Are Steroids Addictive?

Many people are aware of steroids and their effects. In fact, many people are responsibly prescribed steroids by medical professionals due to an illness or an injury. However, they may not be aware of how prevalent recreational steroid use is and how dangerous it can be. When asked the question, “Are steroids addictive?” many people are unsure of the answer. The reality is that the answer is a definitive, “Yes.”

Better Understanding Steroids

Steroid use is prevalent both in the U.S. and abroad. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Anabolic Steroid Use Disorder, by Doctors AlShareef, Gokarakonda, and Marwaha, “The lifetime prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use worldwide is estimated to be 1% to 5%. Due to their abuse potential, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 amended the Controlled Substances Act to redefine anabolic steroids as ‘any drug or hormonal substance, chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone (other than estrogens, progestins, corticosteroids, and dehydroepiandrosterone) sets forth a list of substances included as anabolic steroids, including tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), androstenedione, and specified related chemicals’. Testosterone and its analogs are placed in DEA Schedule III.”

Now, there are many reasons why steroids are dangerous and are now considered a controlled substance. One of the major reasons is that steroids can be very addictive.

Are Steroids Addictive?

The question, “Are steroids addictive?” is quickly being answered in the affirmative. This is because many studies are coming out showing their addictive nature.

Much evidence has been produced showing that steroids can be addictive. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Addiction (Abingdon, England), “About 30% of AAS [anabolic-androgenic steroids] users appear to develop a dependence syndrome, characterized by chronic AAS use despite adverse effects on physical, psychosocial, or occupational functioning. AAS dependence shares many features with classical drug dependence. For example, hamsters will self-administer AAS, even to the point of death, and both humans and animals exhibit a well-documented AAS withdrawal syndrome, mediated by neuroendocrine and cortical neurotransmitter systems.”

Now, the reality is that addiction is not the only devastating aspect of recreational steroid use. Many other signs and symptoms also indicate that steroids are dangerous.

Are Steroids Addictive? The Signs and Symptoms of Steroid Addiction

Of course, the spectrum of steroid addiction is broad, but there are some universal signs that one may be struggling. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling excessively anxious and/or depressed
• Excessive mood swings
• Not knowing what to do with one’s life (feeling trapped)
• A sudden increase in body and muscle mass
• Having physical ailments that are otherwise unexplained, such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
• Isolating away from family and close friends
• Engaging in risky behaviors, including sexual and violent behaviors
• Struggling with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
• Unable to stop using steroids once started
• Engaging in self-harm
• Having suicidal ideations

As one can see, these are significant signs and symptoms, which is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. The good news is there are ways to heal from steroid addiction.

Are Steroids Addictive? How to Best Recover From Steroid Addiction

Are steroids addictive? Yes, but there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from steroid addiction. These modalities exist in many areas of recovery. This includes the realms of traditional psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 

It also includes experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy. Nature immersion therapy can be particularly beneficial because it has been shown that nature can be very healing for many ailments including addiction. According to the U.S. National Park Service, “5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of well-being and fulfillment.” Also, “Physical activity in a green space can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by 15%.”

Holistic healing methods can also be highly effective at treating steroid addiction. Two methods that can be particularly helpful are yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. This is because they can help individuals find a critical sense of balance in their lives, add essential serenity, and lower stress levels. Massage therapy and acupuncture can also be very helpful. This is especially true because of the bodily harm that steroids can have on the individual.

The Phoenix Difference at The Phoenix Recovery Center

Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we believe in what we like to call the Phoenix Difference – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”

Steroids can rob an individual of everything and everyone that they love, but that can change. Recovery is possible. We can help.

Steroid use is often minimized. However, steroids can be very addictive. Along with addiction, steroid use can cause serious damage to both the individual and their loved ones. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from steroid addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about how to best recover from steroid addiction, please check out our website, or call us today at (801) 438-3185.