When many people think of steroid users they think of hulking titans of mass and muscle, but the truth is even average-looking individuals can become addicted to steroids. While anabolic steroids can be used medically to treat certain conditions, the vast majority of users use them illegally for recreational purposes to boost their physiques. This is considered abuse and leads to serious health issues including enlarged breasts, acne and mood swings which can lead to so-called ‘roid rage’.
One of the first visual signs of steroid use is rapid muscle gain. While it is possible to build muscle naturally without steroids, it can take years and requires a strict diet and training regime. A person on steroids can transform their physique in a very short space of time with dramatic gains in bodyweight and muscle mass.
Other visual signs of steroid use include the appearance of track marks and the presence of a strange odor. Injectable steroids often leave a track mark on the skin where the needle was inserted, which can look red and inflamed. Anabolic steroids can also cause the production of excess oil that clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Acne is a common problem amongst steroid users, particularly if they are using androgenic compounds like testosterone or trenbolone.
Another sign of steroid use is enlarged facial features such as a larger Adam’s apple and bigger eyes. This is due to the increase in testosterone levels that comes with steroid use, which causes the body to enlarge. A deep voice is a telltale sign of steroid use too, which is caused by an increase in the production of nitric oxide and growth hormones.
A large chest is a clear sign of steroid use, as it is difficult to achieve this result naturally without steroids. In addition, a person who uses steroids will be more likely to grow their hair around the shoulders and back because of increased androgen production. This can lead to MPB (male pattern baldness) in genetically susceptible individuals.
If you suspect that a friend or family member is abusing steroids, it is important to talk with them about their habits as soon as possible. While it may be difficult for them to admit that they are taking steroids, there are a number of different treatment programmes available that can help them to recover from addiction and learn how to live healthy lives without drugs in the future. Usually these programmes involve a combination of behavioural and talking therapies to get to the root cause of their drug addiction and teach them how to manage their lives without drugs in the future.