Steroids are synthetic compounds that are available both legally and illegally. These drugs are closely related to the male sex hormone, testosterone. There are three types of steroids:
Steroids are abused, particularly by young, athletic men, because of their potential to do the following:
Steroids have the following effects, most of which are exacerbated by an overdose of these drugs:
When taken for a long period of time, steroids can cause the following problems:
Stopping the use of an addictive drug can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms. This is called withdrawal. When stopping use of some steroids, the following withdrawal symptoms may occur:
Resources
The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.drugabuse.gov/
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
http://www.drugfreeamerica.org/
Sources
US Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration National Clearing House for Alcohol & Drug Information
http://www.health.org/govpubs/rpo926/
Drug dependence and addiction. In:
The Merck Manual – Home Edition
. Merck & Co., Inc.; 2003.
Available at:
http://www.merck.com/
Accessed: September 10, 2003.
Last reviewed September 2003 by Richard Glickman-Simon, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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