Steroid Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Risk, and Treatment

Steroid addiction refers to the compulsive use of synthetic drugs called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone, a natural hormone that helps build muscle and increase strength.
Steroid addiction develops when individuals start using these substances to enhance their physical appearance or athletic performance but become dependent on them, unable to stop them despite harmful consequences. The study Features of Men with Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence by Gen Kanayama, James I. Hudson, and Harrison G. Pope, Jr. (2008) found that around 30% of AAS users develop dependence.
The symptoms of steroid addiction include mood swings, aggressive behavior (known as “roid rage”), fatigue, and a reduced interest in sex. People addicted to steroids often face withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, including depression, intense cravings, and insomnia, making it difficult to stop using the drugs.
The causes of steroid addiction often stem from pressures to improve physical appearance or enhance athletic performance. Many individuals begin using steroids to quickly gain muscle mass or boost strength, but over time, they develop a psychological and physical reliance on the drugs. Steroid use becomes a way to maintain their results, leading to continued use despite the negative effects on their health.
Risk factors for steroid addiction include a history of substance abuse, existing mental health issues like body image disorders, and participation in competitive sports where physical strength and appearance are highly valued. People with a family history of addiction or those who struggle with low self-esteem are also more prone to developing a dependency on steroids.
Treatment for steroid addiction typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medical support. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps address the psychological factors driving addiction, while post-cycle therapy (PCT) is used to restore natural hormone levels and manage withdrawal symptoms. Ongoing medical supervision and support groups are key to ensuring long-term recovery.
What is steroid addiction?
Steroid addiction a type of substance use disorder characterized by the compulsive use of anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass or athletic performance, despite harmful physical and psychological consequences.
Unlike corticosteroids, which are prescribed to reduce inflammation, anabolic steroids have androgenic effects, meaning they promote the development of male characteristics. Over time, misuse of these steroids leads to psychological dependence, where users feel compelled to continue using them despite harmful consequences.
In the U.S., anabolic steroids are widely used, with an estimated 2.9 to 4 million Americans having tried these substances, as noted by Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions. Some of the most commonly abused steroids include testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol.
People who develop a dependence on these drugs often struggle with body dysmorphia, an obsession with perceived physical flaws, which drives them to misuse steroids to achieve a muscular appearance.
This addiction not only has physical effects but also triggers severe mental health issues, making it difficult to stop without professional help. The prevalence of steroid use, especially in fitness communities and sports, highlights the growing need for education and support to prevent psychological dependence on these powerful substances.
What are the symptoms of steroid addiction?
The symptoms of steroid addiction are joint pains, hair loss, acne, liver problems, sexual dysfunction, aggression, mood swings, and financial problems. Steroid addiction occurs when individuals misuse anabolic steroids over an extended period, leading to significant changes in their physical health, psychological state, and behavior. These symptoms are prevalent across the U.S., including in New Jersey, where steroid misuse is rising, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders. According to Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions, approximately 2.9 to 4 million Americans have used anabolic steroids, with many developing addiction and experiencing serious health consequences.

Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms refer to the bodily signs that occur when someone is going through withdrawal or is dependent on a substance.
- Joint pains: Steroid addiction often leads to joint pains due to increased stress on muscles and ligaments, which cause chronic discomfort and mobility issues.
- Hair loss: Many users experience hair loss, driven by hormone imbalances related to excessive testosterone levels, which accelerate male pattern baldness.
- Acne: Acne, particularly on the back and shoulders, is a common side effect of steroid use, caused by increased oil production and inflammation of the skin.
- Liver problems: Prolonged steroid use causes severe liver problems, including liver damage and increased risk of liver tumors, due to the body’s inability to process high doses of steroids.
- Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction, such as reduced libido or impotence, frequently occurs among long-term users as a result of hormonal imbalances and changes in the body’s natural testosterone production.
Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms refer to the mental and emotional effects that occur when someone is struggling with addiction or going through withdrawal.
- Aggression: Known as “roid rage,” steroid addiction lead to extreme aggression and irritability, where users exhibit disproportionate anger and violent behavior.
- Mood swings: Users often experience severe mood swings, fluctuating between feelings of euphoria and deep depression, particularly during withdrawal periods.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms refer to the actions and habits that change due to addiction, often reflecting a loss of control.
- Financial problems: Steroid addiction often leads to financial problems as individuals prioritize purchasing steroids over essential expenses, leading to debt and financial instability.
