Symptoms

Recognizing that a friend or family member is abusing steroids may not always be obvious. Many people who abuse drugs are very good at hiding their dependency. However, there are a few steroids abuse symptoms and signs that you may notice.

Steroids Abuse Symptoms

When trying to decide whether a friend or loved one is using steroids, ask yourself this question: does his or her occupation or hobby lend itself to potential steroids abuse? While steroids use shouldn’t be pigeonholed into just a few careers or hobbies, there’s a definite correlation with jobs that require physical strength.

Steroid users generally take steroids because they either want to look muscular or get stronger. Noticing that your friend or loved one is quickly gaining muscle without putting in any extra work may be a tip off that he or she is using steroids.

Physical Symptoms and Signs

While larger muscles may be an early physical clue, there are other physical symptoms that manifest when someone abuses steroids over a long period of time. These are the most common physical symptoms that men suffer:

  • Shrinking testicles
  • Developing breasts
  • Increased acne
  • Hair loss

Women undergo some of the same physical changes, but also have their own, separate set of symptoms, including:

  • Changes in menstrual cycle
  • Growing facial hair
  • Deepening voice
  • Enlargement of clitoris

Another reason people don’t notice steroids abuse symptoms in friends or loved ones is because many of these changes take place in areas generally reserved for intimate partners, and other symptoms can easily be mistaken for another problem. Observing as many symptoms as possible could help you identify the problem.

Behavioral Symptoms and Signs

Some of the most obvious symptoms and signs of steroids abuse are behavioral. Any type of drug abuse will trigger a change in personality and behavior, but steroids have a notorious reputation for changing behavioral patterns.

One of the most common symptoms of steroids abuse is increased aggression. Something that may not ordinarily upset your friend or loved one could suddenly send them into a blind rage. Occasionally, this increased aggression can be dangerous for the people closest to the user, as they may get physical. Always make an effort to take yourself out of the situation if a friend or loved one becomes aggressive.

Some other behavioral symptoms and signs include:

  • Extreme mood swings
  • Changes in judgement
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Increased nervousness

Help for Steroid Abuse Symptoms

If you notice that a friend or loved one is exhibiting steroid abuse symptoms, you should reach out for help. While it may not be easy to get them to commit to detox and rehab right away, doing the research and getting them started can give them a push in the right direction. We have the resources to help your friend or loved one get clean. Contact us today for more information.