The connection between injection drug use and HIV infection is well known. Sharing injection equipment such as needles and syringes presents a real risk of transmitting HIV as well as Hepatitis C. However, the injection of steroids is often overlooked as a risk behaviour.
Unlike mood-altering drugs, steroids are not perceived as having any health risks and, therefore, the user does not think he/she is in any danger.
Who Uses Steroids?
The majority of users are high school students. Other users may include strip dancers, wrestlers, weight lifters, military personnel and prisoners. The use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes far exceeds their use by athletes for competition. The preferred method of use is by injection rather than by mouth.
Steroid use is a short cut to self-esteem. It needs little investment in energy and its reinforcing results are almost immediate. In a society that places so much value on body image, steroids are seen as a quick and easy response to that pressure.
What Are The Risks?
Most of the negative effects of steroids are due to overuse or misuse. The side effects may include: liver damage, sexual difficulties, aggressive behaviour, depression, acne, muscle spasms and interference with normal growth. Some of the effects are reversible after discontinuing the steroid use. However, the very real health risks are from:
sharing needles, syringes and vials
improper injection site
failure to clean injection site
failure to ensure the needle is not in a vein or artery
Steroid users must be given the opportunity to decide for themselves the negative aspects of steroid use. Until they are ready to quit, it is essential to help our young people stay alive. Any discussion of HIV/AIDS should ensure that use of steroids is included as a risk behaviour. In addition, information on the proper use of injection equipment must be readily available.
Unlike mood-altering drugs, steroids are not perceived as having any health risks and, therefore, the user does not think he/she is in any danger.
Who Uses Steroids?
The majority of users are high school students. Other users may include strip dancers, wrestlers, weight lifters, military personnel and prisoners. The use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes far exceeds their use by athletes for competition. The preferred method of use is by injection rather than by mouth.
Steroid use is a short cut to self-esteem. It needs little investment in energy and its reinforcing results are almost immediate. In a society that places so much value on body image, steroids are seen as a quick and easy response to that pressure.
What Are The Risks?
Most of the negative effects of steroids are due to overuse or misuse. The side effects may include: liver damage, sexual difficulties, aggressive behaviour, depression, acne, muscle spasms and interference with normal growth. Some of the effects are reversible after discontinuing the steroid use. However, the very real health risks are from:
sharing needles, syringes and vials
improper injection site
failure to clean injection site
failure to ensure the needle is not in a vein or artery
Steroid users must be given the opportunity to decide for themselves the negative aspects of steroid use. Until they are ready to quit, it is essential to help our young people stay alive. Any discussion of HIV/AIDS should ensure that use of steroids is included as a risk behaviour. In addition, information on the proper use of injection equipment must be readily available.
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