What comes to your mind when you hear the word “steroids”? You may immediately think about large muscles, increased stamina, and inhuman strength. Do you also consider paranoia, heart enlargement, baldness, or stunted growth? These are just a few of the horrific side effects caused by the long-term abuse of anabolic steroids, an unfortunately common drug used for typically normal routines such as weight loss or bodybuilding. While doctors prescribe medical steroids as part of hormone therapy or cancer treatment, the anabolic steroids pose an extremely dangerous threat to physical and mental well-being. What is it about these potent drugs that are so dangerous, however?
Anabolic steroids are a group of drugs synthesized from testosterone, the male sex hormone, which are more specifically labeled as anabolic-androgenic steroids. “Anabolic” itself is derived from a term for “muscle building,” while “androgenic” is an exclusive label for male sex hormones. More casually referred to as Gear, Juice, or Stackers, these chemical compounds can be consumed orally or be injected directly into the muscle. Depending on the dosage, individuals may use an amount of anabolic steroids that may be 100 times stronger than a prescription variant.
Typically, the effects of anabolic steroids fall into two categories: short and long-term. Individuals who use these drugs for a brief time may experience mood swings, erratic judgement, heightened aggression, excessive acne, and swelling. On the other hand, long-term users can experience severe damage to the heart, liver, and blood vessels, as well as drastic changes in the reproductive system, which can ultimately result in fertility issues or cancer.
Despite ritualistic procedures such as cycling, stacking, or pyramiding, athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone else using anabolic steroids cannot prevent these near-fatal and painful side effects of short or long-term use. Likewise, these individuals cannot escape the simple fact that these steroids are addictive and dangerous to their mental and emotional health, as well. Research indicates that steroid abusers can resort to using additional addictive substances such as opioids in an attempt to suppress symptoms like restlessness or insomnia. One problem can ultimately lead to a much grimmer situation.
Nevertheless, there is an answer to your problem, if you know where to look. If you have abused anabolic steroids or have a friend or family member who is a frequent user, you can get the help you need through Asana Recovery. Counselors and healthcare experts can walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and bring you one step closer to living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle and building a better future for yourself and your loved ones. While it might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way towards addiction recovery.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your addiction troubles today.