Anabolic Steroids

andro
arnies
a's
balls or bulls
caseys
gear
gym candy
hgh
juice
performance & image enhancing drugs
pumpers
roids
stackers
steroids
vets' drugs
weight trainers

Are anabolic steroids a problem for you?

What are anabolic steroids?

Most anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic products based on the structure of testosterone, the natural male sex hormone responsible for the development of masculine characteristics.

Anabolic means tissue building and muscular development and androgenic means male producing, and is responsible for the development of secondary male sex characteristics such as deepening of the voice and increased body hair.

Anabolic steroids are very different from steroids commonly used for medical treatment (corticosteroids) such as prednisone, which is used to treat asthma.

Download the anabolic steroids fact sheet.

Learn more

Synthetic Steroid Methandrostenolone

(C20H28O2)

Athletes, body builders and some young people may use steroids illegally to improve their physical appearance and to enhance their sporting performance. Steroids are also used illegally for body modification. When prescribed by a doctor and used according to instructions, steroids can help treat some medical conditions.

Physical effects can include

increased LDL chloesterol levels
diabetes
stunt growth in children and teenagers
acne

Effects can depend on...

What steroids do to you depends on how much you use, how often you use, your size and weight, your age and whether you are male or female.

It can also depend on how good your general health is, whether you use steroids with other drugs and if there is a family history of health issues such as blood pressure, kidney problems or liver problems etc.

enlarged clitoris (women)
bloating
jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
baldness
shrinking testicles (men)
enlargement of the prostate (men)
infertility
hair growth on face, back and bottom (women)
problems with menstrual cycle (women)

See full list

How anabolic steroids affects your body

Tap a body part to learn more of the effects anabolic steroids places on your body.

Psychological effects can include

depression
paranoia and psychosis
increased aggression
over competitiveness

anxiety
anger
mood changes
frustration

See full list

General information

Effects of anabolic steroids

Misusing steroids can have dangerous side effects.

What steroids do to you depends on:

how much you use
how often you use
your size and weight
your age
whether you are male or female
how good your general health is
whether you use steroids with other drugs
if there is a family history of health issues such as blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, etc.

Potential effects

Men and women

acne
bloating
jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) from effects on the liver
heart problems - abnormal heart rhythms (due to use with diuretics), high blood pressure, and/or heart attack
increased LDL cholesterol levels
diabetes, kidney problems
permanent liver damage, liver tumours
decreased immune function.

Men

baldness
aggressiveness
shrinking testicles
enlargement of the prostate
impotence
development of breast tissue (man boobs)
infertility.

Women

hair growth on face, back and bottom
permanent deep voice
hair loss
decreased breast size
problems with menstrual cycle (periods)
enlarged clitoris
infertility.

In children and teenagers, anabolic steroids may stunt growth.

Psychological effects

Steroid use can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and psychosis in people who have a vulnerability to mental health problems.

Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems and affect a person’s relationship with family and friends. It may impair your capacity as a parent/primary carer of children. People who use steroids often report they experience:

anger
mood changes
increased aggression – roid rage
frustration
depression
over competitiveness

Hormones and Peptides

Hormones are chemicals released by the body. For example, the pituitary gland naturally releases growth hormone which tells bones and muscles to grow and repair. There are numerous artificial hormones and hormone stimulating drugs in the performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) market.

Peptides are small proteins. Some forms can be injected and stimulate the release of human growth hormones. These have become increasingly popular among professional and amateur athletes as they are hard to detect due to how quickly they are absorbed by the body.

Cycling & stacking

Cycling is periods on and off steroids, which some people use to try and avoid the worst side effects of steroid use. Sometimes other medicines are added to offset the adverse effects of the steroids such as tamoxifen. There is no evidence that these approaches actually works.

Stacking is the practice of using various amounts of different steroids together to try to produce specific effects. There is no evidence this actually works, and the more steroids taken at any one time, the higher the risk of side effects.

Oral vs injectable

Oral steroids can be toxic to the liver.

Injecting exposes users to a host of harmful viral and bacterial infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and potential muscular and neural damage.

Injecting exposes users to a host of harmful bacterial infections and result in injecting related injuries such as skin abscesses (sores with pus).

Injecting steroids increases the likelihood of contracting bacterial infections and skin abscesses. It is safest to NEVER share injecting equipment.

In NSW, sterile injecting equipment is available from Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outlets and from selected pharmacists. Call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) for the nearest NSP outlet.

