Steroid Use

Rather than being medically prescribed, most anabolic steroids are sold illicitly, often in gyms or at health clubs, by prescription drug dealers. In this illegal context, common slang terms for anabolic steroids are Gear, Juice, Roids, and Stackers. In general, steroid use slang reflects the abuse of steroids to put on muscle while boosting performance and changing one’s physical appearance.

Although anabolic steroids can treat diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS, steroid abuse by healthy people is dangerous. Side effects of steroids include kidney and liver damage, shrinking testicles, loss of hair, and heart enlargement. In teenagers, steroid abuse can lead to stunted growth, paranoia, violent outbursts, and depressive episodes.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Justice