About Steroid Addiction
Steroids are not physically addictive, but they can have long-term effect on the body even when the user has stopped taking them. This is why a short detox period for steroid users is still necessary so that the drug can completely leave the body of the user. Although not addictive, steroids can still cause an individual to undergo withdrawal symptoms once he stops taking his daily dose. These withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable but they are not considered dangerous.
The withdrawal symptoms of steroids include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and feeling of fatigue and exhaustion
- Abdominal pain
Dangers of steroid use
Steroids are taken to build the muscle tone and mass in users. But if they are taken continuously for long periods of time they start to interfere with the user’s hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands’ normal functioning. Moreover, the use of steroids also has various, very noticeable side effects and symptoms. These symptoms as well as side effects are a result of direct alteration in the hormonal levels of the body of the user. The dangerous effects of long term steroid use on the body include:
- Heavy and deepened voice in females
- Stunted bone growth in adolescents
- Increased growth of facial and body hair in females
- Testicular shrinkage and a decreased rate of sperm production
- Breast enlargement and impotence in males
- Organ damage
Apart from these long term effects, steroids also have certain short term effects that include:
- Oily hair and skin
- Acne and cyst
- Irritability and mood swings
- Increased aggression, mania and delusions
- Paranoid jealousy and increased aggression
Rehab Programs for Steroid Addicts
Drug rehab programs are designed to discover the reason behind addiction and the treatment helps the patient to deal with the triggers that starts the patient on the path to drug use with the help of various psychological tools. Cognitive therapy works on altering the user’s current drug habit.