Forms of anabolic steroids

Steroids are available in tablet form, injectable water based or oil based fluids, and rub on creams.

Mixing with other drugs

Combining one steroid with another (stacking) or with an illicit drug (e.g. cocaine), cause other harms.

What should I do in an emergency?

If you can’t wake someone up or you are concerned that they may have sustained a head injury from a drug related fall – call an ambulance immediately – dial Triple Zero (000).

If the person has been mixing steroids with other drugs (e.g. cocaine), tell the NSW Ambulance paramedic exactly what they have taken. Paramedics are there to help. Generally paramedics don’t involve the police unless there is danger to themselves or or other people/children, someone dies, or a crime (such as violence or theft) has been committed.

Tolerance & dependence

There is no evidence as yet that you can develop a tolerance to steroids, but the muscle gains of steroid use will taper off after a while, as most bodies have a limit to their muscular development.

Dependence on steroids means that it takes up much of your thoughts, emotions and activities. Not all people who use steroids are dependent. Dependent people find it very difficult to quit using steroids.

Withdrawal symptoms

Some people experience a range of symptoms after stopping regular steroid use such as:

anxiety
depression
insomnia
mood swings
nausea
headaches
lethargy
erectile dysfunction (men).

These tend to reduce with time.

If you are experiencing problems with withdrawal, contact your doctor or health centre.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

The safest option if you are pregnant or considering pregnancy is to avoid steroid use. Inform antenatal staff of steroid use and attend regular antenatal checkups. Steroid use may affect fertility and may cause secondary male characteristics in a female baby. If a mother uses steroids while breastfeeding, it is possible that the drug will be present in her milk and have adverse effects on the baby.

It is generally risky to take any drug while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Are anabolic steroids legal?

The possession and use of steroids is illegal without a prescription.

In addition, steroids are prohibited for use in professional sports.

Self help associations

Narcotics Anonymous Australia, a non profit organisation aiming to support people to abstain from drugs.

Information & advice

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs 24 hours, 7 days a week, call the National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015.

It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Service in the state or territory you are calling from.

Other support services

nuaa.org.au NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peak drug user organisation in NSW providing harm reduction information and blood borne virus prevention peer education.
Nepean Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (NYDAS) works within a holistic model of care to address a range of issues for young people (12 -20 years) of age related to their alcohol and other drug use. Call (02) 4734 2129 or (02) 4734 1333.
Poisons Information Centre is a 24/7 call centre service to NSW and after hours call centre across Australia. Call 13 11 26
ahmrc.org.au for Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW. Go to Members/ Members regional map/ Member services or Member websites.
alcohol.gov.au provides information about related health issues and Australian government policy.
druginfo.adf.org.au for facts and resources on alcohol and other drugs and the prevention of related harm.
druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au State Library of New South Wales provides up to date information for public libraries in NSW.
headspace.org.au for mental health and wellbeing support, information and services for young people (12-25 years) and their family and friends.
kidshelp.com.au is a free, 24 hour counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by web, email or call 1800 55 1800.
au.reachout.com ReachOut is an Australian online youth mental health service with a mobile-friendly site and forums where you can access help, information and support.
shil.nsw.gov.au for free and confidential sexual health support and information.
smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au Smart Recovery is a voluntary self-help group that assists people in recovering from alcohol, drug use and other addictive behaviours.
Visit tafensw.edu.au for help with education, career development or personal matters. Students can contact a local TAFE / university counsellor. Follow the links to student services, careers and counselling.
youthaction.org.au Youth Action is the peak organisation for young people in NSW. Use the search option to access a directory of NSW youth services.
youthsolutions.com.au for services for young people 12 – 25 years of age and the community including prevention and health promotion, drug and alcohol education, community programs and referral. You can also call (02) 4628 2319. [provides services to young people in Macarthur & Wingecarribee].

Resources for families

When someone uses or misuses substances, it can affect everyone around them. This site offers a variety of resources for friends and families concerned about their loved ones. Support services are available specifically to help people supporting others with substance use or misuse. There are also tips for talking with kids about alcohol and other drugs (part 1 and part 2). ACON provides support specifically for LGBTQ+ families through Pivot Point.

Informational resources are available in 27 languages. This includes videos providing information about where and how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.

