Causes and Motivations for Anabolic Steroid Misuse
Understanding the causes and motivations for anabolic steroid misuse requires looking beyond the physical results. Psychological, social, and cultural factors often drive misuse, not just the desire for bigger muscles.
1. Desire for Enhanced Performance
- Athletes may use steroids to improve strength, endurance, and recovery.
- Competitive pressure in sports — even amateur leagues — can fuel this misuse.
2. Body Image and Social Pressure
- Many users, especially men, feel they don’t look “muscular enough.”
- The rise of muscle-focused body ideals on Instagram, TikTok, and fitness media has created unrealistic expectations.
- Muscle dysmorphia, a condition where individuals obsessively feel they are too small, is common among steroid users.
3. Peer Influence
- Gyms can become hubs for steroid culture. Trainers or friends may encourage newcomers to use steroids, often presenting them as “safe.”
4. Access and Misinformation
- People often sell steroids illegally online or in gyms, sometimes disguising them as legal supplements
- Many users believe incorrect information about “safe cycles,” masking agents, or supplement stacks
5. Psychological Factors
- Low self-esteem or a desire for control over one’s body may drive misuse.
- In some cases, steroid use becomes compulsive or addictive.
These motivations often blur the line between health and harm. Understanding the “why” is key to helping people avoid or stop misuse.
Let’s now look at how doctors identify and diagnose steroid misuse.
👉 [Next: Diagnosis of Steroid Misuse]
Complications of Anabolic Steroid Misuse
Treatment for Anabolic Steroid Misuse
