also an increased risk of bacterial endocarditis.

For more in-depth information booklets, which list and explain the different types of anabolic steroids and their effects and hormone content, please CONTACT US

See Also:

www.steroidabuse.org

www.idmu.co.uk/steroids.htm

Back to Drug Info List of Links