General resources include:
Information and support for family and carers

Managing aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home: A guide for those concerned about children 5-12 years

Coping with aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home - A guide for teenagers

A parents' guide to drug slang

Are anabolic steroids a problem for you?

See full support list

The Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a free and confidential counselling helpline for NSW residents with concerns around alcohol and/or drug misuse and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ADIS is staffed by professional counsellors who provide education, information, counselling, support and referrals to other appropriate services in NSW.
Are you worried you could be drinking too much or consuming drugs in a way that has become a problem? Are you worried about your friends or family finding out and want to get help quickly and quietly? Are you worried about the drug use of someone close to you – maybe a family member or friend? Maybe you just want to know where someone can get help?
ADIS clinicians understand the difficulties of speaking out, seeking help and finding appropriate drug and alcohol treatment, and use their knowledge and experience to assist you and answer questions, such as:
- How can I cut-down or stop my alcohol or drug use?
- What help can I get?
- Do I have to wait long to get help?
- Can anyone ring ADIS?
- Who do I talk to when I ring ADIS?
- Will drug and alcohol treatments be difficult?
- What is this drug doing to me?
- What are the short and long term problems that could develop if I continue using?
- Will ADIS tell anyone that I rang?
- What can I expect when I ring?
- Does ADIS record calls?
You can call ADIS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 250 015 or for Sydney Metropolitan 02 8382 1000 or alternatively you can start a Web Chat.
ADIS Web Chat is available from Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm (including public holidays).
ADIS also has a range of telephone lines offering specialised drug and alcohol information and support to particular groups.
24 hour support line
1800 250 015
More about Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) NSW
The Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) Web Chat is a live online conversation with a professional counsellor. The service is free, confidential and open to anyone affected by alcohol and other drugs, including people concerned about their own use, or about a family member or friend. Web chat is only available for people living in NSW.
The service is provided by ADIS at St Vincent's Hospital, in partnership with the NSW Ministry of Health.
What to expect
- A counsellor will chat with you about your alcohol or other drug concerns
- A counsellor can provide a referral or contact information for relevant alcohol and drug services in NSW
- Our chat is confidential unless you disclose any intention to harm yourself or others.
- WebChat is provided in English however if you prefer to speak in a language other than English we would be happy to arrange a telephone call with you through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). Please call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015 to arrange this.
Emergency Assistance
Call Emergency Services on 000 if you:
- require urgent medical attention or
- are in immediate danger or
- are at risk of harming yourself or someone else.
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm (including public holidays)
#;Web Chat
More about ADIS Web Chat
Your Service Hub is an online directory of alcohol and other drugs support, health and welfare services. If you need support for your own or someone else's substance use, you should use terms in Find Services like:
- drug and alcohol family support
- drug and alcohol Aboriginal services
- drug counselling
- drug and alcohol rehabilitation
- drug and alcohol residential treatment
Use your suburb name to narrow the search to services near you.
Not sure what service you need? Call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015.
#;Your Service Hub
More about Your Service Hub
PeerLine is confidential service run by the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA). NUAA works to improve the health, welfare and dignity of people who use drugs.
PeerLine is a free, confidential peer supported telephone service for people who use drugs, who are on the Opioid Treatment Program or seeking treatment. Trained peers will help you with information, advice and advocacy

PeerLine is available from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Call for free on 1800 644 413 or email peerline@nuaa.org.au to connect.
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
1800 644 413
More about NUAA PeerLine
The NSW Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is an evidence-based public health program that aims to reduce the transmission of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. NSP outlets provide sterile injecting equipment such as needles and syringes, Fitpacks and other injecting equipment (such as swabs, water, spoons and cotton balls) as well as disposal facilities free of charge.

NSP outlets are staffed by specialist workers who provide access to sterile injecting equipment, promote safe disposal practices and facilitate referrals to health, welfare and community services as needed. NSP outlets may also be able to assist with testing for blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. You may not even require a blood test such as with the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test. Ask your NSP staff member or visit dbstest.health.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Who is the program for?
The NSP is for people who inject drugs to avoid contracting or transmitting blood borne diseases and to provide a place for safe disposal of sharps containers (needles and syringes).
NSP Outlets in NSW
To help the community access the program, an interactive map has been developed listing all public NSP outlets across NSW. Use the map below to find your nearest NSP outlet or refer to the NSP listing by suburb page for details.
If you would like further information and/or advice call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015.

#;NSW Needle and Syringe Program
More about NSW Needle and Syringe Program (NSP)