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Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids - AAS)

Street Names

Roids, Rods

General Info

Steroids are drugs that mimic certain natural hormones in the body that regulate and control how the body works and develops.  They can be used to enhance performance and endurance and stimulate muscle growth.

They build the body by the retention of Nitrogen.  They can be a tablet or liquid which is injected.  

Risks

  • Interference with young people’s natural growth
  • Can have an effect on the reproductive system - 
  • In men: can cause breast growth 
  • In women: can cause facial hair
  • Erectile problems 
  • Shrunken testicles
  • Sterility
  • Heart, liver and kidney damage
  • Risk of death
  • Sharing needles and syringes can help spread HIV, Hepatitis C and other infections
  • Concerns about the quality and safety of the drug and impure contents.

Effects

  • Can help sports people train longer and harder
  • Builds muscle mass.  This can be excessive.
  • Feelings of paranoia
  • Irritability
  • Aggression and violence
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Sleep disorders
  • Change in sex drive
  • Can cause unwanted changes in appearance
  • Acne.

Class

Class C for supply, there is no classification for possession