- Social isolation: Addicted individuals may exhibit aggressive behavior toward others, resulting in conflicts, damaged relationships, and social isolation.
What are the causes of steroid addiction?
The causes of steroid addiction are peer pressure, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), performance pressure, mental health issues, and accessibility. These factors drive individuals to misuse anabolic steroids, leading to both physical dependence (where the body requires the drug to function) and psychological dependence (where the user feels they cannot cope without it). The main causes of steroid addiction are:
- Peer Pressure: Many individuals begin using steroids due to the influence of those around them. In competitive settings like gyms or sports teams, steroids are often normalized, encouraging their use to fit in or excel. Gen Kanayama, James I. Hudson, and Harrison G. Pope Jr. (2008) in Drug and Alcohol Dependence highlighted that peer pressure is a major factor, particularly among male athletes who feel compelled to improve their physique.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Individuals with BDD obsess over perceived flaws in their physical appearance, often believing they aren’t muscular enough. This disorder drives them to use steroids in an attempt to achieve a more ideal body image. Gen Kanayama et al. (2009) in Addiction: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence found that many steroid users show symptoms of BDD, pushing them deeper into addiction as they strive for unrealistic body standards.
- Performance Pressure: Athletes and bodybuilders face immense performance pressure, often feeling the need to outperform competitors. This pressure leads many to use steroids to enhance strength and endurance. Kenneth J. Brower, Frederic C. Blow, and others (1991) in The British Journal of Addiction reported that approximately 30% of male weightlifters who use anabolic steroids become dependent due to this performance pressure.
- Mental Health Issues: Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, significantly increase the risk of steroid addiction. Steroids provide a temporary boost in confidence or mood, but users quickly develop a reliance on the drug. Kenneth J. Brower et al. (1991) in Symptoms and Correlates of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Dependence found that steroid users frequently reported receiving psychiatric treatment for conditions like anxiety and depression, which worsened their addiction.
- Accessibility: The accessibility of steroids, both online and through gym networks, makes it easy for individuals to misuse these substances. Without proper regulation or oversight, many users obtain steroids without fully understanding the risks. The ease of access is a significant contributor to the growing problem of steroid addiction in the U.S., as noted by Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions.
What are the risk factors for steroid addiction?
The risk factors for steroid addiction include improved physical appearance and strength, a history of substance misuse in the family, and the fear of losing muscle mass. These factors contribute to an increased likelihood of becoming dependent on anabolic steroids, particularly in individuals focused on bodybuilding and athletic performance.
Steroids enhance physical appearance and strength by rapidly increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat. Anabolic steroids mimic testosterone, promoting muscle growth far beyond what is achieved naturally. As noted by Kanayama, Hudson, and Pope Jr. (2008) in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, this rapid improvement in physique makes steroids appealing to athletes and bodybuilders, who become addicted to the changes in their appearance and performance.
A family history of substance misuse is another significant risk factor. According to Brower et al. (1991) in The British Journal of Addiction, individuals with a family background of drug or alcohol abuse are at higher risk of developing steroid dependence, as they have a genetic predisposition or learned behavior towards substance misuse.
The fear of losing muscle mass also drives individuals to continue using steroids. Once users achieve a muscular physique with the help of steroids, they often fear they will lose their gains if they stop using the drugs. Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions highlight that this fear leads to long-term dependence, as users become psychologically attached to maintaining their enhanced appearance.
What are the side effects of steroid addiction?
The side effects of steroid addiction are baldness, breast development, infertility, shrunken testicles, deeper voice, facial hair growth, stretch marks, and acne scarring. Steroid misuse severely impacts men, women, and adults, causing a variety of harmful physical effects. According to Kanayama, Hudson, and Pope Jr. (2008) in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, about 30% of steroid users develop dependence, which leads to significant side effects like hormone imbalances, infertility, and skin-related issues.

Side Effects in Males
The side effects of steroid addiction in men include:
- Baldness: Steroids accelerate male pattern baldness by increasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. This is especially common in men predisposed to baldness, causing permanent hair thinning.
- Shrunken testicles: Anabolic steroids suppress the body’s natural testosterone production, leading to infertility and reduced testicle size. Kanayama et al. (2008) found that 20-30% of AAS-dependent men experience severe testicular shrinkage due to prolonged testosterone suppression.
- Breast development (gynecomastia): Men using steroids develop breast tissue due to an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels. This often requires surgery to correct.
