Steroids (Anabolic) | National Institute on Drug Abuse
Steroids (Anabolic)
Brief Description
Most anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are taken orally or are injected. Some people, especially athletes, abuse anabolic steroids to build muscle and enhance performance. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.
Street Names
Juice, gym candy, pumpers, stackers
Effects
Major effects of steroid abuse can include liver damage; jaundice; fluid retention; high blood pressure; increases in "bad" cholesterol. Also, males risk shrinking of the testicles, baldness, breast development, and infertility. Females risk growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, male-pattern baldness, and deepened voice. Teens risk permanently stunted height, accelerated puberty changes, and severe acne. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Statistics and Trends
The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 0.5% of 8th graders, 1.0% of 10th graders, and 1.5% of 12th graders had abused anabolic steroids at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).
Related Publications
Anabolic Steroids (DrugFacts)
Revised July 2012.
Provides basic information about anabolic-androgenic steroids, such as how it is abused, its effects of the brain and mental health, its addictive potential, treatment, and the extent of abuse among youth. En Español
Anabolic Steroids (Mind Over Matter)
Published January 1997. Revised January 2009.
Shows young teens how anabolic steroids can cause liver damage and cancer and weaken the immune system. En Español
Anabolic Steroid Abuse (Research Reports)
Published July 2001. Revised August 2006.
Explores the latest research on anabolic steroid use, including health consequences of steroid abuse, the effects it can have on behavior, prevention research, and effective treatment approaches. En Español
View more related publications
Related NIDA Notes Articles
Reality Videos Bring NIDA Scientists to Web Site for Teens (April 2010)
Teens With Unhealthy Weight-Control Behavior Are More Likely to Abuse Drugs (December 2009)
Study Links Anabolic Steroids to Brain Changes in Adolescent Female Mice (October 2007)
Latest Information on MDMA/Ecstasy, Steroids, and HIV/AIDS Is Available on NIDA's Web Site (April 2007)
Steroid Abuse Is a High-Risk Route to the Finish Line (October 2006)
View more related NIDA Notes
Related News Releases
NIDA creates easy-to-read website on drug abuse (February 2012)
Related Resources
NIDA for Teens: Anabolic Steroids
Message From the Director: Consequences of the Abuse of Anabolic Steroids
ATLAS (Athletes Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids - for men) - (Oregon Health and Science University Web Site)
ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives - for women) - (Oregon Health and Science University Web Site)
Other Resources
MEDLINEplus Health Information on Drug Abuse - National Library of Medicine, NIH
www.abovetheinfluence.com - Office of National Drug Control Policy
healthfinder.gov - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services