Characteristics and Attitudes of Men Using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS): A Survey of 2385 Men

Abstract

Additional characterization of patients using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is needed to improve harm reduction and cessation resources for patients. Our group sought to expand upon the currently limited data regarding AAS use by performing a web-based survey assessing experiences of males using AAS. Participants included men over the age of 18 with history of AAS use within the past 5 years. Data were collected between August 2019 and April 2020. Primary outcome measures included age when starting AAS, dose of AAS, motivations for use, experiences with health-care professionals, and rate of successful cessation. The survey was accessed 3640 times, resulting in 2385 completed surveys meeting the inclusion criteria (68.93% participation rate). Average participant age was 31.69 ± 10.09 years. Over half of respondents were from the United States ( n = 1271, 53.3%). Motives to use AAS included improving appearance ( n = 1959, 82.2%), strength gain ( n = 1192, 50%), and self-esteem/body image issues ( n = 712, 29.87%). Participants rated physicians poorly, regarding knowledge of AAS (4.08 ± 2.23). Most participants did not reveal AAS use to their health-care providers ( n = 1338, 56.1%); of those that did, 55.30% ( n = 579) reported feeling discriminated against for their use. Of 46.16% ( n = 1101) attempting AAS cessation, 60.22% ( n = 663) were unsuccessful. Challenges in the management of AAS use include early onset of use, supraphysiologic doses used, and frequently present body image disorders stress. Distrust of health-care providers, poor cessation rates, and lack of physician training further exacerbate this. These findings should serve to reinforce previous calls to action for further research on the treatment of AAS use disorder.

The Influence of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids on Males’ Hormones Among Gym-Goers in Mosul City

“…The interview was conducted to fill out the questionnaire with the gym-goers in the laboratory, as well as blood sampling, each participant needed approximately (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) minutes to complete the data collection and blood sampling.…”

“…This study was conducted in Mosul city, capital of Nineveh Governorate, in northern Iraq, on (30) gymnasiums, (20) of it were distributed on the East side of the city and (10) were distributed on the West side of the city.…”

Generating evidence on the use of Image and performance enhancing drugs in the UK: results from a scoping review and expert consultation by the Anabolic Steroid UK network

“…As part of service provision there were also calls for comprehensive testing including physiological indicators of harm [ 112 ] together with testing for BBVs [ 126 ] and psychosocial support regarding body image. Such testing for BBVs could draw upon the improved understanding of injecting beliefs and behaviours [ 101 ], including BBV risks [ 25 , 27 , 102 – 107 ], evident in the review. Information of nutrition and exercise [ 113 ], building self-esteem [ 97 ], psychological services to address dependence and muscle dysmorphia [ 82 , 97 ], and other body image vulnerabilities [ 59 ] were also considered necessary.…”

“…While the majority of people who use AAS and associated IPEDs inject at least some of these drugs [ 27 , 28 ],a recent review of blood borne virus (BBV) infection amongst people who use AAS and associated IPEDs highlighted the paucity of relevant robust data globally [ 29 ]. Just nine papers published since 2000 were identified, four from the UK and Australia respectively and one from the USA.…”

Men´s experiences of using anabolic androgenic steroids

“…The main motives for using AAS are improvement of body image and appearance or enhancement of performance (Börjesson et al, 2016 ; Melia et al, 1996 ; Petersson et al, 2010 ). Further reported motives are low self-esteem, curiosity, desire for increased braveness or criminality (Bonnecaze et al, 2020 ; Ip et al, 2011 ; Nilsson et al, 2001 ).…”