The bottom line: The bottom line: If The bottom line: you know someone who abuses steroids, urge him

or her to get help. If you're abusing them—stop! The longer you

ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with your life.

It's never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a

teacher, or another adult you trust.

Do it today!

Q. Are steroids addictive?

A. Yes, they can be. Withdrawal

symptoms include mood swings,

suicidal thoughts or attempts,

fatigue, restlessness, loss of

appetite, and sleeplessness.2

Q.How long do steroids stay in

your system?

A. The length of time that steroids

stay in the body varies. Injected

steroids may be detected in the

body for 3 to 4 months while the

oral types may remain for 1 to 4

weeks.3

Q.What can I do to excel in sports

if I don’t use steroids?

A. Focus on getting proper diet, rest,

and good overall mental and

physical health. These things are

all factors in how your body is

shaped and conditioned. Excelling

in sports is achievable and done by

millions of athletes without relying

on steroids.

Steroids••••••

To learn more about steroids or

obtain referrals to programs in your

community, contact one of the following toll-free numbers:

SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse

for Alcohol and Drug Information

800-729-6686

TDD 800-487-4889

linea gratis en español

877-767-8432

Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth

Anti-Drug Media Campaign? Check out the Web site at

www.freevibe.com or visit the Office of National Drug

Control Policy Web site at www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.
Slang—Arnolds, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Stackers, Weight Trainers, Juice

Know the risks. Illegal steroids are made overseas and

smuggled into the United States or made in underground labs in this country. They pose greater health

risks because they are not regulated by the government

and may not be pure or labeled correctly.

Look around you. The majority of teens aren't using

steroids. Among teenage males, who are most likely to

use steroids, only 1.8 percent of 8th graders, 2.3 percent

of 10th graders, and 3.2 percent of 12th graders

reported steroid use in the past year.1

Know the Signs...

How can you tell if a friend is abusing steroids?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell. But there are signs you can

look for. If your friend has one or more of the following

warning signs, he or she may be abusing steroids:

Steroids••••••

Get the Facts...

Steroids affect your heart. Steroid abuse has been

associated with cardiovascular disease, including heart

attack and stroke. These heart problems can even

happen to athletes under the age of 30.

Steroids affect your appearance. In both sexes,

steroids can cause male-pattern baldness, cysts, acne,

and oily hair and skin.

Steroids affect your mood. Steroids can make you

angry and hostile for no reason. There are recorded

cases of murder attributed to intense anger from steroid

use.

Steroids increase your risk of infection. Sharing

needles or using dirty needles to inject steroids puts you

at risk for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Other slang terms associated with steroid use include:

• Roid rages—uncontrolled outbursts of anger,

frustration, or combativeness that may result from

using anabolic steroids.

• Shotgunning—taking steroids on an inconsistent

basis.

• Stacking—using a combination of two or more

anabolic steroids.

Before You Risk It...

Know the law. Steroids are illegal to possess without a

prescription from a licensed physician. It is illegal for

individuals to sell steroids.

Get the facts. Doctors prescribe steroids for specific

medical conditions. They are only safe for use when a

doctor monitors the person.

Revised in 2004

For Guys:

• Baldness

• Development of

breasts

• Impotence

For Girls:

• Growth of facial hair

• Deepened voice

• Breast reduction

For Both:

• Jaundice (yellowing of

the skin)

• Swelling of feet or

ankles

• Aching joints

• Bad breath

• Mood swings

• Nervousness

• Trembling

What can you do to help someone who is abusing

steroids? Be a real friend. Save a life. Encourage

your friend to stop or seek professional help.

For information and referrals, call the National

Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at

800-729-6686.

For more information, go to www.ncadi.samhsa.gov