• Steroids Facts (Roids)

    Street Terms: Arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, roids, stackers, weight trainers, gear, juice

    What Are They?

    Anabolic ("muscle-building") steroids are man-made substances closely linked to the male hormone testosterone. These drugs are available by prescription only to treat certain medical conditions. They are only safe for use when taken under a doctor's care and supervision. Abuse of steroids — often in an attempt to gain more muscle mass — can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.

    Many of the major effects of steroid abuse can occur due to hormone imbalances in the body. In males, adverse effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development. In females, adverse effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes and deepened voice.

    Additionally, steroids can make you hostile, violent, and angry for no reason. You can experience uncontrollable outbursts of frustration and combativeness often referred to as "roid rage."

    Steroids have disfiguring effects-severe acne, greasy hair, and baldness (in both guys and girls).

    Risks

    Severe acne / Male-pattern baldness / Liver cysts / Oily hair and skin / Stunted growth when used during adolescence / Paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility / Shrinking of the testicles and breast development in males / Facial hair growth, menstrual changes, deepened voice in females / Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke