People that abuse steroids often fall into a few different categories. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone in these categories abuses steroids for the same reasons. Who is at risk ?

People That Abuse Steroids Most Often

Steroids aren’t like many other addictive drugs. Most people who develop drug addictions enjoy the “high” that they get from their drug of choice. For instance, a heroin user experiences immediate euphoria after they take a dose. Steroids, on the other hand, don’t offer that same immediate high—or any high for that matter.

Your Average Joe on the street isn’t going to develop a steroid addiction. People that abuse steroids either want to enhance their look or performance in a certain way. Since anabolic steroids increase muscle mass, it makes sense that athletes and bodybuilders are some of the most common users.

Athletes

Over the years, both college and professional athletes have been penalized for using anabolic steroids to improve their performance. Baseball gets the most press regarding steroid abuse. However, football and cycling also get bad raps when it comes to steroid usage. Athletes who use anabolic steroids can face legal consequences as well as penalties from within their organization. There’s no concrete percentage denoting how many college and professional athletes use steroids, but the number is believed to be high.

Bodybuilders

A bodybuilder’s job revolves around their appearance. No matter how much time they spend in the gym, some bodybuilders are unable to achieve their ideal body. As a result, many bodybuilders turn to steroids to promote muscle growth. Sadly, this can come with both short-term and long-term side effects.

Mental Health Illnesses

A variety of mental health illnesses may lead people to anabolic steroid use. Body dysmorphic disorder, in particular, sometimes causes people to take extreme steps to change their bodies. People with body dysmorphic disorder may not see themselves as they really are, believing they have extreme physical flaws. These people that abuse steroids spend hours each day attempting to fix their perceived physical imperfections.

Other mental health illnesses and risk factors making someone more susceptible to anabolic steroid abuse include:

• Muscle dysmorphia
• PTSD
• History of physical or sexual abuse

Preventing the Risk and Helping People That Abuse Steroids

Being aware of your risk factor can help you avoid developing an addiction in the first place. However, if you’re already suffering from an anabolic steroid dependence, help is available. Reach out to us for more information about our resources for quality detox and rehab.