Sidebar
Anabolic steroid misuse

Anabolic steroids are either prescribed or illegally obtained by individuals who want to appear stronger and develop muscle mass in a short period of time, often resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem. There are over 100 types of anabolic steroids, only a fraction of which have been approved for medical use.

Anabolic steroids are addictive due two primary factors. The first is a behavior of many individuals with substance use disorders, the compulsive need to seek out and use anabolic steroids. The second is the appearance of withdrawal symptoms due to when the user cuts back or stops using steroids completely. The obsessive-compulsive behavior to keep using anabolic steroids often begins when the steroids improve physical appearance and strength in a short amount of time, which may eventually result in an addiction developing.