Specific Drug: Androgens
Classification: Anabolic steroids
Commercial Names: Testosterone, Androstenedione, Dianabol, Winstrol, Durabolin, Anadrol
Common Names/Nicknames: Steroids, roids, juice, gym candy, pumpers
Active Compound: Various anabolic androgens (such as testosterone and androstenedione)
Found in: Prescription androgens
Mode of Consumption: Injection, ingestion, epidermal absorption
DEA Scheduling/Legal Status (in US): Schedule III, legal with prescription.
Effects:
Long-term use: increased physical performance, slight euphoria, increased energy, increased competitiveness
Risks:
Long-term use: increased hostility, aggression, acne, heart damage, liver damage
Males: decreased libido, hypogonadism, gynecomastia; Females: menstrual irregularities, deepened voice, male pattern body hair, clitoromegaly
Dangerous Drug Combinations:
Potentially dangerous mix with blood-thinners (eg Coumadin, Heparin), and diabetes medications.
Special Considerations:
Though non-addictive per se, steroid users do report positive feelings when using and feelings of fatigue, depression, and insomnia when stopping use.
And remember, if somebody may need help, play it safe and call for medical assistance.
“Students may bring an intoxicated or drug-impaired friend to University Health Services or to a hospital, or seek assistance from College residential life staff or HUPD, and by doing this, neither they nor the friend will face disciplinary action from the College for having used or provided alcohol or drugs.”
The Amnesty Policy
Harvard College Student Handbook
Sources:
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition), by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson. Published 2008 by W. W. Norton & Company.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), part of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Erowid Organization