ANABOLIC STERIODS

Anabolic steroids are similar to and include the male hormone testosterone. They're meant to be used to treat anaemia and muscle weakness after surgery. Not to be confused with other kinds of steroids such as corticosteroids - that is a different drug often used to treat asthma, eczema and skin inflammations.

ID: Users call them roids. Trade names include Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar, Stanozolol.

Appearance and use

Steroids can be bought as tablets which are swallowed. They're also bought as liquid which is injected.

Popular with bodybuilders, athletes and other sports people because of their performance enhancing effects. As not all tablets contain active ingredients, it's not uncommon for some people to consume 10-100 times the medical dose.

Cost

Approximately £20 for 100 tablets.

Purity

Many counterfeit anabolic steroids are sold which don't do what the packet says they do. In fact, users can end up paying for tablets that don't contain any active ingredient at all. It's not unusual for anabolic steroids intended for veterinary use to be sold.

The effects

• Users claim the drug makes them feel more aggressive.
• Sports enthusiasts claim steroids make them able to train harder.
• If taken during a strict exercise regime, they can help build muscle mass.
• They may also help users recover from strenuous exercise faster.

Chances of getting hooked

Steroids are not physically addictive but a user can quickly become psychologically dependent. After stopping, withdrawal can include lethargy and depression

The risks

• Normally calm people can become aggressive or even violent.
• If you're young, abuse of anabolic steroids can stop you growing properly.
• Injecting any drug can cause vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. Dirty or shared needles and other injecting works can help the spread of HIV and hepatitis.
• If you're male, you can get erection problems, grow breasts, become sterile and develop acne. It can also make your testicles shrink. Quite a big price to pay for impressive muscles.
• If you're female, you can get extra facial hair, a deep voice, shrinking breasts and an increased risk of menstrual problems.
• You could experience dramatic mood swings and ultimately long-term depression.
• You may find that you start getting paranoid, confused and have trouble sleeping.
• Steroids can also give you high blood pressure and increase your risk of liver failure, stroke or heart attack.

The law

Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs to be sold only by pharmacists with a doctor's prescription. It's legal to possess or import steroids as long as they're for personal use. But possession or importing with intent to supply (which includes giving them to friends) is illegal and could lead to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.