Illicit Drug Use Among Gym-Goers: a Cross-sectional Study of Gym-Goers in Sweden

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of anabolic-androgenic steroids has increased among gym-goers, and it has been proposed that this may be part of a polysubstance use pattern that includes the use of illicit drugs. Still, epidemiological data on illicit drug use among gym-goers of both genders are meager. The aim of the present study was thus to examine the use of illicit drugs and its correlates in a large sample of men and women who engaged in weight training at gyms across Sweden.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 1969 gym-goers who engaged in weight training in 54 gyms across Sweden were invited to fill in a questionnaire. The questionnaire included 25 items on background variables, weight training frequency, use of illicit drugs and doping substances, and non-medical use of benzodiazepines.ResultsOf the gym-goers, 19.6% reported having ever used illicit drugs, 6.5% reported use during the past 12 months, and 2.1% during the past 30 days. The most commonly used drug was cannabis, followed by cocaine, amphetamine, and ecstasy. Almost 40% of those who reported drug use had used more than one drug. Male participants and participants between 20 and 39 years of age made up the majority of users. Furthermore, 5.1% of the reported drug users had ever used a doping substance. There was an almost threefold higher odds (OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.16–7.66, p < 0.023) of doping use among people who had reported drug use as compared to non-users.ConclusionsTraining at gyms is typically considered a health-promoting behavior. However, our results revealed a slightly higher prevalence of illicit drug use among gym attendees as compared to the general population. Our findings may have captured an underrecognized group of young adult males who engage in weightlifting and use illicit drugs recreationally and/or as training aids. Developing knowledge is imperative in orientating preventive efforts among at-risk gym-goers.Trial Registration ISRCTN11655041

Determinants of the Intention to Use Performance-Enhancing Substances Among Portuguese Gym Users

“…Taking into consideration that the use of PES in fitness context is a public health concern (Tavares et al, 2019a), the current study adopts a TPB-based framework to explore the determinants of intentions to use PES in a sample of gym/fitness center users in Portugal. Because the research on PES use among gym users is limited (Molero et al, 2017), this study is partially grounded on previous research on doping in sports. Although the context and motivation related to the use of doping substances differ (e.g., performance enhancement in athletes versus improvement of bodily appearance in gym users), behaviors have similar characteristics (e.g., use of same kind of substances).…”

“…The present study explores the determinants of intentions to use PES in a sample of gym/fitness center users in Portugal. Research on this population is limited, thus this study may provide comprehensive information about intentions toward PES use to inform the development of prevention programs and protect gym/fitness users' health (Backhouse et al, 2014;Molero et al, 2017). To examine the psychosocial mechanisms that may lead to PES use, we adopted an approach based on TPB.…”

Alienation and Lack of Trust

“…However, AAS users diagnosed with AAS dependence are found to have structural brain characteristics similar to other dependencies (Hauger et al 2019), and, relying on the neurobiological model, this may imply a shared vulnerability for dependencies. Chronic use of AAS increases the risk for 'adverse effects on physical, psychosocial, or occupational functioning' (Kanayama et al 2009) as well as use of psychoactive substances (Kanayama et al 2003;Molero, Bakshi and Gripenberg 2017;Schwingel, Zoppi, and Cotrim 2014). Co-occurring AAS and substance use is found to be a motivation for seeking SUD treatment (Skårberg, Nyberg and Engström 2008).…”

Defining the Construct of Synthetic Androgen Intoxication: An Application of General Brain Arousal

“…There are significant correlations in large survey studies between frequency of substance use/misuse and synthetic androgen exposure (Lundholm et al, 2015 ; Sagoe et al, 2015 ). Studies of gym attendees who use synthetic androgens support these data, suggesting a greater risk for using other drugs of abuse including alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opioid/pain killing substances (Ip et al, 2011 ; Schwingel et al, 2014 ; Molero et al, 2017 ; Struik et al, 2017 ). As noted above, there is some experimental evidence to support the sensitivity to amphetamine, cocaine, and opiate drugs when taking a synthetic androgen.…”