Are the Steroids Taken by Sports Players Addictive?

Steroids taken by sports players are not physically addictive, but a user can quickly become psychologically dependent on it. After one stops using steroids withdrawal symptoms can occur, and include lethargy, mood swings, loss of appetite, fatigue and depression.

There is now growing evidence that large doses of anabolic steroids can affect the brain and produce mental changes in its users.

Researchers at Yale University have found that long term steroids users experience many classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping its usage, and withdrawal symptoms. Basically people on steroids develop a psychological dependence to it. Certain delusional behavior characteristics of addiction are also known to occur with steroid use.

So What Exactly are Steroids?

Steroids are commonly known as 'roids, juice, hype, or pump. They are powerful drugs that many people take in high doses to boost athletic performance. Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that help build muscle and increase body mass.

Testosterone is the body's male hormone that helps retain dietary proteins, which in turn develops muscle. Anabolic means "building body tissue." Lower doses of anabolic steroids are sometimes used to treat serious medical conditions.

Most steroids are taken either orally or are injected. They are usually used by athletes both male and female, footballers, and weightlifters. By taking these steroids daily, most athletes build muscle and improve their strength and endurance.

However, steroids-taking is illegal without a prescription and can pose serious health hazards to its users, especially since it causes a plethora of side effects both physical and psychological.

Possible Side Effects for Both Sexes

• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Liver damage and cancer
• Stroke and blood clots
• Urinary and bowel problems, such as diarrhea
• Headaches, aching joints, and muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleep problems
• Increased risk of ligament and tendon injuries
• Severe acne, especially on face and back
• Baldness

In men large doses of steroids can cause the testicles to shrink as the body produces less of its own testosterone.

Side Effects of Steroids Usage in Men Include:

• Reduced sperm count
• Impotence
• Increase in nipple and breast size (gynecomastia)
• Enlarged prostate

In Women Steroids can Cause:

• Reduced breast size
• An enlarged clitoris
• Increase in facial and body hair
• Deepened voice
• Menstrual problems

Along with these physical problems, large doses of steroids also have an adverse effect on the mind.

Psychological Side Effects of Steroids Include:

• "Roid rage" - severe, aggressive behavior that results in violence
• Severe mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression and/or suicidal thoughts
• An angry, hostile, or irritable mood