Departments
How the programme works
Find an outlet
Needle Exchanges
Harm Reduction
Equipment
History
Evaluation
Organisation
What's new?
Information
Types of Drugs
Ways of taking Drugs
Safer Injection
Tolerance and Addiction
Help with Addiction
Home Detox
Safer Sex
Hepatitis
HIV / AIDS
Download
Links
Informative
Wild n'Wacky
Contacts
Needle Exchange
Other Agencies
 |
|
Steroids
Introduction Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of a naturally occurring male hormone called testosterone. Medical purposes for anabolic steroids include treatment of hormone deficiencies and to help people suffering from wasting illnesses to bulk up. It is illegal to use steroids in New Zealand without a prescription. Steroid use is banned by international sporting bodies. Form Anabolic steroids come in pill form or in vials suitable for being drawn up into a syringe. In New Zealand most illegally imported steroids come in liquid form. Desired Effects Steroids can be used by body builders and athletes to increase performance, reduce recovery times from hard training and to increase muscle mass. Administration Swallowing is the least harmful way to take steroids. Steroids can be injected into the muscle, and are in fact designed to be administered that way. Addicive Potential For some people, steroids can be psychologically addictive. Dangers 
Damage to your liver and an increase in the risk of liver cancer.
Prostate cancer.
Bicep tear and rupture.
Increased risk of heart disease.
Stunted growth if used by adolescents and children.
Undesired Side Effects For Men Premature balding. Enlarged breasts and nipples. Lowered sperm count. Shrinking of the testicles. Acne on the shoulders, face and back. Fluid retention. Increased aggression. Decreased sex drive. Low immunity. For women Problems with regularity of periods. An increase in facial hair. Deepening of the voice. Enlarged clitoris. Harm Reduction Not using steroids is the safest option. If you do choose to use steroids: Check what you are taking. If the container the steroids came in has no label or description don't take them.
Don't use steroids designed to be used on animals, there is a risk of stronger side effects.
Swallow them. If you have a reaction to them you will probably vomit and reduce any harm to yourself.
If you are going to inject steroids:
Always inject into muscle tissue, never arteries or veins. Subcutaneous injections (just under the skin) can cause abscesses.
Avoid the stomach and back, as these are areas containing major nerves.
The best place to inject steroids is into the top of the buttock or thigh.
Always use a new needle and syringe. Your local Needle Exchange stocks a wide variety of injecting equipment and is able to offer advice on safer injecting.
Never share needles or other injecting equipment because of the risk of contracting a blood borne virus such as Hepatitis C or HIV.
|