
Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective ways to treat people heavily addicted to steroids. It’s also a good option for people with a history of depression, anxiety or anger issues. Inpatient treatment removes the steroid user from their normal environment so they can safely detox and reprogram their addictive behavior.
Full Answer
How do you get help for steroid addiction?
Treatment for Steroid Addiction. Mental health counseling helps recovering addicts cope with mood swings during steroid withdrawal. Through continued therapy, users relearn how to function without steroids. It’s important to get treatment from a counselor and a physician with experience treating steroid addiction.
What are the most effective steroid addiction treatment options?
These professionals often collaborate to develop the most effective treatment plan. Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective ways to treat people heavily addicted to steroids. It’s also a good option for people with a history of depression, anxiety or anger issues.
How should anabolic steroid abuse and addiction be treated?
Anabolic steroid abuse and addiction should be treated like any other drug problem. Despite the fact that steroids do not cause a stereotypical euphoric “high,” they still have the potential to lead to dependency resulting in possible withdrawal symptoms.
Do steroid training programs reduce the risks of steroid use?
No documented evidence supports the effectiveness of training programs aimed at reducing the risks of steroid use, and steroids can cause psychological and physiological symptoms of addiction.

How is steroid addiction treated?
Treatment of steroid withdrawal is tailored to the individual. Treatment usually involves steroid administration that is decreased gradually over weeks to months. Physicians who treat steroid withdrawal include primary care physicians, endocrinologists, internal-medicine specialists, and others.
What is the success rate of drug therapy?
An estimated 43 percent of all people who go to drug rehab successfully complete their treatment programs, while another 16 percent are transferred to other rehab centers for additional treatment. Rehab success rates for those who complete drug and alcohol detoxification are a combined 68 percent.
Can damage from steroids be reversed?
A variety of side effects can occur when anabolic steroids are misused, ranging from mild effects to ones that are harmful or even life-threatening. Most are reversible if the user stops taking the drugs. However, others may be permanent or semi-permanent.
What are 3 long-term effects of steroids?
Long-Term Effects Anabolic steroid misuse might lead to serious, even permanent, health problems such as: kidney problems or failure. liver damage and tumors. enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, even in young people.
What is the most effective treatment for addiction?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
Does rehab work better than jail?
Drug rehab is a much better alternative to jail time for many people struggling with addiction. Comparing the benefits of rehab vs. jail time is crucial when looking at those in the system for drug offenses. People who struggle with substance abuse and addiction are more likely to end up with drug charges.
Will my hormones go back to normal after steroids?
It can take up to 4 months to restore natural testosterone levels after being on anabolic steroids for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms from steroids can include: fatigue. weight loss due to lowered appetite.
What are 5 common side effects of steroids?
What are the possible side effects of steroids?Increased appetite.Weight gain.Changes in mood.Muscle weakness.Blurred vision.Increased growth of body hair.Easy bruising.Lower resistance to infection.More items...•
How long does it take to flush steroids out of your system?
How long will it be detectable? If taken orally, steroids can show up in a urine test for up to 14 days. If injected, steroids can show up for up to 1 month.
Can you be on steroids for life?
Some people are prescribed steroid medicines on an ongoing basis for the treatment of long-term conditions. Taking steroids long term is helpful to treat conditions associated with inflammation, but ongoing steroid use can cause side effects. Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed steroid.
What part of the brain does steroids damage?
One of the key findings with the structural imaging data, said Kaufman, centered on the amygdala, the part of the brain related to emotion regulation, aggression, anxiety, and possibly even depression, which was enlarged in those who were chronic steroid users as compared to the non-users.
Do steroids make u angry?
People who misuse anabolic steroids report more anger than nonusers,80 as well as more fights, verbal aggression, and violence toward their significant others,81 sometimes called "roid rage." One study suggests that the mood and behavioral effects seen during anabolic-androgenic steroid misuse may result from secondary ...
What is the treatment for steroid addiction?
Treatment and Recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse advises evaluation for suicidal thoughts, supportive therapy, and education as the main types of therapy for the treatment of steroid addiction. 18 Some people may require medication and/or hospitalization, depending on the extent of their withdrawal symptoms.
What happens when you stop taking steroids?
When people suddenly stop using steroids, they may feel depressed, tired, or restless. 2 Professional substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation can help those struggling with steroid addiction get clean and learn effective ways to cope with the pressures that led to substance abuse and addiction.
Why are steroids called anabolic steroids?
They are technically called anabolic-androgenic steroids because of the effects they have on the body: anabolic means that they stimulate protein synthesis and muscle growth, while androgenic means they promote the development of male characteristics by mimicking the effects of endogenous male hormones like testosterone.
Why are steroids used in athletics?
Though there are legitimate medical uses, anabolic steroids are commonly used to improve physical appearance and enhance athletic performance. While the short-term effects of steroids may produce rewards in terms of body image, people often ignore or may not even know the potential dangers of these substances.
What are the side effects of anabolic steroids?
The following physical side effects of anabolic steroids have been observed in both men and women, but they vary based on a person’s age, duration of drug use, and dosage: 5,6 . High cholesterol. Acne. Fluid retention. Insomnia.
What is THG in steroids?
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). People sometimes use anabolic steroids in certain ways that are believed to maximize the drugs’ effects and minimize side effects: 3. Stacking: Combining different types of steroids at the same time. Cycling: Alternating between periods of using steroids and not using them.
What is outpatient treatment?
This intense form of outpatient treatment is beneficial for people who require intensive support but are unable to fully live in an inpatient facility. During addiction treatment, you will work with your counselor to identify the various factors that led you to abuse steroids.
How to treat someone who is addicted to steroids?
Inpatient Rehab and Detox. Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective ways to treat people heavily addicted to steroids. It’s also a good option for people with a history of depression, anxiety or anger issues.
Why do people with steroid addiction go to outpatient treatment?
People with a mild to moderate steroid addiction often choose outpatient treatment because they can maintain their home life, continue going to work or school, and care for children. Different outpatient treatment programs meet the different needs of different clients, and some are more intensive than others.
What is inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment removes the steroid user from their normal environment so they can safely detox and reprogram their addictive behavior. Most rehabs follow a rigorously structured routine consisting of one-on-one counseling, support groups, mealtimes, family visits, activities and sometimes chores.
How do I get rid of a steroid addiction?
Treating a steroid addiction may involve supervised detox, comfort medication, and behavioral therapy.
Why do people need rehab?
Some people need rehab because they can’t fight the psychological compulsion to take steroids on their own. The withdrawal symptoms of steroids can cause people to relapse. Anabolic Steroid Info. Addiction and Abuse. Symptoms and Warning Signs. Withdrawal and Detox. Treatment and Rehab. Start the road to recovery. Get a Call.
What is the first step in detox?
The first step is to help the user detox safely. A medically assisted detox can ease steroid withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. During detox, medical professionals help the client physically stabilize while the drug is being eliminated from the body.
How to help a recovering addict with steroid withdrawal?
Mental health counseling helps recovering addicts cope with mood swings during steroid withdrawal. Through continued therapy, users relearn how to function without steroids. It’s important to get treatment from a counselor and a physician with experience treating steroid addiction.
Why are steroids addictive?
Are You Addicted to Steroids? Anabolic steroids build muscle mass, increase strength and reduce the amount of time it takes to recover from a workout. 1, 2. Some athletes abuse them to enhance their performance, while some body builders and non-athletes abuse them to improve appearance and strength.
What is the best way to spend time on steroids?
Spending a substantial amount of time getting and using steroids, as well as doing muscle-related things such as lifting and planning a diet. Abandoning pleasurable hobbies in favor of muscle-related activities and steroid use.
Why are steroids illegal?
Anabolic steroids are otherwise illegal because people abuse them to boost athletic performance or to improve appearance.
Why are steroids dangerous?
Steroids can be life-threatening due to an associated increase in risk for heart attack, HIV, hepatitis, heart infection, kidney failure and violent, risky behavior.
How do you know if you are addicted to steroids?
The telltale signs of addiction are tolerance and withdrawal . An addiction to anabolic steroids must consist of problematic and maladaptive use and severe impairment in the user’s life. 9 The main difference between anabolic steroids and other substances is that steroids are not intoxicating. They don’t produce euphoria or a rush ...
How to contact a rehab center for steroid abuse?
Find a Recovery Center. If you or someone you know is struggling with steroid abuse, call 1-888-319-2606 Helpline Information to learn more about rehab and recovery options in your area. Our trained representatives can also answer questions about payment and insurance.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of steroids?
In the case of the anabolic-androgenic steroids, withdrawal symptoms include: 13, 14. Fatigue. Depression. Decreased libido.
How to help someone with steroid addiction?
