Psychological Effects of Steroids

The abuse of anabolic steroids is associated with the appearance of adverse psychological effects, but psychotic reactions and hypomania have rarely been documented in steroid users. More commonly observed are increased libido, aggressive behavior and feelings of irritability, hostility and anger. Anabolic steroid abusers have been known to display violent behavior towards strangers, friends, and loved ones (i.e. wife beating). Cessation of anabolic steroid

use is known to produce in some individuals a withdrawal syndrome characterized by mental depression which in some cases is severe enough to lead to thoughts of suicide. Increased libido and aggressive behavior is also evident in women using steroids.

Signs of Steroid Use

Of interest is the ability to detect anabolic steroid use in individuals. Overt signs of possible abuse include an excellent muscular build, reduced body fat, facial edema (puffiness on the face), frequent nose bleeds, acne, enlarged breasts, needle marks and soreness in the upper buttocks area, aggressive behavior, violent behavior, and mood swings alternating between mental stimulation and mental depression. Confirmation of steroid use involves laboratory analysis of urine samples. Commonly used masking agents include diuretics, probenecid and epitestosterone. Some drugs used to alleviate the adverse effects of anabolic steroid use would include human chorionic gonadotropin, tamoxifen and diuretics.

Black Market for Steroids

In the United States there exists a black market for the distribution of steroids and other drugs to athletes, body builders, and other steroid abusers. The majority of drugs found in this black market are smuggled into the United States from other countries including Mexico, Canada and various west and east European countries. By far the most commonly encountered anabolic steroids in the black market are the various testosterone esters, particularly the propionate, cypionate and enanthate esters. Counterfeit preparations either containing no drug or some active drug are also quite common in the steroid black market. The majority of counterfeit steroid preparations found in the black market are distributed from area gyms and fitness centers by such individuals as body builders, gym owners, and personal trainers. The diversion of anabolic steroids by doctors, veterinarians, and pharmacists is also occasionally detected.

DELIRIANTS AND OTHER ABUSED SUBSTANCES

Volatile chemicals have been abused in attempts to obtain a high. The volatile solvents include model airplane glue, lacquer, thinner, gasoline, fingernail polish remover, and lighter fluid. These substances contain xylol, cresol, naphtha, benzol, tetraethyl lead, and other chemicals that will cause acute or chronic damage to the body by attacking the oxygen level.

The primary method of abuse is by inhalation. Glue manufacturers have added mustard to their glue formulas to induce nausea and curb glue sniffing.

Propellants for aerosol sprays such as freon and nitrous oxide, if inhaled, can cause physical damage by preventing oxygen from getting to the lungs.

The deliriante of the belladonna family have been used since ancient times to produce visions, mental distortions, and confused states. They include belladonna, datura, hrnbane, and others. At the present time, only one member of this group, the jimsonweed, has come to the attention of authorities as an item of abuse. Jimsonweed grows wild in many parts of the United States.

Hawaiian baby wood rose, nutmeg, and morning glory seeds can provide delirium when taken in large amounts. Some of the seeds contain lysergic acid amide.

Thousands of naturally occurring plants that contain abusable drugs have been identified. Fortunately, most of these are found in the tropical regions, so abuse in the armed forces is not common.

DESIGNER DRUGS

A designer drug is a mood altering chemical designed to produce the same effects as a controlled substance. By designing a different chemical structure, the designer drug is intended to be legal to manufacture and distribute.

LOOK-ALIKES

Look-alike distributors, who began assaulting the nation with a blizzard of capsules and tablets early in 1980, and the manufacturers who supply them, have been dealt a series of regulatory setbacks that may bring about an end to this multimillion dollar industry. Recent federal and state actions have seriously affected the rampant trafficking in look-alikes that has been sweeping the country.

However, the Navy has recently noticed an upsurge in look-alikes. Look-alikes are carefully designed to resemble or duplicate the appearance of brand name amphetamines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and narcotic pain killers in both capsule

and tablet form. On the street, they are known by the same slang names as their dangerous drugs _{counterparts:} Black Beauties, Dexies, Yellows, Christmas Trees, and Rainbows. Some look-alikes contain only noncontrolled substances such as caffeine, ephedrine, phenylprop anolamine, acetaminophen, and other over-the-counter nonprescription drugs. Others contain controlled substances such as methaqualone, amphetamines, and barbiturates. Look-alikes containing controlled substances are not distributed by look-alike manufacturers.

In marked contrast to the methods used by illicit drug traffickers, look-alike distributors have conducted extensive advertising campaigns claiming their products to be both safe and legal. They have used full color brochures, magazine ads, highway billboards, and even television spots designed to appeal to teenagers and young adults. Using commercial mailing lists, distributors have mailed colorful business cards directly to young recipients.

The easy availability of look-alikes has encouraged a climate of acceptance among many young sailors and has conditioned them to the daily trafficking, handling, and consumption of these "pharmacal stimulants" and other illicit substances.

As the abuse of look-alikes grows, the health dangers of these substances become apparent. It is obvious that the young consumer who thinks that he or she has been purchasing speed or ludes and has become used to taking several look-alike capsules, tablets, and powders at a time in order to "get the full effect" runs the risk of serious overdose or death if one day he or she ingests the same number of real controlled substances. In addition to this danger, the look-alikes themselves can have serious damaging effects. The number of emergency room incidents attributable to these drugs has risen dramatically. Several deaths caused by look-alikes have been reported from around the country.

Although legal distribution of noncontrolled substances in look-alikes is not prohibited by the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration considers that the distribution and sale of look-alikes, as of drug paraphernalia, encourages and contributes to drug abuse and drug profiteering.

The DEA has undertaken a complex program to control look-alikes. Many states have enacted or are considering legislation targeted against the

look-alikes. Many legitimate pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell capsules to look-alike manufacturers.