Artificially-made testosterone, the most common male sex hormone, is popularly known as anabolic steroids. Scientifically, they are referred to as anabolic-androgenic steroids. Anabolic-androgenic means that these drugs artificially increase development of physical characteristics related to external male sexual development.

Physicians prescribe anabolic steroids to treat muscle-wasting conditions like cancer and AIDS. It is also used to treat hormone deficiencies. However, this drug suffers from misuse and abuse by athletes and bodybuilders seeking competitive advantages.

How do people abuse anabolic steroids?

Using anabolic steroids often requires intra-muscular injections, but a few types can be used topically. Like with other abused drugs, abuse dosages far exceed those used in medical therapies.

The endocrine system suffers adverse effects from steroid abuse. Abusers often "cycle" steroid doses: They use the drugs for a planned length of time then stop and start again. This process keeps the body responsive to the steroids and helps retain the body's ability to make its own hormones. Side effects are also minimalized by this process.

"Stacking" is another way to reduce side effects. Stacking integrates planned doses of multiple medical and dietary supplements that are supposed to make steroids more effective.

Is the Brain Impacted by Anabolic Steroids?

Not all abused drugs work in the same ways. Anabolic steroids do not cause a "buzz," so a vast difference in the brain's chemical response can be observed. Drug-generated dopamine is the brain chemical missing in steroid abuse.

This does not mean that anabolic steroids do not affect the brain. In fact, many brain functions receive damage from steroid abuse. The dopamine, serotonin, and opioid receptors of steroid abusers show damage similar to that experienced by other drug users. These brain areas impact mood and behavior, for steroid abuse is often signaled by behavioral changes.

Psychiatric problems, like mood swings, result from abuse. While some steroid abusers do not notice mood changes, others become manic and filled with anger, a condition often called "roid rage." Sufferers of roid rage exhibit extreme jealousy, delusions, and violent outbursts despite saying that they feel fine while taking steroids. Others develop problems with decision-making abilities related to a sense of being undefeatable.

Can People Get Addicted to Steroids?

Steroids may not get users high, but users still display addictive behaviors. Even laboratory animals continue to seek and to take steroids when the drugs are offered. Like other drug addicts, steroid abusers continue to use even when the drugs have physical and social side effects. As the addiction takes control, steroid users may not be aware of their deteriorating health or of increased conflict or distance in interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, the exorbitant amount of money and of time users spend reinforces the addictive qualities of anabolic steroids.

Physical and Social Costs of Anabolic Steroid Abuse

Withdrawal symptoms also signal the abuse and addiction process. Steroid users experience drug cravings, mood swings, sleep issues, and other typical signs of withdrawal from other abused substances. Similar to withdrawal from other abused substances, steroids may cause severe depression that can lead to self-harm and suicide. Steroid users will also substitute other drugs, particularly opioids, when steroids are not available.

Does Steroid Abuse Damage Other Body Systems?

Although helpful in certain doses, anabolic steroids can cause serious problems, even death, when abused. Some of the most problematic effects on the body are:

● Kidney damage or failure
● Liver damage or failure
● Enlarged heart
● High blood pressure
● High cholesterol
● Stroke
● Heart attack
Less-problematic side effects include acne and water retention. However, more side effects happen most frequently in specific populations:

For Men:

● Testicular size reduction
● Infertility
● Breast tissue development
● Prostate cancer

For Women:

● Increased facial hair
● Male-pattern baldness
● Menstrual irregularities
● Change in appearance of external sexual organs
● Changes in or deepening of the voice

For Adolescents:

● Stunted growth
● Skeletal damage
● Rapid-onset of puberty
● Decreased adult height

These problems may only be the beginning for steroid abusers, for the need to inject steroids raises the odds of HIV/AIDS infection.