Learn how these drugs affect the body and what steroid addiction is like.#N#2. Find support. Don’t try to handle thing by yourself . Instead seek help from trusted medical professionals , including pscyhotherapists, doctors, or psychiatrists.#N#3. Try to confront your loved one when he/she is not engaging in compulsive behavior s.#N#4. Choose your words wisely. Try to be as caring as possible so as to not risk offending the user.#N#5. Use examples during the conversation. Tell the negative impacts steroids have on people, such as physically, mood/behavioral damage.#N#6. Offer help. Be prepared with treatment options in advance if your loved one agrees to accept treating his/her addiction problem.#N#7. Set limits and take care of yourself. Let your addicted loved one know you will no longer put yourself in a position that enables his/her behavior.
How to stop steroid abuse?
Use self-monitoring as an early warning system. Keep a daily record, particularly for the first few months of sobriety. This can prevent renewed steroid abuse problems. You may call your doctor if you feel any kind of mood disturbances for two days in a row. Another target for daily monitoring would be keeping track of cravings and urges. Identify anything that could signal a drift toward your prior patterns of steroid abuse and consult your counsellor about how to handle these situation and what’s more important how to prevent them from repeating.
How to tell if you are addicted to steroids?
obsessive, drug craving thoughts. Addiction to steroids can also be detected by some key physical traits. It is usually characterized by the following physical signs: acne. enlarged breasts. hyperactivity. paranoia. rapid weight/muscle gain. women’s facial hair growth.
Why do men abuse steroids?
Steroids are mostly abused by male adolescents who want to improve athletic performance and/or physical appearance, helping them build muscles and speed up development. So, it’s not much of a surprise that 80% of steroid addicts were recently reported to be men.
What is addiction therapy?
Addiction programs usually offer a combination of evidence-based therapy protocols and alternative holistic options . Main therapy is talk therapy. When applied together with up-and-coming options, these modalities can maximize your chances of successful recovery and long-lasting sobriety.
Why are steroids prescribed?
Medically, steroids are prescribed by doctors to manage health conditions such as: delayed puberty. growth hormone steroid. loss of muscle. men hormone imbalances. specific forms of anemia.
How long is the average addiction treatment program?
Program lengths (30-60-90 days) The average minimum time spent in addiction treatment is 30 days. However, 60 and 90 day programs offer significantly higher success rates as they allow more time for physical and psychological stabilization, therapy, and education.
Who uses steroids?
However, bodybuilders and competitive weight lifters aren’t the only people who use steroids. Body guards, construction workers, law enforcement and other professionals who rely on physical strength in the workplace may use steroids.
What is the side effect of steroids?
“Roid rage” refers to uncontrollable anger, loss of temper or dramatic mood swings caused by steroids.
What is an androgenic steroid?
The anabolic characteristic of the drug means it boosts muscle growth. The androgenic component refers to the drug’s ability to stimulate male characteristics.
Why do people take tetrahydrogestrinone?
Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) People who take steroids usually take substances to decrease the risk of negative side effects or to restart hormone production that is disrupted by steroid use. These substances have not been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of short- or long-term side effects, according to NIDA.
What is the difference between endogenous and exogenous steroids?
Exogenous refers to substances that are not naturally produced by the body, and endogenous refers to substances naturally produced by the body. High levels of an endogenous substance on a steroid test can indicate steroid use. Steroids can also be classified as oral or injectable:
When did steroids become popular?
The popularity of steroids remained stable among 8th- and 10th-grade boys from 1991 to 1998, according the Monitoring the Future survey. In 1999, steroid use among this group nearly doubled. Steroid use among high school seniors gradually increased from 1992 to 2000.
Do people who use steroids compete?
They’re often viewed as dangerous substances that are only used by cheaters in sport or competition. In reality, a large portion of people who use steroids do not compete. While the side effects can be serious, the media and other sources may exaggerate some of the negative effects. Photo: Dr. Tracy Olrich.
Why is it so hard to get off steroid?
Steroid rehabilitation may also be difficult because the psychiatric and physical symptoms of withdrawal can last for many months, causing some steroid abusers to begin using again. One of the most dangerous symptoms is depression, which may contribute to attempted or completed suicide in some predisposed individuals.
What is behavioral therapy?
Behavioral therapy for substance addiction seeks to identify and manage addictive behaviors that lead to use and prevent relapse. Behavioral therapy is based on the concept that all behavior is learned, and, thus, unhealthy behavior can be changed through learning coping skills and increasing awareness of negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to substance abuse.
Can you stop taking steroids on your own?
Due to the potentially severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms that often occur when stopping steroid use, it can be extremely difficult to stop on your own and avoid relapse safely.
Can steroid withdrawal cause depression?
Although depression doesn’t appear to affect everyone, studies have documented depressive symptoms, especially during withdrawal, with several reports of suicides. It’s unclear whether individuals with depression caused by stopping high-dose steroid use would respond to antidepressants and should be monitored carefully for suicidal behavior.
