Anabolic Steroid Abuse (cont.)
What effects do anabolic steroids have on behavior?
Case reports and small studies indicate that anabolic steroids, when used in
high doses, increase irritability and aggression. Some steroid abusers report
that they have committed aggressive acts, such as physical fighting or armed
robbery, theft, vandalism, or burglary. Abusers who have committed aggressive
acts or property crimes generally report that they engage in these behaviors
more often when they take steroids than when they are drug free. A recent study
suggests that the mood and behavioral effects seen during anabolic-androgenic
steroid abuse may result from secondary hormonal changes.
Scientists have attempted to test the association between anabolic steroids
and aggression by administering high steroid doses or placebo for days or weeks
to human volunteers and then asking the people to report on their behavioral
symptoms. To date, four such studies have been conducted. In three, high steroid
doses did produce greater feelings of irritability and aggression than did
placebo, although the effects appear to be highly variable across individuals.
In one study, the drugs did not have that effect. One possible explanation,
according to the researchers, is that some but not all anabolic steroids
increase irritability and aggression. Recent animal studies show an increase in
aggression after steroid administration.
In a few controlled studies, aggression or adverse, overt behaviors resulting
from the administration of anabolic steroid use have been reported by a minority
of volunteers.
In summary, the extent to which steroid abuse contributes to violence and
behavioral disorders is unknown. As with the health complications of steroid
abuse, the prevalence of extreme cases of violence and behavioral disorders
seems to be low, but it may be underreported or underrecognized.
Research also indicates that some users might turn to other drugs to
alleviate some of the negative effects of anabolic steroids. For example, a
study of 227 men admitted in 1999 to a private treatment center for addiction to
heroin or other opioids found that 9.3 percent had abused anabolic steroids
before trying any other illicit drug. Of these 9.3 percent, 86 percent first
used opioids to counteract insomnia and irritability resulting from anabolic
steroids.
Next: Are anabolic steroids addictive? »
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