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• Drug Info:

Anabolic Steroids

Also known as:
‘ROIDS – IRON BREW

Trade names include:
SUSTANON 250 – DECA-DURABOLIN – DIANABOL – ANAVAR – STANOZOLOL

WHAT IS IT?

Anabolic steroids are a man-made form of the male hormone, testosterone. They have sometimes been used in medicines, and come in tablets which are swallowed, or liquid which is injected. Anabolic steroids are not the same as the corticosteroids used to treat asthma, eczema and skin inflammation.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS.

Anabolic steroids can be supplied for medical treatment by a pharmacist, but possession/supply without a prescription is illegal. Steroids are a class C drug and supplying steroids without a prescription can get you up to 14 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine. However, possessing steroids without a prescription is not illegal.

THE EFFECTS.

• Some body builders and athletes use anabolic steroids to help build up their muscles and make them able to train harder.

THE RISKS.

• If you start taking steroids when you are young it can stop you from growing and developing properly.
• Steroids can cause men to develop breasts and can cause erection and testicle problems and severe acne. It can also affect fertility as well as increase the chances of having a heart attack and liver damage.
• Steroids can cause women to develop facial hair and have a deeper voice. It can also make your breasts shrink and cause period problems. It is extremely risky to take steroids if you are pregnant as it could affect your baby.
• Steroids can make you more aggressive.
• They can cause short-term mental health problems such as mood swings, sleep problems and paranoia.
• Steroids are psychologically addictive and withdrawal can be very difficult.
• Injecting can damage veins and cause gangrene.
• Sharing needles or equipment puts you at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis or HIV/AIDS.
• A positive test for steroids can destroy a sporting career.

PLAY IT SAFE.

Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health. They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you.
But if you do decide to use drugs, reduce the risks by finding out as much as you can about the effects, risks, etc. and then decide if it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind: –

• The smaller you are the less drugs you need to get the same effect, but where you are and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.
• Don’t score off strangers; poor quality drugs can give you bad trips.
• Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.
• Never drive if you have had drugs.
• Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.

FIRST AID.
If your mate collapses call 999.
Get help to put them into the recovery position.
Tell the medics what they have taken.
IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.

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