Anabolic steroids are steroid hormones, related to testosterone. Over a period of time, these will build up cellular tissue – especially in muscles. They are predominantly abused by body builders and athletes looking to improve performance. They can be taken orally, injected intramuscularly or massaged into the skin in gel form.
Abuse of anabolic steroids has been seen to have a wide range of side effects, ranging from the relatively mild to the seriously life threatening. Prolonged use by women can result in the manifestation of male characteristics, such as the growth of body hair. Conversely, long term abuse can result in breast development in men and impotence. Most effects are reversible if use of the drug ceases, but others can be permanent. In addition to physical side effects, anabolic steroids can cause increased irritability and aggression. Some of the more serious consequences of continued steroid abuse include liver cancer, heart attacks and elevated cholesterol levels. Adolescents can have their physical development inhibited, since steroid abuse can prevent bone lengthening, resulting in stunted growth. Abusers who share needles are at risk from contracting hepatitis or HIV.
With the cessation of steroid use can come withdrawal symptoms, which can include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and depression, which can lead to suicide attempts if left untreated. Such symptoms can persist for a year or more after steroid use has ceased.
Sovereign Health has found that increasingly higher numbers of 13 to 18 year olds are abusing anabolic steroids. We have also found that a high percentage of clients, coming to us for treatment, also have abuse issues with alcohol or other drugs, such as marijuana, amphetamines or narcotics.
Sovereign Health of California has the foremost effective treatment programs, to ensure our clients find the detox phase as comfortable and pain free as possible. Our highly qualified, experienced staff is available 24/7 to support our clients over the initial detox phase, through treatment and onwards to a successful recovery. Treatment is carried out in our welcoming, secure and confidential treatment center in the beach community of San Clemente.
Here, at Sovereign Health of California, we offer affordable, cutting edge treatment for addiction to anabolic steroids. Our programs last 30, 60 or 90 days and each treatment program is individually tailored to the specific needs of the client. Our highly qualified, experienced staff is available 24/7 to help clients through detox and on to a successful recovery.
For a list of some of the treatments we offer, please visit our 'what we offer page'
Anabolic steroids are a synthetic derivative of testosterone. They can be taken orally, injected intramuscularly or rubbed into the skin in gel form. Most side effects are mild and reversible. However, some are permanent and life threatening. Among other side effects, men can experience prostate enlargement, bladder irritability, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, etc.; women may experience a deepening of the voice, increase in facial and body hair and menstrual irregularities; both sexes may suffer from acne, carcinoma, high cholesterol, depression, impotence, insomnia, liver cell tumors, baldness, nausea and vomiting.
Withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, steroid cravings and – most dangerously – depression, which can lead to suicidal tendencies. Some symptoms of withdrawal are known to last up to a year or more after cessation of abuse.
