Pubdate: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 Author: Catherine Coulter NURSE TALKS STEROIDS Along with the usual array of drugs being trafficked in Williams Lake, some may be surprised to learn that anabolic steroids are also being sold. And, it appears the drugs are being sold at, or near, local high schools. So what are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are a group of synthetic hormones similar to the male hormone testosterone. They are commonly used for bulking up and building body mass when they are not used for their correct medicinal purposes. "Anabolic steroids are the ones most commonly abused," says street nurse Bruce Self. "They are usually administered by injection. They can enhance performance because they mask inflammation. "The downside to that is inflammation is nature's way of saying 'take it easy,'" says Self. "People (on steroids) will continue to exercise until they rip things in two." According to literature from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission there are serious short-term and long-term effects from misusing steroids. Muscle bulk and strength occurs with short term use, however so does masculinization in both sexes including difficulty with acne, changes in sexual drive and function, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Women taking steroids will experience a deep voice, increased facial and body hair, enlargement of the clitoris, and menstrual irregularity. Some changes are irreversible like changes in the voice. Men will experience testicular shrinkage, painful breast development, and decreased sperm count. Difficulty getting an erection and increased aggressiveness and irritability also known as 'roid rage' is common. With high doses, euphoria, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, depression, mania, paranoia and delirium are all side affects of the drug. Young people using anabolic steroids may also have their growth prematurely and permanently stunted. Although some of the short-term effects are not permanent, changes in the blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and heart attacks. Various types of cancer may also occur in long-term users. Aside from all these side effects, Self says syringes used for injecting steroids are a little different than others and aren't as easy to get. "What do you do when you can't get a needle - reuse the one you have," says Self. "After a needle is used once, it's not sterile. Once it's used six or seven times it's got all kinds of creepy diseases." Anyone who shares needles or vials are at risk of contracting diseases like hepatitis B and C and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "If you don't have legitimate access, you'll reuse, buy some from a dealer which is a questionable source or the worst case scenario - share with your buddies." Self says most steroid users are mainstream people who work, go to school, and have jobs. He describes the users as "cryptic." "Other types of (drug) users are more obvious and don't mind coming to me for clean needles or whatever. I'm discreet," says Self. "In some sense, steroid users are higher risk because it's harder for them to get needles. They could come to me, I'd happily give to them a clean needle. I would rather see someone shoot with a clean needle than a dirty one." When going off steroids, users will experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, sweating, dizziness, irritability, and depression. Also, says Self, what used to be muscle will turn to fat. Self adds: "The mass is there, the muscle isn't." - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel