What Are the Mental Effects of Steroids?
Licensed medical professionals prescribe steroids to patients as a means to counteract degenerative diseases, or manage hormone levels. Conversely, outrage related to steroids is a consequence of their use as performance enhancing drugs, beyond doctor's orders. Steroids do carry mental side effects that should be acknowledged by all users, irrespective of their intent.
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Features
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Steroids work by synthesizing additional testosterone levels circulating throughout your body. Testosterone is a hormone associated with male features, growth and muscle development.
Aggression
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The Mayo Clinic says that steroid users are prone to "roid rage," or extremely aggressive behavior. The aggression may be in response to elevated testosterone levels, arrogance stemming from increased bulk, withdrawal symptoms or a combination of all.
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Addiction
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Steroids and all drugs that supplement and replace natural bodily functions carry risks for addiction.
Placebo
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Steroid users often succumb to the "placebo effect," where athletes tend to work harder in the gym because they "feel" stronger, psychologically. Conversely, fitness enthusiasts may rely upon the drug as a crutch for performance--rationalizing that steroids are the only catalyst available for growth.
Depression and Paranoia
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Men and women who take steroids may experience depression related to shrinking testes, male breast growth and facial hair. Users experience guilt and paranoia related to the "cheating" stigma of steroids. The Drug Enforcement Agency categorizes steroids as Schedule III controlled substances, so criminal prosecution for using them without a prescription is always a possibility.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of eric molina
