Stigma and the Use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids by Men in the United Kingdom

McVeigh, Jim; Bates, Geoff

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-98286-7_6

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…In the United Kingdom, AAS users seek non-judgemental service environments like “steroid clinics” due to their understanding of AAS use, and these clinics, offering more interventions, might better maintain contact with users compared to needle exchange programmes, where AAS users have fewer visits (Kimergard & McVeigh, 2014b). The criminalisation of AAS use significantly magnifies these challenges, even in countries where personal AAS use is legal, stigma and fear remain prominent concerns (McVeigh & Bates, 2022; McVeigh et al, 2022). Our data suggest that if personal AAS possession were legalised, stigma-related barriers might lessen, although the nuances of stigma and other challenges could still persist.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In line with these findings in UK samples and given the lack of a dedicated harm reduction framework for AAS in Australia, users often turn to each other for sourcing and advice, often disregarding the criminal implications of doing so (Tighe et al, 2017). Notably, even in the United Kingdom where personal possession of AAS is legal, many users remain secretive in response to the stigma fuelled by mainstream media (Kimergard & McVeigh, 2014b; McVeigh & Bates, 2022). Therefore, in the Australian context where use is dealt with punitively (see Table 1), this stigma is compounded by the harsh laws and policies surrounding AAS (Mulrooney et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Beyond the law: Exploring the impact of criminalising anabolic–androgenic steroid use on help-seeking and health outcomes in Australia

Piatkowski,

Gibbs,

Dunn

2023

Journal of Criminology

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This study aimed to investigate how Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid (AAS) users and healthcare professionals perceive the criminalisation of AAS on users’ ability to seek help and, ultimately, what effect this has on the health outcomes for these consumers. This study triangulated the views ( N = 24) of male ( n = 8) and female ( n = 7) AAS users ( Mage = 35.4, SD = 9.1), as well as healthcare providers ( n = 9), regarding how the criminalisation of AAS had an impact on consumers’ health behaviours and help-seeking. Data were analysed thematically. An overarching narrative was developed regarding the “politicogenic drug effects” which emerge from the illegality of AAS with three overarching themes. First, participants expressed challenges in seeking help and support due to the stigma and fear associated with the illegal nature of AAS use. This fear stemmed from the criminalisation of AAS and the potential legal consequences. Participants also highlighted the social challenges and the need for secrecy surrounding AAS use, which further hindered open discussions and engagement with healthcare providers. The cohort emphasised the close-knit social networks among AAS users, offering support and shared experiences but also entangled in the criminality associated with AAS use. Moreover, participants acknowledged the difficulties in promoting harm reduction initiatives due to the need for secrecy and the potential social and economic disadvantages. The escalation of AAS criminalisation that has impacted both consumers and healthcare professionals has exacerbated the challenges associated with their interaction, further impeding a relationship already fraught with obstacles. Consequently, users remain entrenched within the illicit market, with few options for harm reduction intervention. The study advocates for a rethinking of AAS policies, considering a potential reclassification aligned with the United Kingdom's Class C framework to destigmatise use and promote harm reduction. This shift would require comprehensive research to assess its impact on public health, user behaviour, and harm reduction outcomes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond the law: Exploring the impact of criminalising anabolic–androgenic steroid use on help-seeking and health outcomes in Australia

Piatkowski,

Gibbs,

Dunn

2023

Journal of Criminology

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“…This reluctance to engage with health services may be attributed to limited treatment options and insu cient awareness of AAS among clinicians. Many individuals who use AAS feel stigmatized, and fear being identi ed with or labelled as either drug users or sport cheats, with this acting as a further barrier to service engagement [32]. As one of few countries, Norway has integrated AAS and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) in the national Drug Policy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Off-label use of clomiphene citrate to treat anabolic androgenic steroid induced hypogonadism upon cessation among men (CloTASH) – A pilot study protocol

Havnes,

Henriksen,

Johansen

et al. 2024

MethodsX

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“…injury or the performance culture) [7]. For elite athletes too, as well as recreational athletes, there are barriers for seeking help for mental health issues, such as stigma, limited mental health literacy, or negative past experiences with mental health treatment-seeking [8, 9, 10, 11]. In the past decade there have been increased calls to develop a more comprehensive mental health framework to promote the mental health and wellbeing of elite athletes, and to respond to those who are at-risk of developing or are experiencing mental health issues [12].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Not only do we need to improve mental health and sports psychiatry services for elite athletes, but also for recreational athletes, gym-goers and other people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). There is significant stigma around IPED use [10, 11]; in a recent global study, involving 2385 men who use anabolic-androgenic steroids, 55% reported feeling discriminated against for their use [17]. This stigma and discrimination lead individuals to conceal their use when presenting to health professionals or could deter them from seeking help.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%