Steroids
By Max Mones
What is a Steroid?
Any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms(three six-membered and one five) They incude many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.
How are Steroids taken into the Body?
Steroids are usually taken in pill form. Most people stay away from taking it in pilll form because it causes stress on the liver. There is also a liquid form but there is very few of them. Steroids can also be injected but you only take them once or twice a week. The area in the body it is injected is mostly the glute, the shoulder, and the thigh.
Slang/Street names
Arnolds, Gym candy, Pumpers, Roids, Stackers, Weight trainers, Gear, balls, winny, beef-roids, and juice.
How do Steroids affect the body?
Short term affects: Sleep disturbance, increased appetite, weight gain, Psychological effects, including increased or decreased energy, and depression with suicidal attempt, and heart failure.
Long term affects: Skin infections such as bacterial infections, skin thinning resulting in easy bruising, stretch marks, acne, excessive hair, subcutaneous lipoatrophy(loss of fat under skin), shrinkage of testicles, and stunted growth.
SIgns of abuse
For men it is quick and large muscle gains, aggressive behavior and violent temper, severe acne on shoulders, neck, and face, premature balding, abnormal breast development.
For women it is deeper voice, increase in body hair, development of the jaw, smaller breasts, and fewer menstrual cycles.
Dependence/addiction of steroids
An undetermined number of steroids abusers become addicted to the drugs, as evidenced by their continued abuse despite physical problems and negative effects on social relations. Also, steroid abusers typically spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs, which is another indication that they may be addicted. Individuals who abuse steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking steroids, such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings. The most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms is depression, because it sometimes leads to suicide attempts.