Absolutely. Anabolic steroids can be extremely addictive, and that’s partly why they’re illegal. Teen steroid users affected just like anyone else. Here we’ll address the behaviors and symptoms associated with steroid abuse.
People who abuse anabolic steroids are known to spend a lot of money obtaining the drugs. They often withdraw from social relations as a means of concealing their habit; it’s not an easy addiction to hide. Apart from rapid muscle growth, there are other obvious symptoms, mainly aggressive behavior. Steroids affect the limbic system, the brain region that controls mood, in some scary ways. Users become aggressive for long periods of time. That’s much of the appeal, in fact. Many gyms rats enjoy the rush and believe that they benefit from it. Outside the gym, however, “roid rage” can lead to trouble. Paranoid, jealous, or otherwise delusional behavior is common among steroid abusers.
As well as aggressive mood swings, steroids can cause fatigue, high-energy, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, reduced sex drive, powerful cravings, and depression. All these symptoms can last for a year or longer.
Traditional overdose through atherosclerosis, a condition that causes fat to build up inside arteries and block blood flow, is also common. On top of that, these drugs can also kill indirectly. People who inject anabolic steroids using needles may or other equipment may contract or spread a number of serious viral infections such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis.
At least some of the drawbacks of steroids are well known. Still, there is a big demand for these drugs, particularly among adolescent boys—which has led many experts to link steroid abuse with low self-esteem and poor body image, rather than athletic prowess.
Teens who chronically use anabolic steroids can’t be expected to kick the habit on their own, even after detox. It runs too deep. They need to get their body image issues under control, and to do that, they need professional help as well as the love and support of a support network at home.
Steroid abuse often requires inpatient treatment and rigorous psychological services. It can some time for the body and brain to heal itself from the significant damage to the central nervous system and the brain’s mood regulation system. Call (949) 637-5499 for help as soon as possible.