Side Effects in Females
In women, the side effects of steroid addiction include:
- Deeper voice: Women who use anabolic steroids experience a deepening of their voices due to increased testosterone levels. This change is usually irreversible and occurs alongside other masculinizing effects.
- Facial hair growth: Excess testosterone from steroid misuse causes women to develop facial hair growth in areas like the chin and upper lip. Kanayama et al. (2009) in Addiction reported that these androgenic effects are common in women misusing steroids.
- Infertility: Steroids disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to infertility and long-term reproductive issues. Prolonged steroid use severely impacts ovarian function.
Side Effects in Adults
The common side effects of steroid addiction in adults include:
- Stretch marks: Steroid-fueled muscle growth causes the skin to stretch, resulting in visible stretch marks, particularly on the chest, arms, and legs. These marks become permanent over time as skin elasticity is damaged.
- Acne scarring: Steroids increase oil production in the skin, leading to severe acne outbreaks. Over time, these outbreaks leave behind acne scarring that is difficult to treat. Brower et al. (1991) in The British Journal of Addiction emphasized that prolonged steroid misuse leads to significant skin conditions such as cystic acne and scarring.
- Baldness: Hormonal disruptions caused by steroids contribute to hair loss in both men and women. This side effect is often permanent, even after steroid use is discontinued.
What are the treatments for steroid addiction?
The main treatments for steroid addiction are inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, group therapy, individual therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These treatments address the physical and psychological effects of steroid misuse, including depression, anxiety, muscle dysmorphia, and stress dealing. To effectively treat steroid addiction, several key therapies are used to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. The main treatments include:
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying in a residential facility, where individuals receive 24-hour care. It helps patients deal with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and muscle dysmorphia, all of which drive steroid misuse. Inpatient treatment includes a structured recovery program, with therapy and counseling to help patients learn healthy ways of stress dealing. According to Kanayama, Hudson, and Pope Jr. (2009) in Addiction, inpatient programs provide a controlled environment that helps patients manage stress and withdrawal symptoms while reducing the risk of relapse.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue their daily activities while attending therapy sessions and counseling. This treatment provides support for those who need help with stress dealing and other addiction-related challenges but cannot commit to a residential program. Outpatient programs are ideal for managing steroid addiction in a less intensive setting.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and struggles in a supportive environment. This type of therapy helps individuals with stress by learning from others who face similar challenges. As noted by Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions, group therapy is effective in promoting recovery by reducing isolation and providing peer accountability.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers one-on-one sessions with a therapist, where personal challenges like anxiety, muscle dysmorphia, and stress dealing are explored. This treatment focuses on helping patients identify the emotional and psychological triggers behind their steroid addiction. Brower et al. (1991) in The British Journal of Addiction emphasized that addressing individual stress factors is important for long-term recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy that helps patients change negative thought patterns and behaviors linked to steroid misuse. In CBT, individuals learn techniques for stress dealing and managing the emotional triggers of their addiction. Kanayama et al. (2009) found that CBT is highly effective in treating steroid addiction by providing patients with tools to handle stress and prevent relapse.
What Medications Are Used for Steroid Addiction?
The medications used for treating steroid addiction are antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which help manage the mental health challenges caused by steroid misuse. Antidepressants, like SSRIs, work by increasing levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood, which becomes imbalanced due to steroid use. These medications help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety during recovery. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce steroid-related physical side effects, like joint pain or inflammation. This combination of medications supports both mental and physical recovery, making the process more manageable.
Can Athletes Get Addicted to Steroids?
Yes, athletes get addicted to steroids. To enhance physical performance and muscle growth, some athletes misuse anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which lead to psychological and physical dependence. Studies, such as one by Pope et al. (2014) in The American Journal on Addictions, show that 30% of athletes who use steroids become dependent, experiencing withdrawal symptoms like depression and fatigue when trying to stop. The pressure to maintain peak performance or physical appearance makes athletes particularly vulnerable to steroid addiction.
Can Steroid Use Lead to Other Addictions?
Yes, steroid use leads to other addictions. To manage the negative side effects of steroids, such as insomnia, aggression, or anxiety, some individuals turn to other substances like alcohol or opioids. A study by Kanayama et al. (2009) revealed that 9% of men with heroin addiction began using the drug after their steroid use to cope with its unwanted effects. This shows that steroid misuse paves the way for additional substance use disorders, complicating the recovery process.
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