Steroids: The Truth (Part 2)

Part 2 Anabolic Steroid Myths

Now I’m going to spend a little time dispelling steroid myths. This isn’t intended to be an exhaustive research article. Instead, it’s a simple exercise in common sense.

Myth #1 Anabolic steroids are more dangerous than other drugs.

Any drug has potential dangers/side effects. But as with any drug, the dangers of steroids largely depend on the way they are used (dosage, etc).

Here’s a simple analogy: one aspirin will cure your headache. Take the whole bottle and a headache will be the least of your problems.

Myth #2 Anabolic steroids are addictive.

I spent over five years working as a substance abuse counselor. Know how many “steroid addicts” I met? Zero. I suppose someone could get psychologically “addicted” to being bigger and stronger, but anabolic steroids simply don’t have the same psychotropic properties as cocaine, heroine, or alcohol. Comparing them is ridiculous.

Myth #3 Roid Rage

I believe the media blows “roid rage” way out of proportion. The research is extremely limited, which should in and of itself cause us to be skeptical. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

*Correlation and causation aren’t the same thing—this is where most research is severely flawed. Steroid use does seem to be correlated with psychological problems. But it’s quite possible that people with psychological issues (anti-social personality disorder, etc) are more likely to use steroids in the first place.

*As with any other drug, the psychological effects of anabolic steroids would be dose dependent.

Here’s a good article regarding anabolic steroids and aggression:
http://www.thinkmuscle.com/articles/darkes/aggression-01.htm

Myth #4 Steroids are illegal due to health risks.

Steroids were made illegal (in the USA) in the 90’s. Congress banned them in response to doping allegations in the Olympic games. They ignored the advice of medical experts who testified that anabolic steroids should not be treated as controlled substances. The US government created a policy for the whole nation based on doping in the Olympics. As a result, it is very difficult to study these drugs and better understand them.

Myth #5 Steroids cause tumors

I’m not aware of any conclusive research on this. I could see where constantly straining your liver could make it more susceptible to damage/tumors. But a clear connection between steroids and cancer just doesn’t exist.

As a side note, this article notes the connection between estrogen and lung cancer. Since most steroids have the potential to convert to estrogen, I see another reason to be concerned. But again, this is something we don’t understand very well.

Myth #6: I could look or perform like (insert athlete/bodybuilder name) if I just took steroids.

Professional athletes (including bodybuilders) are exceptionally gifted individuals. Steroids just enhance their natural abilities even further. If a pill or syringe transformed everyone into a super-athlete, steroids would be even more popular than they already are.

Genetics even determine how one responds to steroids. One trainee may gain 5 lb from a cycle, and another may gain 20 lb from the same regimen.

Myth #7: I can get as big as those guys who take steroids even though I train naturally.

Sorry, but it just isn’t going to happen. I have pretty decent genetics and I train hard. Regardless, I’ve met more than one (steroid using) bodybuilder who is much bigger than I despite smoking cigarettes every day.

Having said that, I hope you’ll completely explore your natural genetic potential before you even think about steroids (more on that in part 3).

Myth #8: Gregg Valentino’s arms exploded because of steroid abuse.

I’m convinced Valentino’s problems came from synthol injections, not steroids (though I’m sure he used them, too). I’ve addressed this in another post (see also: The Man Whose Arms Exploded: Gregg Valentino).


My next article will be entitled Real Reasons to Avoid/Delay Steroid Use