Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in the General Population: User Characteristics and Associations with Substance Use

Abstract

Aims: To analyse correlates of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) use in the general male population. Design: A national household survey. Participants: Individuals aged 15–64 years in Sweden. Measurements: AAS use and potential correlates of AAS use, including demographic data, financial situation, physical training, and substance use. In hierarchical logistic regression analyses, lifetime users of AAS (n = 240) were compared to all nonusers (n = 13,920) and to nonusers who reported that they had been offered AAS (n = 487). Results: AAS use was most strongly associated with a lifetime history of illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs. When controlling for substance use, AAS was associated with physical training and lower education. Illicit drug use and misuse of prescription drugs separated AAS users from nonusers who had been offered AAS. No associations were seen with AUDIT scores for risk alcohol drinking. Conclusions: In this general population survey in men, lifetime use of AAS appears to share common characteristics with illicit substance use. Both substance use variables and physical training remained associated with AAS use when controlling for one another.

Identifying a typology of men who use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)

“…Other efforts to distinguish distinct subpopulations of steroid users have adopted a qualitative approach and categorised individuals who use steroids according to primary motivation for use (Christiansen et al, 2016;Hakansson, Mickelsson, Wallin, & Berglund, 2012;Hanley Santos & Coomber, 2017;Kanayama & Pope, 2012). For example, research conducted in the United Kingdom during the 1990s (Korkia & Stimson, 1993;Lenehan, Bellis, & McVeigh, 1996) identified categories of users comprising 'competitive sports participants', 'occupational users' and 'aesthetic users' (and a potential fourth group of 'young or novice user') (Dawson, 2001).…”

Anti-Social Behaviors Associated with Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use among Male Adolescents

“…However, these notions are contradicted by studies linking AAS use to use of other illicit drugs [7] , hazardous alcohol consumption [8] , and antisocial behaviors such as truancy [9] and criminality [10] . In a general population survey of Swedish men aged 15-64 years, Hakansson et al [11] reported that AAS use was strongly associated with a lifetime history of illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs. Similarly, in 2 related studies conducted in Sweden, Skårberg and colleagues found significant associations between AAS use, poly-substance dependence and serious criminality (violence and weapons offences) [12,13] .…”

The Effects of Subacute Supraphysiological Dose of Nandrolone Decanoate on Liver Enzymes and Lipid Pofiles in Rats

“…Anabolic androgen steroids (AAS) such as nanderlone decaneate (ND) are used in athletes to enhance their muscular performance, body weight, fighting and physical potency [1,2]. The long-term AAS use seems to modify body foundation, muscle physique and reduce fat mass in athletes [3].…”