Steroids

Info

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

The bottom line: If 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!

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.

 A& Q

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.
































The Truth About Steroids 

Slang—Arnolds, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Stackers, Weight Trainers, Juice

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:

 5RLGUDJHV3XQFRQWUROOHGRXWEXUVWVRIDQJHU

frustration, or combativeness that may result from 

using anabolic steroids.

 6KRWJXQQLQJ3WDNLQJVWHURLGVRQDQLQFRQVLVWHQW

basis.

 6WDFNLQJ3XVLQJDFRPELQDWLRQRIWZRRUPRUH

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.

Know the risks. IIllegal 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 1.3 percent of 8th graders, 

2.3 percent of 10th graders, and 3.3 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:

For Guys:

%DOGQHVV

'HYHORSPHQWRIEUHDVWV

,PSRWHQFH

For Girls:

*URZWKRIIDFLDOKDLU

'HHSHQHGYRLFH

%UHDVWUHGXFWLRQ

For Both:

-DXQGLFH\HOORZLQJRIWKHVNLQ

6ZHOOLQJRIIHHWRUDQNOHV

$FKLQJMRLQWV

%DGEUHDWK

0RRGVZLQJV

1HUYRXVQHVV

7UHPEOLQJ

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 

DQGUHIHUUDOVFDOOWKH1DWLRQDO&OHDULQJKRXVHIRU

Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686.

For more information, or for references to facts found in this Tips for Teens, go to www.ncadi.samhsa.gov.

5HYLVHGLQ