When talking about performance-enhancing drugs, most people think of anabolic steroids. These substances have the potential of boosting athletic performance and building muscle. But there’s a downside. What are the different types of steroids, and how do they affect you?
Understand the Various Types of Steroids Currently on the Market
Anabolic steroids differ from the broader range of therapeutic products. The latter has many medicinal uses, such as inhalants that assist patients with asthma. The former appeal to individuals who desire to gain muscle mass quickly. For them, anabolic-androgenic steroids are the alternative to long hours at the gym.
Many use oral steroids that they ingest in predetermined cycles. Others combine them with steroid injections. Topical products apply to the skin and have a transdermal effect. Among these types, users and dealers have their favorites.
Some people believe in the use of oral steroids for a while. Once gains level off, they move on to an injectable product instead. Many choose to cycle through various types of products to stay ahead of side effects while gaining muscles. It’s interesting to note that there’s also an addiction potential.
How Steroids Fuel Addiction
Studies show that anabolic-androgenic steroid users are typically male. Abuse frequently starts at 15 or 18 years of age. Steroids are among the drugs that make up poly-substance abuse profiles. Use of the products continues even after there are unpleasant side effects.
Examples include headaches, so-called “roid” rage episodes, and physiological changes such as the development of male breasts. Users may not trust themselves to maintain their muscle gains if they quit. For some, ending the use may also result in depression. Frequently, these are individuals with body image problems.
Get Help to Quit Steroid Abuse
Experts at Pennsylvania addiction recovery services centers understand that steroid abuse is an under-reported event. Society’s focus is on opioids right now. People abusing other substances go by the wayside. Moreover, far too many believe those steroids are something only athletes abuse.
You now know that this assumption isn’t correct. In fact, there’s a real need for steroid addiction rehab. Treatment protocols might include:
- Nutritional counseling that assists with healthy lifestyle choices for strength-building
- Dual diagnosis assessment and subsequent treatment of possible depression or anxiety
- Psychiatric counseling to help overcome body image concerns
- Behavioral therapy that offers life skills training as well as coping skill development
- Group therapy as a way to receive peer support and relapse prevention counseling
Because of the consistent influx of testosterone in your system, you may have a difficult time controlling your temper. Anger management techniques will assist you when you need help dealing with strong emotions. Women who abuse steroids require additional assistance with body image issues. Frequently, they experience permanent changes in their physique that require acceptance.
At Steps to Recovery, experts understand how the various types of steroids affect users. With the help of drug addiction rehab programs, there’s hope for recovery. Don’t keep on using when you want to stop. Call 866-488-8684 right now for immediate assistance.
