Generic and trade names: oxymotholone (Anadrol), methan¬drostenolone (Dianobol), stanozolol (Winstrol), nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin), testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone), boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise) and others Street names: the juice, the white stuff, roids (CAMH, 2012).
Steroids occur naturally in various hormones and vitamins, but the type of steroids most commonly associated with this moniker are “anabolic steroids”, which are produced in laboratories and have the same chemical structure as steroids found in the male sex hormone testosterone. They can be legally prescribed and obtained from a doctor for medical conditions such as delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by AIDS and other diseases. The muscle-building effects of the drugs also make them appealing to athletes (CAMH, 2012).
For information on hormone replacement therapy, see our hormones page.
Anabolic steroids work on the hormonal system of the body, specifically mimicking the hormone testosterone. Steroids increase hormone levels within the body that work to enhance performance by making muscle cells larger, and by allowing the body to recover more quickly from the stress of exercise (Wedro, 2018).
Anabolic steroids come in many forms such as tablets, capsules, a solution for injection, and a cream or skin gel (CAMH, 2012).
Steroids are regularly prescribed for certain skin conditions, low testosterone, and other medical conditions, but the dosages that are used by healthy individuals who are trying to enhance athletic performance are exponentially higher, up to 100x (CAMH, 2012). Dosages prescribed by a doctor would be considered safe doses, whereas using anabolic steroids for muscle growth can be dangerous and is more detrimental to the body the longer it is being used.
Anabolic steroids are primarily used for athletic performance enhancement. The drugs are not necessarily used to achieve a “high”, but rather to push the limits of the body farther than a person could do naturally. Increasing muscle mass, endurance, and post-workout recovery are some of the desired physical effects, as well as the effects it has on the digestive system (faster metabolism) and libido (higher sex drive). Some people also describe psychological effects from consuming the drug, such as euphoria, feeling powerful, and energetic (CAMH, 2012).
Feeling euphoric
Feeling powerful, energetic
Increased libido (sex drive)
Increased muscle mass
Increased endurance
Post-workout recovery
Faster metabolism
Taking steroids can have negative psychological effects on an individual (the severity is dependent on their biology), ranging from irritability, anxiety, hostility, mood swings, manic symptoms, and paranoia, especially when taken at higher doses (CAMH, 2012).
High doses, especially when taken orally, cause nausea, vomiting and gastric irritation. Other effects include fluid retention and trembling (CAMH, 2012). High doses can also increase the risk of enlargement and abnormalities of the heart, blood clots, heart attack, aggression, and violence (“roid-rage”), liver enlargement and liver cancer, reduced fertility in women and men, and depression persisting for up to a year after stopping drug use (CAMH, 2012).
When taken for long periods of time without taking adequate breaks (known as cycling), the consumption of exogenous testosterone (outside of the body) will affect the hormonal system of an individual. This causes the hormonal system to significantly decrease or stop producing endogenous testosterone (inside of the body), meaning that if the individual were to stop taking steroids, the body would be unable to produce the hormone, resulting in biological problems.
When prescribed at lower doses, and by a medical professional, steroids have many therapeutic purposes, such as remedying delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by AIDS and other diseases (CAMH, 2012). As well, older males (50+yrs old) can be prescribed testosterone, known as T-Therapy, when the body’s natural hormone levels decrease. They can also be prescribed in very low doses for more benign medical conditions, such as dermatitis (itchy, dry skin/rashes).
For the use of testosterone in hormone replacement therapy, please refer to the hormones section.
Doing research and understanding the biological effects that anabolic steroids have on the body can provide information to minimize the harms it can have. There have been regimented methods of consuming the drug that have been believed to enhance the effects of the drug and lessen the harms, but there is no scientific evidence to back this up (CAMH, 2012). These methods are:
Cycling: A period of taking the drug and then not taking the drug, to allow the body to recover to normal hormone levels
Pyramiding: Taking doses in cycles of 6-12 weeks, starting with a low dose, then slowly increasing it, and then decreasing the amount to zero, allowing the body time to adjust to high doses
Stacking: Taking two or more types of steroids, mixing oral and injectable forms, with the idea that different forms may interact synergistically to have a greater effect (CAMH, 2012)
If injecting, always follow safer injecting tips, such as using sterile, new injection equipment every time, cleaning the injection site, and rotating injection sites to allow your body time to heal.
You can get free injection materials at a number of Supervised Injection Sites and community health centres across Toronto. See our harm reduction supply resource page for more details.
Anabolic steroids and their derivatives are classified as Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Canada, meaning that it is not illegal to possess it for personal use (Government of Canada, 2019). If an individual is performing in any athletic events, such as professional sporting events, and takes steroids, they will be disqualified and possibly banned from competing.
CAMH. (2012). Steroids. Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/steroids
Government of Canada. (2019). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/section-sched95660.html
Wedro, B. (2018). Anabolic Steroid Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/anabolic_steroid_abuse/article.htm#anabolic_steroid_abuse_facts
Banner: Liquid steroids and syringes. (2019). Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-steroids-bad#what-they-are
Assorted steroids. (2019). Waldron, Will. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/steroid-smuggling-network-bodybuilding-1.5194402
Heart shaped steroids. (2017). Getty Images. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/drug-use-latest-figures-uk-2017-anabolic-steroids-rise-young-britons-changing-habits-cocaine-heroin-a7864706.html
