NCJ Number
215352
Date Published
March 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This guide for law enforcement personnel discusses the dangers of anabolic steroid use.
Abstract
Anabolic steroids have become popular within law enforcement communities for the drug’s ability to enhance physical strength. The physical and psychological dangers of anabolic steroid use include both short- and long-term consequences, such as the short-term side effects of sexual and reproductive disorders, fluid retention, high blood pressure, liver disorders, baldness, and severe acne. While some of the short-term side effects in men are reversible when steroid use is discontinued, the masculinizing effects observed in women, such as increased body and facial hair and deepening of the voice are not reversible. The long-term effects of anabolic steroid use have not been studied but it is speculated that long-term effects may include negative cardiovascular outcomes such as heart damage and stroke. Psychological disturbances have also been observed with anabolic steroid use and include mood swings, impaired judgment, depression, nervousness, irritability, and delusions. The law governing anabolic steroid abuse is known as the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990, which labels anabolic steroids as a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act. The main non-steroid drugs found within the anabolic steroid market are described and are typically used for three reasons: (1) as an alternative to anabolic steroids; (2) to alleviate the short-term negative effects associated with anabolic steroid use; and (3) to mask anabolic steroid use. Other topics in this guide include discussions of whether anabolic steroids are addictive, where to get them, and how to curtail their abuse within the law enforcement community.