Can anabolic steroids be used to treat pain?
Certain medications have been shown to help treat the symptoms of anabolic steroid withdrawal in some cases. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to treat depression, nonnarcotic pain medicines for headaches and muscle and joint pain, antianxiety medications, and synthetic hormones or other medications to help restore hormonal balance.
What is the treatment for steroid addiction?
Steroid addiction treatment options can range from counseling to an outpatient or inpatient/residential rehab. Medications that may be used in steroid treatment and withdrawal include antidepressants, analgesics or drugs to help restore normal functioning of the hormonal system.
What is the best treatment for withdrawal from steroids?
Medication can be used to manage some of the withdrawal symptoms of steroids as well as some of the psychological symptoms from stopping steroid use. Antidepressants may be prescribed to treat symptoms of depression related to steroid withdrawal and body dysmorphic disorder. 1,2. Analgesics.
What is aftercare in steroid treatment?
Aftercare. Aftercare is the next phase of treatment following completion of a steroid recovery program. Aftercare helps users continue to receive support after they leave treatment. Many aftercare programs are done on an outpatient basis and can prove crucial to relapse prevention.
What is the purpose of a steroid detox?
Detox to remove any remaining steroids from the body and to manage withdrawal symptoms. Therapy to address any depressive symptoms related to steroid withdrawal and work through what issues may have caused the person to begin abusing steroids. Medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms or address mental health issues.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of steroids?
Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms. The most common psychological side effect during the detox phase of treatment is depression. Users may also experience a number of other withdrawal symptoms as their dosage of anabolic steroids is reduced. Decreased appetite.
How to get rid of steroid withdrawal?
Options for steroid treatment include: Talk to your doctor. Your physician may be able to address concerns you have about withdrawing from steroids and offer a referral for substance abuse treatment if necessary. Find an outpatient program.
What happens when you withdraw from a steroid?
Depression. Users may also experience depression and suicidal thoughts when they withdraw from the drug. Hormonal dysfunction. Finally, users may experience a compounded depression from disruptions in the functioning of the testes or ovaries due to steroid withdrawal, a condition called hypogonadism. 2.
What are the long term consequences of being addicted to steroids?
Possible long-term consequences include: At a more granular level, being addicted to steroids can cause a range of health complications. Male steroid abusers often experience shrinking testicles, decreased sperm counts, premature baldness, the development of breasts and an increased likelihood of prostate cancer.
What are the effects of anabolic steroids?
When a steroid dependent pauses or quits a cycle of drug use, consequences can include fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia and cravings.
How much higher is anabolic steroids?
These doses may be 10 to 100 times higher than doses prescribed to treat medical conditions.”.
What sports have been affected by steroids?
In modern times, sports such as Major League Baseball, cycling and global athletics have endured particular problems with performance-enhancing drugs. Megastars such as Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds have become avatars of the harm steroids can cause to sporting record books.
Can steroid abuse cause prostate cancer?
Male steroid abusers often experience shrinking testicles, decreased sperm counts, premature baldness, the development of breasts and an increased likelihood of prostate cancer.
Does steroid cause facial hair?
Meanwhile, female steroid abusers also encounter negative side effects, including the growth of facial hair, decreased breast size, male-pattern baldness, changes in menstrual cycle and a deeper tone of voice.
Do steroids have positive or negative effects?
Therefore, steroids seem appealing and useful, but any positives are outweighed by negatives of greater importance. The external results of steroid use – bulging biceps, chiselled chests and formidable forearms – are compatible with the notion of beauty perpetrated by modern societies obsessed with image.

Inpatient Rehab and Detox
- Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective ways to treat people heavily addicted to steroids. It’s also a good option for people with a history of depression, anxiety or anger issues. Inpatient treatment removes the steroid user from their normal environment so they can safely detox and reprogram their addictive behavior. Most rehabs follow a rig...
Ongoing Treatment and Strategies to Prevent Relapse
- People with a mild to moderate steroid addiction often choose outpatient treatment because they can maintain their home life, continue going to work or school, and care for children. Different outpatient treatment programs meet the different needs of different clients, and some are more intensive than others. Most outpatient programs require participants to meet two or more times …
Getting Help Now
- You shouldn’t wait to get help for a steroid addiction. The side effects of long-term steroid use can lead to lasting complications, including liver damage, heart disease and infertility. Yet, some people are hesitant to quit because they are afraid of what they will look like without steroids. Paul Solotaroff wrote about his difficulties with intense steroid abuse. Once he decided to quit, after …