Steroid Abuse And Addiction

Steroid abuse is not automatically recognised as an addiction by some people as it is generally thought that anabolic steroids are taken purely through individual choice which, let’s face it, is how most addiction starts.

Anabolic androgenic steroids may increase lean muscle mass, strength, and the ability to train longer and harder but there are many serious side effects that may not be reversible. These side effects include an increased risk of cancer, increased risk of heart and liver disease, jaundice, fluid retention, reduction in HDL-C (“good cholesterol”), high blood pressure, changes in blood coagulation, increased risk of atherosclerosis, swelling of the soft tissues of the extremities (edema), and obstructive sleep apnoea. An increase in androgenic (male) hormones may also lead to aggressive behaviour with steroid users also suffering from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.

Steroid Abuse Treatment Programme

Like with any addiction treatment programme, a combination of approaches should be used when formulating an individual’s treatment plan. Treatment at Twin Rivers incorporates both detoxification and counselling.