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Anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse

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Addiction experts in psychiatry, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science, epidemiology, and the police and legal services engaged in delphic analysis regarding 20 popular recreational drugs. Anabolic steroids were ranked 19th in dependence, 9th in physical harm, and 15th in social harm.[1]

Research data indicates that steroids affect the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems of the brain.[2] In an animal study, male rats developed a conditioned place preference to testosterone injections into the nucleus accumbens, an effect blocked by dopamine antagonists, which suggests that androgen reinforcement is mediated by the brain. Moreover, testosterone appears to act through the mesolimbic dopamine system, a common substrate for addictive substances. Nonetheless, androgen reinforcement is not comparable to that of cocaine, nicotine, or heroin. Instead, testosterone resembles other mild reinforcers, such as caffeine, or benzodiazepines. The potential for androgen addiction remains to be determined.[3]

Anabolic steroids are not psychoactive[citation needed] and cannot be detected by stimuli devices like a pupilometer which makes them hard to spot as a source of neuropsychological imbalances in some AAS users.

Dependence potential

The Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV (DSM IV) and the International Classification of Diseases, Volume 10 (ICD-10) differ in the way they regard Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids' (AAS) potential for producing dependence.

DSM IV regards AAS as potentially dependence producing. ICD-10, however, regards them as non-dependence producing.[4] Anabolic steroids are not physically addictive but users can develop a psychological dependence on the physical result.[5]

Diagnostic Statistical Manual

For DSM-IV, anabolic-androgenic steroid dependency is found in the "other substance-related disorder" (which includes inhalants, anabolic steroids, medications) section and can be coded, depending on which diagnostic criteria are met.[6]

International Classification of Diseases

ICD–10 criteria for dependence include experience of at least three of the following during the past year:[7]

  • a strong desire to take steroids
  • difficulty in controlling the use
  • withdrawal syndrome when use is reduced
  • evidence of tolerance
  • neglect of other interests and persistent use despite harmful consequences

However, the following ICD-10-CM Index entries contain back-references to ICD-10-CM F55.3:[8]

  • Abuse
    • hormones F55.5
    • steroids F55.5
    • drug NEC (non-dependent) F19.10
      • hormones F55.5
      • steroids F55.5
    • non-psychoactive substance NEC F55.8
      • hormones F55.5
      • steroids F55.5

ICD-10 goes on to state that "although it is usually clear that the patient has a strong motivation to take the substance, there is no development of dependence or withdrawal symptoms as in the case of the psychoactive substances."[6]

National Institute on Drug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that "even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, steroids are reinforcing and can lead to addiction. Studies have shown that animals will self-administer steroids when given the opportunity, just as they do with other addictive drugs. People may persist in abusing steroids despite physical problems and negative effects on social relationships, reflecting these drugs' addictive potential. Also, people who use anabolic steroids typically spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drug; another indication of addiction. Individuals who use anabolic steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking them, including mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings, all of which may contribute to continued use. One of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms is depression. When depression is persistent, it can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts. Research has found that some people who use anabolic steroids turn to other substances such as opioids to counteract the negative effects of steroids."[9]

Causes and treatment

Males who use anabolic androgenic steroids often have a troubled social background.[10]

Childhood trauma

25% of male weightlifters reported memories of childhood physical or sexual abuse in an interview.[citation needed] Anabolic steroids are sometimes used by people with muscle dysmorphia (a specific type of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)) as a defense mechanism.[11] Yohimbine (a common pre-workout ingredient), although it fails to increase testosterone levels as had at first been suspected, has at higher doses been discovered to be useful in facilitating recall of traumatic memories during post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment that can be used in conjunction with exposure therapy.[12][13][14]

Illicit use by groups

Criminals

Anabolic steroid use has been associated with an antisocial lifestyle involving various types of criminality.[15]

Governments

Law enforcement

Steroid abuse among law enforcement is considered a problem by some. "It's a big problem, and from the number of cases, it's something we shouldn't ignore. It's not that we set out to target cops, but when we're in the middle of an active investigation into steroids, there have been quite a few cases that have led back to police officers," says Lawrence Payne, a spokesman for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.[16] The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin stated that "Anabolic steroid abuse by police officers is a serious problem that merits greater awareness by departments across the country".[17] It is also believed that police officers across the United Kingdom "are using criminals to buy steroids and abuse their power for sexual gratification" which he claims to be a top risk factor for police corruption.

Sports

Professional wrestling

Main article: WWE § Wellness Program

Following the resurgence of Bill Graham, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigated steroid usage in the wrestling industry.[18] The Committee investigated WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), asking for documentation of their companies' drug policies. WWE CEO and Chairman, Linda and Vince McMahon respectively, both testified. The documents stated that 75 wrestlers—roughly 40 percent—had tested positive for drug use since 2006, most commonly for steroids.[19][20]

Students

Middle school

According to a 1998 study, 2.7% of middle school students admitted to taking steroids. 2% of non-users indicated they would use them in the future.[21]

Side effects

There are heavy physiological side effects that affect the human body upon using anabolic steroids. Both men and women can use androgenic (testosterone) hormones and experience the repercussions. There are "Male Specific",[22] "Female Specific",[22] Universal,[22] Physical,[22] Injection related,[22] and Psychological[22] side effects that occur from anabolic steroid use.

