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What Does Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal Look Like?

According to a study published in The American Journal on Addictions, approximately 32% of people who use anabolic steroids develop a dependency. Those dependencies can turn into addictions when an individual continues taking the drug despite negative consequences. This blog will discuss how anabolic steroid addiction forms and what withdrawal looks like. It will also highlight the benefits of using medical detox for anabolic steroid withdrawal.

Developing an Addiction

When a person takes anabolic steroids, they usually look to gain muscle and strength. They may seek to improve their athletic abilities. Unfortunately, this requires a higher amount of steroids than a person can get at the doctor’s office. Even if a person doctor shops, they won’t be able to get what they desire. As such, they may turn to the internet to obtain illicit anabolic steroids.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 2022 document on anabolic steroids, people who take street steroids use a dosage of ten to 100 times the medical indication. Additionally, they use two or more steroids at once to gain the effect they desire. Over time, the use of anabolic steroids can cause addiction.

Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms

People who become dependent or addicted to anabolic steroids go through withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cease use. Withdrawal symptoms can include the following:

  • Anorexia
  • Anxiety
  • Cramps
  • Cravings
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lost weight
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness
  • Suicidal ideation

A person going through withdrawal likely won’t experience every one of these symptoms. Factors that can alter the duration of withdrawal and symptoms include the specific type of drug, frequency of use, potency, and mental health history.

Medical Detox for Anabolic Steroids

Due to the variation in anabolic steroids, detox can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. While most of the withdrawal symptoms aren’t lethal, it’s important to seek out medical detox due to cravings, severe depression, and suicidality that can occur. Many individuals who try to detox from anabolic steroids end up self-harming with suicidal intentions or overdosing during a relapse. In a medical detox facility, you will be removed from an environment with anabolic steroids.

Additionally, a person will receive medications that can stabilize withdrawal symptoms. They won’t have to struggle while their body removes the steroids. They’ll get to attend therapy to manage their mental health symptoms. In some facilities, they’ll even be able to go straight from detox to rehab without having to leave. This offers consistency in treatment.

Anabolic steroid use is often thought to be safe. Unfortunately, that is anything but the truth. People using anabolic steroids can form an addiction. Attempting to cease usage creates withdrawal symptoms that are best managed in a detox facility. At The Guest House, we provide top-notch detox services. Individuals will receive around-the-clock care. A care team will manage medications and mental health services, and the individual can focus solely on healing. After completing detox, they can transition straight into a rehab program to ensure long-term sobriety. If you or someone you love uses anabolic steroids, call us at (855) 483-7800.