Steroids

Street Names
•    Roids
•    Juice
•    Hype
•    Gym candy
•    Arnolds
•    Stackers or pumpers

Description
Anabolic androgenic steroids are performance enhancing drugs commonly used by bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes. Anabolic steroids are used to promote the growth of skeletal muscles and improve strength. The drug is not only used by athletes and bodybuilders but can be abused by other adults and, students in high school and colleges. Anabolic androgenic steroids can be taken orally or through injection. There are also creams that can be used.

Origin and medical usage
In the 1930’s scientists were able to create a synthetic hormone, testosterone, which we now know as anabolic androgenic steroids. Anabolic androgenic steroids were originally used for medical purposes to treat delayed male puberty and cancer patients. They were also used to increase muscle mass, energy and appetite, and to increase bone marrow growth to prevent osteoporosis in women.

Short-term effects
The short-term effects of anabolic steroid include, but are not limited to, changes in mood, acne on shoulders and back, greasy hair or skin, skin eruptions such as abscesses and cysts, weight gain, bloating, night sweating and, sleep disruptions.

Long-term effects
The long-term effects of anabolic steroid use include, but are not limited to, hair loss on scalp, jaundice, gnocomastia (resulting in female-like breasts), risk of HIV, hepatitis, hypogonadism (shrinking of testicles), risk of hair growth (all over body), high blood pressure, increased level of cholesterol, aggression, and addiction.
Steroids are more harmful to women because steroids are primarily for men. The anabolic androgenic steroids are synthesized hormones of the male testosterone hormone. For women, long-term effects of anabolic androgenic steroid include, but are not limited to shrinkage of breast tissue, deepening of the voice, developing a more masculine physique, and clitoral enlargement, changes in menstrual cycle, and infertility.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal is when someone discontinues using steroids. Unfortunately, when an individual stops using steroids it can cause complications in the body. Symptoms of steroid withdrawal include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Blood pressure may decrease which may lead to dizziness or fainting.

Legal status
In Canada and many other countries it is illegal to have possession or purchase anabolic steroids unless it is prescribed by a physician.

Signs that a person might be using
Signs that a person may be using steroids may include, but are not limited to significant physical changes, severe acne on the back and shoulders, increased aggression, mood swings and needle marks on the buttocks or thighs.