Can You Overdose on Steroids?

When it comes to steroids, the two main types are corticosteroids and anabolic. Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids for a variety of reasons, including swelling, allergic reactions and even asthma. Corticosteroids are useful when used correctly. Anabolic steroids have fewer medical uses, and are generally only prescribed for problems like delayed puberty. A common question regarding both of these drugs is, can you overdose on steroids .

Can You Overdose on Steroids ?

The simple answer is yes — you can overdose on both types of steroids. However, overdose looks different depending on whether you’re taking anabolic or corticosteroids. In fact, anabolic steroid overdose isn’t what you might conventionally think of as a drug overdose.

Anabolic Steroid Overdose

When searching for an answer to the question, “Can you overdose on steroids?”, you’re likely to find exhaustive research pointing to an inability to overdose. Strictly speaking, this isn’t true. It’s 100% possible to overdose on anabolic steroids. However, overdose symptoms are much different than what you might expect from a drug like cocaine or meth.

In order to overdose on steroids, you need to be taking them for a long period of time. Rather than a quick overdose, users suffer what’s known as chronic overdose. Some of the potential negative effects resulting from chronic overdose include:

  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Enlarged heart
  • Delusions
  • Aggression
  • Changes in body hair, breast tissue and fertility for both males and females

Damage to the liver, kidneys and heart may include cancer. Sadly, this can be fatal.

Corticosteroid Overdose

A corticosteroid overdose looks a little more like what you would expect when you hear the word “overdose.” Though generally not fatal, corticosteroids overdose can result in uncomfortable, dangerous symptoms. Some of these include:

  • Weakness
  • Deafness
  • High blood pressure
  • Nervousness
  • Swelling
  • Convulsions
  • Psychosis

Overdose Prevention

If you or someone you’re with is experiencing a drug overdose of any kind, call 911 and poison control immediately to find out what your next steps should be. The best way to avoid steroid overdose is to take your drug as prescribed, or to avoid steroids altogether if you don’t need them for a medical reason.

If you’ve already developed corticosteroid or anabolic steroid dependence, there’s help available.

Rehab for Steroid Dependency

When you’re ready to take steps towards sobriety, the first step is to undergo a medically managed detox. Here, you’ll be able to rid your body of any illicit substances in your system. Throughout the process, you’ll break your physical steroid dependency with the help of medical professionals and, if necessary, medication.

Once you’ve completed a detox program, you’ll need rehabilitation to break your psychological dependence. A quality men’s rehab program will include dual diagnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy and, many times, experiential treatment methods as well.

We have the resources to help you find the right facility for you. Reach out to us today.