DESCRIPTION:

Anabolic/androgenic steroids are prescription-only medicines and are available in pill, capsule and injectable forms. Anabolic/androgenic steroids are also produced illegally in some countries in pill and injectable forms. They are usually referred to as anabolic steroids for ease of use.

DRUG EFFECT:

Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass, improve physical appearance and enhance performance. Regular users report feelings of increased confidence after use. Anabolic steroids are not to be confused with corticosteroids which are used to treat asthma, arthritis and reduce swelling.

STREET NAME:

Roids, Juice.

STREET USE:

Swallowed or injected directly into the muscle.

BRAND NAME:

Nandrolone, Restandol, Striant, Sustanon.

STREET FORM:

Injectable liquid, capsule or pill.

THERAPEUTIC USE:

Anabolic steroids are used to treat conditions that occur when the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone, such as delayed puberty, some types of impotence and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass.

WITHDRAWAL:

After stopping using steroids, some people experience symptoms of depressed mood, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, headache, muscle and joint pain, and the desire to take more anabolic steroids.

LONGTERM USE:

There are a number of physical and psychological side effects from long term use of steroids including balding, breast enlargement and impotence in men and deepening of the voice, shrinking of breasts and growth of body hair in women. Anabolic steroid use is also linked to liver cancer and increased levels of aggression and violence known as ‘roid rage’ in both sexes.

LEGAL RESTRICTIONS:

Although anabolic steroids are not controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Acts in the Rep of Ireland or in Northern Ireland they are illegal to share/supply to another person. Anabolic steroids are to be sold only by pharmacists with a doctor's prescription. It's legal to possess steroids as a medicinal product for personal use.

	Rep of Ireland	Northern Ireland
Possession	Legal with prescription	Legal with prescription
Supply	14 yrs and/or unlimited fine	14 yrs and/or unlimited fine