Steroids Abuse and Addiction Treatment Options
People become addicted to steroids for many reasons, including the desire to build muscles or look more muscular, to feel stronger or more aggressive, or to improve their performance in sports or other activities.
Once someone becomes addicted to steroids, they will likely find it difficult to stop using them, even if they want to. This is because steroids can cause intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to quit. This blog post will explore steroid addiction in more depth, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
If you or someone you know has a steroid addiction, many treatment options are available. Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 for guidance today.
What Are Steroids and What Do They Do in the Body?
Steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. They can be taken orally, injected, or applied to the skin. People use steroids for various reasons, including improving their athletic performance or appearance. Steroids are commonly used by bodybuilders, athletes, and people who feel they need to bulk up or look more muscular.
Steroids work by increasing muscle mass and strength and improving endurance and recovery time from exercise. Steroids can also cause many other changes in the body, including deepening of the voice, increased body hair growth, and changes in sex drive.
Steroids are addictive because they can cause intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when someone tries to quit. This is because steroids change the way the brain functions, leading to a cycle of dependence and addiction.
Steroids can also be addictive because they can cause a person to feel invincible and unstoppable. Additionally, the withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping steroid use can be very unpleasant, making it difficult for people to quit.
What Are the Treatment Options for Steroids Addiction?
Treatment for steroid addiction typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Medications commonly used to treat addiction include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. These medications can help to manage steroid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
As with other drug addictions, behavioral therapy can be beneficial in treating steroid addiction. Behavioral therapy can teach people new skills and coping mechanisms to deal with life’s challenges without steroids.
What Are the Three Types of Steroids?
There are three main types of steroids.
- Anabolic steroids: These drugs promote muscle growth and are often used by bodybuilders, athletes, and people who feel they need to bulk up. Anabolic steroids can be taken orally or injected. They can cause several serious side effects, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased heart attack or stroke risk. Anabolic steroid use can also lead to addiction.
- Corticosteroids: These drugs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, asthma, and arthritis. Corticosteroids can be taken orally or injected but also come in creams. They can cause several serious side effects, including weight gain, mood swings, and an increased risk of infection.
- Androgenic steroids: These drugs are similar to testosterone and can treat various conditions, including delayed puberty and impotence. Androgenic steroids can be taken orally or injected, and they can cause many serious side effects, including hair loss, acne, and changes in mood or behavior.
What Is a Steroid User?
A steroid user takes steroids for medical reasons or to improve their athletic performance or appearance. Anabolic steroid abuse is most common among bodybuilders, athletes, and people who feel they need to bulk up.
Steroid users can be male or female and of any age. However, steroids use is most common among adolescents and young adults.
Can You Feel High on Steroids?
Yes, you can feel high on steroids. Steroid drug use can cause a sense of euphoria and invincibility, as well as increased energy and stamina. Additionally, steroids can increase libido and lead to impulsive or risky behaviors.
If you or someone you know is using steroids, you must be aware of the potential risks and seek help from an addiction center if necessary.
How Do People Use Steroids?
Steroids can be taken orally, injected, or applied topically in the form of creams, gels, or patches. Many steroid users experiment with the following methods.
- Stacking: This is when people use more than one type of steroid at a time to get more significant results.
- Cycling: This is when people use steroids for a period of time, then stop for a while, and then start again.
- Pyramiding: People start with a low dose of steroids and gradually increase the amount over time. This can help to minimize side effects in the short term, but it can also lead to addiction.
Stacking, cycling, and pyramiding can all lead to serious health problems.
What Are the Negative Side Effects of Steroids?
As with opioids and other drugs, there are many potential adverse side effects of taking steroids, including:
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Mood swings
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Depression
If you or someone you know needs help for steroid addiction, please call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439. Steroid addiction is a serious problem, but there is help available. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call today.
What Is Steroid Dependence?
People who use steroids can develop a dependence on them. This means they feel like they must keep taking steroids to function normally. Steroid dependence differs from addiction, though the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Steroid dependence simply means someone needs to keep taking steroids to feel normal. Addiction involves a compulsion to keep taking steroids even when doing so causes negative consequences.
What Are the Causes of Steroids Addiction?
There are many reasons why someone might become addicted to steroids. For some people, it may start with simply wanting to improve their athletic performance or appearance. Others may turn to steroids to deal with body dysmorphia, a condition where someone perceives themselves to be much smaller or weaker than they are. Steroids can also be used as a coping mechanism for anxiety or depression.
