Anabolic Steroid Addiction

Steroids are synthetic compounds that imitate the action of certain endogenous hormones. Hormones are chemicals that are naturally present in the body that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of prime metabolic functions that are occurring day in and day out in the human system. 

Corticosteroids and Anabolic Steroids are two different types of steroids and you need not confuse the two as they both are generally referred to as ‘steroids’. Looking at the context of the discussion you can gain insight as to which category of steroids is being discussed.

Corticosteroids mimic the action of the hormone ‘cortisol’ which is popularly known as the ‘stress hormone’ as it is responsible to control inflammation and infection in the body through various mechanisms. Moreover, it is also involved in the breaking down of glycogen into glucose, hence it is catabolic which means that it breaks long chains of an organic compound into smaller units. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and Hydrocortisone among others are used to treat an array of medical conditions that arise on the background of inflammation; these include- rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, COPD, and skin infections.

Contrarily, Anabolic Steroids, as the name depicts, are responsible for building up substances- as in this case they build up proteins by incorporating them into muscles. Anabolic Steroids are referred to as Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids or AAS for short, as they imitate the action of the male hormone, ‘testosterone’ and it is associated with the development of male secondary sexual characteristics hence the term ‘Androgenic’ which means pertaining to the development of male characteristics.

Anabolic Steroids are popularly known as ‘performance and image enhancing drugs’ owing to their effect on the increased production of red blood cells which improves the oxygen-carrying capacity and thus promotes stamina in an individual. In addition, steroids are known for increasing the DNA signaling for the synthesis of protein thereby promoting the build-up of new muscles. Steroids are known to fasten the healing process after muscle tearing thus helping those, who are training hard and excessively using their muscles vigorously.

Apart from legitimate medical reasons for which anabolic steroids are prescribed, these drugs are widely used illegally to build muscle bulk, to get a leaner body shape, and to get rid of all the excess fat. People with low self-esteem and those who are conscious about their body images such as coaches, gym freaks, or athletes use steroids. Moreover, younger individuals who are dealing with body dysmorphia also use anabolic steroids excessively to reach their ‘goal physique’ in less time.

The use of anabolic steroids dates back to the 20^th century when it was first used to treat individuals who had low testosterone levels and later it was used in World War II to treat and rejuvenate the weak soldiers by providing them the stamina to fight in the battleground and to help in building up their muscles. It was not surprising when athletes started using steroids to boost their performance and to attain bulkier and more muscular bodies. 

By the 1950s, steroids were widely popular among athletes who used these drugs during the Olympics. However, during the 1970s the use of steroids by sportsmen to improve their performance was banned. Nevertheless, people could not give up on steroids as they were quick fixes and a shortcut to attain ripped and a muscular body, therefore, illegal means were used to get hold of the drugs and they remain widely popular among certain groups of the population.

Western culture and media have played a crucial role in the current increase demand for anabolic steroids since social media promotes perfect body images of male muscularity thereby setting a standard to idealize. This has deteriorated the minds of children and youngsters alike who have become insecure about their physique, finding their bodies insignificant and small. For the past few decades, children action toys such as ‘GI Joe’ in America and ‘Action Man’ in British Commonwealth have begun to adopt the bodies of AAS users, thus children inculcate what they observe and this has lead to the widespread illicit use of anabolic steroids by children and individuals to enhance their body image.  

Anabolic Steroids come in the form of pills, injectable liquids, topical gels, and creams. They are known on the street by various names such as Stackers, Juice, Hype, and Roids.