Substance abusers' motives for using anabolic androgenic steroids.
Drug Alcohol Depend
; 111(1-2): 170-2, 2010 Sep 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20483546
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been associated with the use of illegal drugs. Earlier observations suggested that users of illegal drugs may use AAS for reasons other than increasing muscle strength or size. The aim of the present study was to investigate the motives for AAS use among outpatients at a substance abuse center in Stockholm, Sweden.METHODS:
All male patients under the age of 50 were asked whether they had used AAS during a 2-month period. An AAS survey was administered to those who reported AAS experiences in the admittance interview.RESULTS:
Twenty of the 175 respondents (11%) reported using AAS. The most frequently reported motives were related to anabolic effects (i.e., for a good-looking body, to become stronger, or to perform better in sports). However, some users reported other motives; for example, to conceal concomitant drug use, to alleviate insecurity or low self-esteem, to become brave, or in preparation of committing a crime. Furthermore, many respondents reported side effects that were associated with AAS; most notably, irritability and depression/suicidal ideation.CONCLUSION:
Some users of illicit drugs also use AAS for reasons other than the anabolic properties of these compounds. Therefore, considering that AAS may cause or contribute to diverse morbidity, it is important to ask users of illicit drugs about AAS use, even when obvious external signs of AAS use are lacking.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
2_ODS3
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias
/
Usuários de Drogas
/
Anabolizantes
/
Motivação
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adult
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Drug Alcohol Depend
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article