People who use steroids regularly can develop a tolerance to them, which means they need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effects. This can lead to taking extremely high doses of steroids, which can be very dangerous. Additionally, steroids are often taken in cycles, with periods of use followed by rest periods, so people feel like they need to keep using steroids even when they are not actively doing so.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Steroids Addiction?
People who are addicted to steroids may exhibit several different signs and symptoms. They may seem more aggressive or irritable than usual or have mood swings. Steroids can also cause people to feel paranoid, anxious, or depressed. Additionally, users of steroids may experience sleep problems, changes in appetite, and increased sex drive.
People addicted to steroids may also start to neglect other aspects of their life in favor of steroid use. They may begin to miss work or school or stop participating in activities they used to enjoy. Steroid overuse can also cause financial and mental health problems and strain relationships with family and friends.
Common withdrawal symptoms include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, reduced sex drive, and problems sleeping. These symptoms can be severe and may last for weeks or even months.
How Do You Get Rid of Steroid Addiction?
If you or someone you know is addicted to steroids, getting help as soon as possible is crucial. There are many treatment options available, including counseling and medication.
Most people can overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives with treatment. Steroid addiction is a serious problem, but it is possible to overcome it with the help of treatment facilities.
How Can You Get Help for a Loved One Who Is Addicted to Steroids?
It can be challenging to convince steroid addicts to seek help, as they may be in denial about their addiction. However, trying to get them the support they need is essential.
Try the following approaches.
1. Explain the Dangers of Steroid Addiction
It is essential to try to explain the dangers of steroid addiction to your loved one. Steroid addiction can lead to many negative consequences, including mood swings, aggression, changes in appearance, and financial problems.
Additionally, it can strain relationships with family and friends. Try to explain how these things can negatively impact their life and how getting help can prevent these things from happening.
2. Offer Help and Support for Those Who Are Ready To Seek Treatment
If your loved one is ready to seek treatment, it is important to offer help and support. Many treatment options are available; with treatment, most people can overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. Find a treatment program that specializes in treating steroid addiction and offer to help your loved one get started in treatment.
3. Provide Information on Where To Find Professional Assistance for Steroid Addiction
If your loved one is not ready to seek treatment, you can still provide information on where to find professional assistance for steroid addiction. Many resources are available, including hotlines, counseling services, and treatment centers. Try to provide as much information as possible so your loved one can get the help they need when they are ready to seek treatment.
If you’re unsure how to approach your loved one about their addiction, call (855) 430-9439 for advice. Zinnia Health is staffed by trained treatment providers who can help you figure out the best way to approach your loved one and get them the help they need.
What To Expect From Steroids Addiction Rehab
The first step in steroid addiction treatment is usually detoxification, which helps the addict to rid their body of the drugs. This can be a complex process, and it is vital to have professional help during detox.
After detox, the next step is usually counseling and therapy. These options help people understand the root cause of their addiction and develop coping skills to deal with triggers and cravings. Additionally, counseling and therapy can help addicts create a support system of family and friends who can offer help and encouragement during recovery.
Treatment for substance use disorders is a process that takes time, but with commitment and effort, most people can overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives.
How To Support an Addict During Rehab and Beyond
If you have a loved one who is in treatment for steroid substance abuse, there are many things you can do to support them.
First, it is important to be supportive and understanding. You may need to be patient as they go through the ups and downs of treatment. It is also important to be available to talk, listen, and offer comfort.
Second, you can offer to help with practical things like transportation or child care. This can take some of the pressure off of your loved one and allow them to focus on treatment.
Third, you can provide emotional support by attending counseling or family therapy. This can help your loved one process their feelings and work through the challenges of recovery.
Finally, you can help to prevent relapse by being a positive role model and providing encouragement during recovery.
Remember, you can make a big difference in your loved one’s life by offering support.
Get Help With Zinnia Health
Steroid addiction is a serious disease that requires professional help.
Zinnia Health provides comprehensive addiction treatment plans that address every aspect of your addiction. We have various treatment options, including detox, inpatient, outpatient, and recovery residences.
You deserve to get better, and we can help you do that. With our integrated approach to healing and tailored treatment plan, you’ll have the best chance for long-term success. Recovery is possible, and we can help you achieve it.
Contact us today to speak with one of our addiction specialists and start your journey to recovery.