With cocaine, opioids, and alcohol on the tips of most tongues when talking about substance abuse, it can be easy to overlook other substances that can cause people to enter the vicious cycle of addiction. Designer drugs like ecstasy and prescription muscle relaxers can also be abused by people looking for a high. Can steroids be addictive?
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse of any kind, it is essential to get help now to break the cycle of addiction. The team at Northpoint Recovery knows how important it is to understand the history of your addiction before designing your recovery plan with you. Get started with a recovery specialist today by calling 888.296.8976 and seeing which of our drug rehab programs is right for you.
What Are Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are man-made chemicals that act like the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is essential for developing male characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice. It also helps with muscle growth.
Steroids can be taken in pill form, injected with a needle, or applied as a cream. People abuse steroids to increase their muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Some people believe that steroids will help them recover from their workouts faster.
Anabolic steroids are different from corticosteroids that are used to treat conditions like asthma. Corticosteroids are not abused as often as anabolic steroids.
Who Uses Steroids?
Men most commonly abuse steroids. Reports show that six percent of high school seniors have admitted to trying steroids. Of those seniors, one and a half percent said they had used steroids in the past year.
While steroids are most common among young men, anyone can abuse steroids. In one study, nearly one and a half percent of eighth-grade girls reported using steroids in the past year.
Why People Abuse Steroids
People abuse steroids for a variety of reasons. Some people want to improve their athletic performance or the way they look. Others believe that taking steroids will help them recover from their workouts faster or ease pain from an injury.
People may start taking steroids to improve their physical appearance, but they may continue using them because of the other benefits they offer. For example, people who are shy or have low self-esteem may feel more confident and outgoing when they take steroids.
People who abuse steroids may also suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, which is a condition where people see themselves as inadequate, even when they are healthy and fit. People with this disorder may think they are too skinny or not muscular enough.
Symptoms of Steroid Addiction
Steroids can be addictive. Studies have shown that people who abuse steroids show many of the same characteristics as those addicted to other substances. These characteristics include:
- Spending a lot of time using and thinking about steroids
- Being unable to control or limit their steroid use
- Continuing to abuse steroids despite adverse consequences
- Giving up important activities to use steroids
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit using steroids
If you or a loved one is displaying any of these characteristics, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible. Steroid addiction can be challenging to overcome on your own, but with the help of a treatment program, you can get on the road to recovery.
What Are the Consequences of Steroid Abuse?
Steroid abuse can cause a variety of adverse effects, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney damage
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
- Changes in mood and behavior, such as aggression and irritability
- Psychiatric problems, such as depression and suicidal thoughts
Steroid Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Recovery
At Northpoint Recovery, we understand how difficult it can be to break the cycle of steroid addiction. That is why we offer a variety of treatment options that are designed to meet your unique needs. We offer inpatient treatment, as well as detox and aftercare services. Our goal is to help you overcome your addiction and live a healthy, productive life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with steroid addiction, please call us today at 888.296.8976 to learn more about our treatment options.