what are they?

STEROIDS are hormones that occur naturally in the body. Some of these hormones, in particular the male sex hormone testosterone have been modified so that their main property is to increase muscle bulk. These modified steroids are known as anabolic steroids, anabolic meaning to chemically build up. Only two anabolic steroids are available on prescription in the U.K., these being Nandrolone and Stanozol, marketed as Durabolin and DecaDurabolin and Stromba respectively. Some illicit anabolic steroids are, however, imported from abroad, and are therefore likely to have other names.

what are the effects?

ANABOLIC steroids increase the retention of nitrogen by the body, allowing this to be used to build muscle, An athlete's strength will not be increased unless this is also combined with intensive training and a special high protein high calorie diet. Steroids also aid the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body, which has led to the belief that they might be helpful in increasing endurance. There is however no evidence to support this. It should be noted that traces of anabolic steroids can be detected in the urine for an average of 3-6 months after taking the drug, although this can be considerably longer.

the uses of anabolic steroids

THE idea behind the use of these steroids is that because they build up muscle bulk they will also increase strength, They do have a limited medical role, such as treating patients with weight loss that is associated with severe continuous illness. Anabolic steroids are also used illicitly by athletes who take them to increase performance.

what are the side effects?

BECAUSE anabolic steroids are modelled on male hormones they can have a masculinising effect on the body. Women may have an increase in body hair, a deepening of the voice, loss of head hair, enlargement of the clitoris and a decrease in breast size. Men may suffer from a decrease in sperm production and testes size and the development of breast tissue. Some of these effects may be permanent. There may also be an increased risk of coronary heart disease due to increased blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels. Many athletes welcome the increased aggression that has been reported as a side effect, as they feel it helps them to train harder for longer. Unwanted side effects may be greater when steroids are taken in high doses, or different combinations of steroids are used together (stacking) . Many steroids on sale are counterfeit or for veterinary use and therefore are of unknown strength. Injectables may contain bacterial contamination.

HIV/AIDS

WHERE anabolic steroids are injected and syringes or paraphernalia shared, there is a risk of infection with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. These can be transmitted through sharing blood contaminated non-sterile syringes and needles . HIV/AIDS is a particular threat because people who are infected usually appear healthy, and may not develop the disease for years. From the moment they are infected however, they carry the virus in their blood, and can infect other people through sexual intercourse and sharing injecting equipment. Those continuing to inject can protect themselves from HIV, AIDS and hepatitis by using clean equipment and not sharing it with anyone else.

what 's the legal position?

UNDER the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 anabolic steroids are classified as a Class C schedule 4 drug (with modifications). It is not an offence to possess the drug or to import or export it providing it is in a medicinal form and for the person's own use. It is an offence to supply it or possess it with the intention of supplying.