Signs of Steroid Use
Many people see steroids as harmless substances. One of the reasons for this is that they see steroid use happening in many professional industries like baseball and wrestling. However, steroid use is not harmless. Steroids can be very dangerous and damaging. They are also very addictive. However, the good news is that steroid addiction is very treatable. The key is to find the right recovery plan.
The Prevalence of Steroid Use and Addiction
It is estimated that millions of people around the world use steroids every day. However, the numbers can be difficult to gauge. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “It is difficult to estimate the prevalence of steroid misuse in the United States because many national surveys that ask about drug use do not include questions about steroids.” However, “In 2022, an estimated 0.8% of 8th graders, 0.5% of 10th graders, and 1.3% of 12th graders reported misusing steroids in the past 12 months.”
Many people who use steroids also struggle with other issues of addiction. In fact, many people use steroids as a means of looking physically healthy to cover up their other substance misuse. It is often referred to as “protecting one’s addiction.” The issue is that this is only harming the individual more.
The Dangers of Steroid Use
As previously mentioned, steroid use is very dangerous. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), “Steroid abuse is associated with a range of physical and emotional problems. Physical consequences include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure and increases in cholesterol levels, kidney tumors, fluid retention, and severe acne. Men may experience shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, breast development, and increased risk of prostate cancer.” Additionally, “Women may experience growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes or cessation in menstrual cycle, and deepening of the voice.”
Steroid use can also have many negative behavioral effects. These effects can manifest in one hurting oneself or others. This is why being able to spot the signs and symptoms of steroid use and steroid addiction is so vital.
The Signs and Symptoms of Steroid Use
Now, the signs and symptoms of steroid use are going to vary based on the individual and the amount of steroids that they use. However, there are some more universal signs and symptoms that can be watched out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Physical changes in appearance, such as a more muscular physique
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Excessive exercising (over-exercising)
- Being overly aggressive toward others
- Using other substances
- Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
- Having feelings of depression
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Excessive mood swings
- Harming oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, steroid use should never be minimized. The results of steroid use can be deadly. This is why if any of these signs or symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help sooner rather than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How to Best Recover From Steroid Use and Addiction
The good news is that recovery from steroid addiction is possible. The key is to find the right recovery plan with the right treatment center.
Treating steroid addiction should be done at the cellular level. This means taking a multi-angled approach that is going to address one’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
This approach should utilize as many means, methods, and modalities as possible. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and meditation.
Yoga can be particularly helpful in treating someone with a steroid addiction because it offers a level of physicality while also allowing the individual to focus on their mental and emotional health. A meditation practice can also be incorporated into a practice of yoga, which helps to bring about a sense of balance and serenity.
Recovering With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we also believe in empowerment. That is why we use the maxim – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”
Celebrating life is what recovery is all about. Addiction has won for far too long. It’s time to get on the right track. Yes, it’s time to work toward that ultimate celebration.
Steroids are still widely used and abused in the US. This is why being able to spot the signs and symptoms of steroid misuse and addiction can be so critical. It also helps to know when it is time to get help. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for a healthy recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, 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 the dangers of steroid use, reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.