Tracking internet interest in anabolic-androgenic steroids using Google Trends

Teck, Joseph Tay Wee; McCann, Mark

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.001

Cited by 12 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In recent years, research has provided a more nuanced understanding of AAS use in relation to the diverse characteristics and motivations of users [20–27], together with knowledge of the variety and patterns of drug use from both academic studies [28–34] and other sources [35]. Extensive research and comprehensive reviews have provided details of the identified adverse health conditions experienced by users of these durgs [36], while new research has identified new and concerning health risks [37, 38] and the potential for transmission of blood-borne viruses [20, 29, 39–43].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatments for people who use anabolic androgenic steroids: a scoping review

et al. 2019

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Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used globally by a diverse population with varying motivations. Evidence has increased greatly in recent years to support understanding of this form of substance use and the associated health harms, but there remains little evidence regarding interventions to support cessation and treat the consequences of use. In this scoping review, we identify and describe what is known about interventions that aim to support and achieve cessation of AAS, and treat and prevent associated health problems.Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was developed in four bibliographic databases, supported by an iterative citation searching process to identify eligible studies. Studies of any psychological or medical treatment interventions delivered in response to non-prescribed use of AAS or an associated harm in any setting were eligible. Results: In total, 109 eligible studies were identified, which included case reports representing a diverse range of disciplines and sources. Studies predominantly focussed on treatments for harms associated with AAS use, with scant evidence on interventions to support cessation of AAS use or responding to dependence. The types of conditions requiring treatment included psychiatric, neuroendocrine, hepatic, kidney, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and infectious. There was limited evidence of engagement with users or delivery of psychosocial interventions as part of treatment for any condition, and of harm reduction interventions initiated alongside, or following, treatment. Findings were limited throughout by the case report study designs and limited information was provided.Conclusion: This scoping review indicates that while a range of case reports describe treatments provided to AAS users, there is scarce evidence on treating dependence, managing withdrawal, or initiating behaviour change in users in any settings. Evidence is urgently required to support the development of effective services for users and of evidence-based guidance and interventions to respond to users in a range of healthcare settings. More consistent reporting in articles of whether engagement or assessment relating to AAS was initiated, and publication within broader health-or drug-related journals, will support development of the evidence base.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatments for people who use anabolic androgenic steroids: a scoping review

et al. 2019

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“…Information of nutrition and exercise [ 113 ], building self-esteem [ 97 ], psychological services to address dependence and muscle dysmorphia [ 82 , 97 ], and other body image vulnerabilities [ 59 ] were also considered necessary. There were consistent findings regarding the need for practitioners to have an understanding of the diverse populations of people who use IPEDS [ 45 ], the episodic nature of use [ 74 ], polydrug use [ 7 ], those who do not inject [ 66 ] and those using drugs other than AAS [ 58 , 60 , 127 ]. An understanding of the market was considered necessary in order to provide credible health related information on risks of active ingredients and the quality products obtained through the illicit market [ 64 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…One paper focused specifically onthose solely taking oral AAS and associated drugs [ 66 ], two papers examined the relationshipbetween supplements IPED use [ 67 , 68 ], whilethe role of concomitant psychoactive drugs was emphasised as a cause for concern in one paper [ 7 ]. Six outputs provided accounts of the ease of availability and affordability of drugs within a dynamic IPED market [ 56 , 69 – 73 ], with the internet playing an important role with a significant market crossover with other drug using populations [ 74 – 77 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Key examples identified for further attention include body image [ 96 , 97 , 129 ], muscle dysmorphia [ 94 ], muscularity [ 82 ], masculinity [ 87 , 130 ], and hypogonadism [ 99 , 113 , 115 ]. Research findings indicate a combination of routinely available data, survey data and other novel data collection methods should be employed [ 95 ], including online methodologies to gain a better understanding of the prevalence of use and associated behaviours [ 15 , 45 , 64 , 74 , 116 , 127 ]. Research is also needed into the clinical treatment of adverse effects [ 102 ] and how stigma and barriers within generic health services may be effectively addressed [ 112 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Generating evidence on the use of Image and performance enhancing drugs in the UK: results from a scoping review and expert consultation by the Anabolic Steroid UK network

et al. 2021

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Background The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and associated image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) is now a global phenomenon. There is a need to develop evidence to support the development of interventions to prevent the commencement of use, to minimise the potential harms or to support those in their cessation of use. While the United Kingdom (UK) is no exception to this issue, its public health and legislative response to the phenomenon differs to other countries and requires the examination of research specific to the UK. Therefore, a scoping review has been conducted to examine the recent relevant literature to help inform the development and evaluation of effective interventions to reduce the harmful use of IPEDs. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was developed for multiple bibliographic databases, supported by and iterative citation searching process and complimented by expert input from the Anabolic Steroid UK Network. Research conducted by or UK academics or within the UK were eligible, if published in the previous five years. Results In total 87 eligible outputs were identified, including 26 review articles, 25 qualitative papers and 24 quantitative papers. together with small numbers of clinical studies/case reports (6) and commentaries/correspondence (6). The most common topics of research were public health, treatment and harm reduction (41), followed by studies focusing on epidemiology, sub-groups of people using IPEDs and motivations for use (34). The studies illustrated the diverse populations of people who use a range of enhancement drugs including concomitant psychoactive drug use. A number of papers focused on blood borne viruses and associated issues, while others reported on the uptake of needle and syringe programmes. No effectiveness evaluations related to any aspect of treatment, harm reduction or other intervention were published during study period. Conclusion There is a need for the development of effectiveness evaluations of current interventions and any future service provision for people using image and performance enhancing drugs. While there have been no studies of this nature to date, this review illustrates the rich data that has been gathered through diverse methodologies, that will assist in the development of future effectiveness evaluations.

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“…Sport is not only about the success of an individual or team, but also about financial gain, which only strengthens the efforts to develop strategies that cover one’s tracks when doping [ 25 ]. Globally, realistic estimates of the number of anabolic steroid users are in the millions of cases [ 26 , 27 , 28 ], and the interest in them—at least on the internet—continues to grow [ 29 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in the Determination of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: From Standard Practices to Tailor-Designed Multidisciplinary Approaches

Huml

Tauchen

Rimpelová

et al. 2021

Sensors

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Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), a group of compounds frequently misused by athletes and, unfortunately, also by the general population, have lately attracted global attention; thus, significant demands for more precise, facile, and rapid AAS detection have arisen. The standard methods ordinarily used for AAS determination include liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. However, good knowledge of steroid metabolism, pretreatment of samples (such as derivatization), and well-trained operators of the instruments are required, making this procedure expensive, complicated, and not routinely applicable. In the drive to meet current AAS detection demands, the scientific focus has shifted to developing novel, tailor-made approaches leading to time- and cost-effective, routine, and field-portable methods for AAS determination in various matrices, such as biological fluids, food supplements, meat, water, or other environmental components. Therefore, herein, we present a comprehensive review article covering recent advances in AAS determination, with a strong emphasis on the increasingly important role of chemically designed artificial sensors, biosensors, and antibody- and fluorescence-based methods.

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Tracking internet interest in anabolic-androgenic steroids using Google Trends

Cited by 12 publications

References 15 publications

Treatments for people who use anabolic androgenic steroids: a scoping review

Treatments for people who use anabolic androgenic steroids: a scoping review

Generating evidence on the use of Image and performance enhancing drugs in the UK: results from a scoping review and expert consultation by the Anabolic Steroid UK network

Advances in the Determination of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: From Standard Practices to Tailor-Designed Multidisciplinary Approaches

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