Steroids affect both body and mind

Anabolic steroids or 'roids can build muscle mass without increasing fat, but at a cost.

The male hormone testosterone, produced mainly in the testes, is an anabolic and androgenic steroid responsible for male physiology and attributes such as strength. Anabolic steroids are derived by chemical manipulation of the testosterone molecule.

Because they are psychoactive substances, the most common side effects from steroids are psychological and psychiatric changes. The positive aspects of this might include increased self-confidence, energy and motivation to train harder. Sometimes even euphoria. But with that, increased irritability and aggression often result. A loss of inhibition and a lack of judgement with mood swings can be the down side of steroid use – dependant on the dose and duration of use.

'Roid rages' are common knowledge in the steroid-taking community. These can result in property damage, self-injury, assaults, domestic violence and sometimes worse. But what triggers this downward spiral?

Although there are all types of steroid drugs for different purposes, the thing they all have in common is that they produce withdrawal symptoms. Depression is almost inevitable after use, because suddenly the elation produced by them within the body is gone. Lost strength, less impressive, slower muscle growth, apathy, loss of appetite, self-esteem and anxiety can all become the ugly reality.

It is natural to want to avoid these 'come-downs'. The difficulty to stop is likely to be complicated by dissatisfaction with body size, making the user suddenly more dependant on using, longer. While testosterone was previously used to treat depression, it's now known to cause it. While extreme cases have been reported that ended in suicide, it doesn't appear that common.

So does this mean it is worthwhile taking short-cuts for lean, mean muscle mass – attainable with 'roids? Like anything, it pays to look at the big picture. Shortcuts in life normally produce shortcut results. If you want long-lasting strength and physique, with a healthy mental state to carry it off, you have to put in the miles.

Sports nutrition is a major science now, with new products being launched almost weekly – giving bodybuilders a great variety of avenues for getting the best results.

There are always going to be bodybuilders who decide to go down the chemical path, due to lack of time, pressure or intense desire to get big, fast. Being informed about both the pros and cons will at least put them in better stead than those who jump in, without considering the long-term effects of that action.

For information on drug free bodybuilding, check out the International Natural Bodybuilders website.