Steroids & Image Enhancing Drugs

Steroids and Image Enhancing Drugs (IEDs)

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are artificial versions of the male hormone testosterone. Anabolic means muscle-building. They work by mimicking testosterone which stimulates the body to produce more muscle.

.

Risks and Complications

They are known to cause both physical and psychological adverse effects, including occasional deaths.
Higher doses and longer courses cause more adverse effects.
Some people are at risk of more side-effects. There is no way of knowing if this will be you.

.

Side-effects
  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Breast growth in men
  • Shrinkage of the testicles
  • Changes in sex drive and function
  • Liver disease
  • High blood pressure leading to stroke and heart attack
  • Blood clots
  • Through injecting – HIV, hepatitis, infections and damage to blood vessels
  • Psychological dependence ‘becoming hooked’
  • Depression
  • Aggression and violence

.

Anabolic Steroids and the Law

They are considered Class C drugs. Supplying or even sharing steroids could result in a prison sentence.

.

Needle Exchange

You can obtain free needles and syringes anonymously through the Needle Exchange Service. 
Safer injecting technique will be explained.
You can also be checked for HIV and Hepatitis.

.

For more information visit www.ipedinfo.co.uk

 
NHS ScotlandThis site is brought to you by My Surgery Website