Male specific side effects

These side effects pertain to males which include:[22]

Female specific side effects

These side effects pertain to females which include:[22]

  • Breast shrinkage
  • Facial hair growth
  • Extreme clitoral enlargement
  • Menstrual irregularity (such as late periods, or lack thereof)

Universal side effects

These side effects can happen to any people of any sex. They are broken down into three categories which are the Physical,[23] Injection related,[22] and Psychological[22] side effects.

Physical side effects

Side effects that men and women experience physically include:[22]

Injection side effects

Common side effects of anabolic steroid use via injection include:[22]

Psychological side effects

Anabolic steroid abuse can affect one's psyche, regardless of gender. Psychological damages from abuse include:[22]

Note that all of these side effects of anabolic steroid use may or may not occur. Side effects occur because of hormonal imbalances. Non-direct reasonings for steroid use for sports can also stem from the low positive dope tests that occur before an event.[24] When competition is at an all-time high, the incentive to use steroids becomes that much easier as sports events do not have a just way to provide fool-proof drug tests.[23]

References

  1. ^ Nutt D, King LA, Saulsbury W, Blakemore C (March 2007). "Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse". Lancet. 369 (9566): 1047–1053. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60464-4. PMID 17382831. S2CID 5903121.
  2. ^ Dopinglinkki > Anabolic steroids induce long-term changes in the brain
  3. ^ Wood RI (November 2004). "Reinforcing aspects of androgens". Physiology & Behavior. 83 (2): 279–289. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.08.012. PMID 15488545. S2CID 1027142.
  4. ^ Midgley SJ, Heather N, Davies JB (1999). "Dependence-Producing Potential of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids". Addiction Research & Theory. 7 (6): 539–550. doi:10.3109/16066359909004404.
  5. ^ "The price of steroids | Men's Fitness UK". Mensfitness.co.uk. 2008-09-03. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
  6. ^ a b Scally MC, Tan RS (October 2009). "Complexities in clarifying the diagnostic criteria for anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence". The American Journal of Psychiatry. 166 (10): 1187, author reply 1188. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09060846. PMID 19797448. S2CID 42080262.
  7. ^ Rashid H, Ormerod S, Day E (2007). "Anabolic androgenic steroids: What the psychiatrist needs to know". Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. 13 (3): 203–211. doi:10.1192/apt.bp.105.000935.
  8. ^ "2014 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F55.3 : Abuse of steroids or hormones". Icd10data.com. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
  9. ^ "DrugFacts: Anabolic Steroids | National Institute on Drug Abuse". Drugabuse.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
  10. ^ Skarberg K, Engstrom I (July 2007). "Troubled social background of male anabolic-androgenic steroid abusers in treatment". Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 2: 20. doi:10.1186/1747-597X-2-20. PMC 1995193. PMID 17615062.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  11. ^ "Why do people abuse anabolic steroids? | National Institute on Drug Abuse". Drugabuse.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
  12. ^ Singewald N, Schmuckermair C, Whittle N, Holmes A, Ressler KJ (May 2015). "Pharmacology of cognitive enhancers for exposure-based therapy of fear, anxiety and trauma-related disorders". Review. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 149: 150–190. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.12.004. PMC 4380664. PMID 25550231.
  13. ^ McGuire JF, Lewin AB, Storch EA (August 2014). "Enhancing exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder". Review. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 14 (8): 893–910. doi:10.1586/14737175.2014.934677. PMC 4125602. PMID 24972729.
  14. ^ van der Kolk BA (1995). "The Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder". In Hobfoll SE, De Vries MW (eds.). Extreme stress and communities: impact and intervention. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers. pp. 421–44. ISBN 978-0-7923-3468-2.
  15. ^ Klötz F, Garle M, Granath F, Thiblin I (November 2006). "Criminality among individuals testing positive for the presence of anabolic androgenic steroids". Archives of General Psychiatry. 63 (11): 1274–1279. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.11.1274. PMID 17088508.
  16. ^ Keeping J (27 December 2010). "Steroid abuse among law enforcement a problem nationwide". The Ann Arbor News. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  17. ^ "Anabolic Steroid Use and Abuse by Police Officers: Policy & Prevention". The Police Chief. June 2008. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  18. ^ Brian Lockhart (2010-03-01). "WWE steroid investigation: A controversy McMahon 'doesn't need'". Greenwich Time. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  19. ^ "documents" (PDF). World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 24, 2010.
  20. ^ "Deposition details McMahon steroid testimony | News from southeastern Connecticut". The Day. 2007-12-13. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
  21. ^ Faigenbaum AD, Zaichkowsky LD, Gardner DE, Micheli LJ (May 1998). "Anabolic steroid use by male and female middle school students". Pediatrics. 101 (5): E6. doi:10.1542/peds.101.5.e6. PMID 9565439. S2CID 14152460.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Turvey BE, Crowder S (January 2015). Anabolic steroid abuse in public safety personnel: a forensic manual. London, England: Academic Press.
  23. ^ a b Makin HL, Gower DB (2010). Steroid Analysis (2nd ed.). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.
  24. ^ Kicman AT, Houghton E, Gower DB (2010). "Anabolic Steroids: Metabolism, Doping and Detection in Human and Equestrian Sports.". Steroid Analysis. Dordrecht: Springer. pp. 743–836.
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