In this Article

• What are anabolic steroids?
• What are steroidal supplements?
• What is the scope of steroid use in the United States?
• Why do people abuse anabolic steroids?
• How are anabolic steroids abused?
• What are the health consequences of steroid abuse?
• What effects do anabolic steroids have on behavior?
• Are anabolic steroids addictive?
• What can be done to prevent steroid abuse?
• What treatments are effective for anabolic steroid abuse?
• Where can I get further scientific information about steroid abuse?
• Anabolic Steroid Abuse Glossary
• Anabolic Steroid Abuse Index

What treatments are effective for anabolic steroid abuse?

Few studies of treatments for anabolic steroid abuse have been conducted. Current knowledge is based largely on the experiences of a small number of physicians who have worked with patients undergoing steroid withdrawal. The physicians have found that supportive therapy is sufficient in some cases. Patients are educated about what they may experience during withdrawal and are evaluated for suicidal thoughts. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, medications or hospitalization may be needed.

Some medications that have been used for treating steroid withdrawal restore the hormonal system after its disruption by steroid abuse. Other medications target specific withdrawal symptoms-for example, antidepressants to treat depression and analgesics for headaches and muscle and joint pains.

Some patients require assistance beyond pharmacological treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral therapies.

Where can I get further scientific information about steroid abuse?

To learn more about anabolic steroids and other drugs of abuse, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at 800-729-6686. Information specialists are available to help you locate information and resources.

Fact sheets, including InfoFacts, on the health effects of anabolic steroids, other drugs of abuse, and other drug topics are available on the NIDA Web site (www.drugabuse.gov), and can be ordered free of charge in English and Spanish from NCADI at ncadi.samhsa.gov.

SOURCE: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse

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