Steroids - Common Uses, Types, Side Effects, & Abuse Diagnosed Ways

Anabolic steroids are drugs which are procured artificially from the male hormone commonly referred to as testosterone. The main role of testosterone in the body is to maintain and promote the growth of muscles. Besides the primary role testosterone also plays a pivotal role in the development of other characteristics associated with male-like facial hair and deep voice. The anabolic drugs are sometimes prescribed by the doctor for providing relief in certain medical conditions. However, there are some individuals who use these steroids illegally to enhance their performance, reduce recovery time between the workouts and endurance. There are various body parts which can get affected by the use of anabolic steroids like the immune system, kidneys, hair follicles, central nervous system, muscles, bones, reproductive system, and bones. Anabolic steroids can also be referred to as anabolic androgenic steroids.

There are various varieties of anabolic steroids which are available in the form of prescription medications. These are usually prescribed when the body of the person is not producing enough hormones. The action performed by the testosterone in the body is aptly mimicked by some anabolic steroid while other anabolic steroids focus on stimulating the testosterone production in the body. Anabolic steroids are available in the form of oral tablets, injectable, topical creams, and pellets that are implanted under the skin. Some common examples of anabolic steroids in the injectable form are

• Durabolin
• Deca Durabolin
• Equipoise
• Primobolan
• Testex
• Finajet

Few examples of anabolic steroids available in the oral form are given below

• Winstrol
• Anadrol
• Virilon
• Proviron
• Halotestin

No matter how many advantages are associated with the use of anabolic steroids still like any other prescription medication they also have some side effects. Usually, the side effects experienced by the patient depending on the sex, age, duration, quantity and the anabolic steroid product being used. After consuming the normal dose of anabolic steroid some of the side effects which may be experienced are

• Painful urination
• Acne
• Retention of fluid
• Libido changes
• Loss of hair
• Improved red cell count
• Low HDL level

If the anabolic steroids are not being used for the medical purposes and are being used incorrectly then a person might experience the following conditions

• Osteoporosis
• Degeneration of collagen leading to tendon rupture
• Problems associated with liver
• Cardiovascular problems
• Mood swings
• Anxiety disorder
• Addiction

If anabolic steroids are used incorrectly in the adolescents then they may suffer from permanently stunted growth.

Medical care is required to be undertaken if a person has been using anabolic steroids incorrectly for a long duration of time. There are certain signs and symptoms which indicate the need for medical care in people suffering from the problem of anabolic steroid abuse. These signs and symptoms may include improper functioning of the liver, sudden mood swings, feeling invincible, aggressive behavior, bouts of delusion, and impaired judgment. The medical care which may be required to provide relief in the problem of anabolic steroid abuse may be inclusive of some therapies and medications.

The misuse of anabolic steroid has been on the rise in several countries. For diagnosing the misuse of anabolic steroid a doctor may prescribe a urine drug test as steroids have the tendency of remaining in the body for extended duration of time. Besides the drug test, a doctor may also order a blood test to check for abnormal liver function, reduced HDL level. high LDL level, and elevated glucose levels. However, there are certain drugs which have been designed in such a way that they become undetectable in during the test. In the case of athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency develops new advanced tests regularly with various reputed laboratories so that any use of anabolic steroid can be easily detected. The athletes sometimes make use of masking agents like furosemide and bumetanide which are commonly referred to as water pills fake their test results.

People get drawn towards using anabolic steroids as they have great benefits associated with them. The main objective of a person using anabolic steroid is not to get a high but rather he/she wants to improve endurance, performance and physical abilities of oneself. A person may not know when he/she has become addicted to the use of the anabolic steroid. The treatment for the addiction of anabolic steroid must concentrate not only on the physical usage but also the emotional cause which led to its use in the first place. One of the best methods to treat people suffering from addiction is inpatient rehab. It can also prove to be a boon for people suffering from the issues of anger, anxiety, and depression. In this method, the addict is moved out from their usual living environment to a place where they can safely detox their body and mend their addictive behavior. A structured routine is vigorously followed by the majority of the rehab center comprising of counseling sessions, mealtimes, visits from families, and support group interactions. During the stay of the patient in rehab, a doctor may also prescribe some medicines to overcome the problems associated with the withdrawal symptoms so that a person can easily quit the use of anabolic steroids.

The problems associated with the abuse of anabolic steroid usually get treated through medical therapy. Majority of the steroid abuse problems can be reversed if the use of steroids can be stopped. However, there may be some long term or permanent complications associated with the abuse of steroids. For treating the condition of steroid abuse the doctor may prescribe the use of synthetic hormones medications so that testosterone levels can be balanced. Drugs like clonidine are recommended to counter the withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches, cramping, and anxiety. For providing relief in pain a doctor may advise non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. For dealing with the problems associated with depression a doctor may recommend the use of antidepressants like Prozac.

For the treatment of steroid abuse besides the conventional inpatient rehab and medical therapies, additional therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can prove to be very beneficial. The use of this therapy effectively deals with problems like depression and anger. Counseling is another therapy which can prove to be very helpful. Many people are getting hooked to the steroids as they feel the size of their muscles is not adequate. Thus counseling helps in making a person feel good about not only their bodies but also themselves.