Steroids

Alberta Harm Reduction Conference

May 2013

Trish Dribnenki & Chris Lalonde

Objectives

What are anabolic steroids? Side effects. Injection techniques. Fitness/Bodybuilding Subculture. Steroids and other drugs.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are made up of synthetic testosterone. The total natural daily production of testosterone in a male is 7mgs/day.

Inhibit catabolic effect of glucocorticoids. Build muscle, lose fat, enhance strength, energy and performance.. Used in medicine to treat anaemia, muscle weakness after surgery,

vascular disorders and menopausal symptoms. Helps with prevention and recovery of injury.

Testosterone is a male hormone. (responsible for facial hair, deepening of voice, sex organ development)

Anabolic: Muscle growth. (stimulates growth in tissues) Androgenic: Masculine/ side effects. Ideal steroid= high anabolic, low androgenic.

Anabolic Steroids

When injected or ingested, steroid molecules travel in bloodstream and binds to receptor sites to cause different responses. (ie: if steroid molecules bind to hair cells, it may increase facial hair, or it may trick the body into thinking there is an overabundance of hair, so it shuts down the hair on one’s head).

Anabolic Steroids

When steroid molecules bind to muscle cells: More protein can be used by the muscles,

therefore, more tissue growth with increased training and caloric intake.

More muscle fuel is stored in the muscles, which makes more energy available for that muscle to work.

More red blood cells are produced, allowing increased oxygen to be delivered to the muscles, allowing better training and endurance. AKA: “steroid PUMP”.

Aromatization

“Bitch Tits”. Too much testosterone in body, “saturates”

the receptors. The brain/body converts the testosterone into estrogen (female hormone), which leads to gynaecomastia—breast development.

Feels like painful/sensitive lumps under nipples. Is IRREVERSIBLE, but will reduce in size after finishing a cycle.

Reduce dose and add an anti-estrogen (ie: Clomid or Arimidex), especially if using D-Bol, Deca, or Testosterone esters.

Saturation

If the receptor sites get used up, the excess steroid molecules float in the system.Causes damage to liver and kidneys.FIND A DOSE THAT GIVES GOOD

GAINS w/FEWEST SIDE EFFECTS.Sometimes this can be “re-started” by

taking time off between cycles.

Anabolic Steroids

Side Effects: baldness, acne. sodium/water retention. aggression, mood swings, insomnia, paranoia, headaches, mania, anxiety, violence,

aggressive sexual behaviour, irritability, suspicion, dependence. liver damage/cancer, jaundice, hepatitis, bleeding, cancer. kidney damage. stomach pains. increased risk of infections and viruses such as cold/flu. palpitations, enlarged heart, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure,

increased blood clotting time. muscle and tendon injuries, damage to the femur, swelling to extremities. “bitch tits”, sterility, shrinking testicles (come back to normal after discontinuation of

steroid), impotence loss of ability to maintain an erection, priaprism (penile erections may continue involuntarily over long periods), deepening/hoarsened voice, enlarged prostate gland, growth of clitoris, menstrual irregularities. (Masculine effects for women may be permanent.)

adolescents may experience stunting in growth, premature closing of bone growth/development.

Anabolic Steroids

Women At greater risk for side effects. Female body contains a small amount of testosterone, directly

balanced w/estrogen. (estrogen is responsible for growth of hips/breasts, body hair, reproductive cycle).

When anabolic steroids are taken by a female, the natural hormonal balance is disturbed and masculine effects occur. (ie: body/facial hair growth, deepening of voice, clitoral enlargement, disturbance of menstrual cycle or absence of periods, thinning hair or baldness, increased sex drive—in addition with the usual side effects).

Pregnant female—Do not take steroids, it can adversely affect the fetus. A female baby could be born with male characteristics.

If any of the above effects occur: stop using, or choose less androgenic drugs. Doses for women should be much less than male counterparts, and cycles shorter.

Anabolic Steroids Injecting

Always use a new needle and syringe for EACH injection. 1 ¼ inch needles best for gluteal IM, 1 inch best for deltoid.

Never inject into vein. Always draw back first to ensure you do not inject into a vein. This can be fatal.

Never share needles/syringe, vials, injection supplies. Do not inject more than 2mL into one muscle area at a time. Dispose of used needles into biohazard bin. Only insert needle ¾ into muscle, so that it is easier to remove if it

snaps. If you don’t insert deep enough, you could cause an abscess. If you feel a hard lump in a muscle where you inject, use another

site. Rotate sites. Use needle ONCE, use injection supplies ONCE, do not share. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with Doctor or call

Safeworks.

Anabolic Steroids Choose injection site. Buttock is best (upper/outer quadrant), or upper outer third of the thigh.

If using deltoid, reduce amount of steroid injected and don’t use deltoid for oil based steroids. Remove clothing from area.

Clean the site w/soapy water or an alcohol swab. Use sterile equipment on a clean surface. Draw up the steroid with a clean needle and syringe. It is easier to draw up with an 18g, and

switch tips to inject with a 22g or 23g. When you push a needle through the seal of a vial, it dulls the needle, so make sure you switch tips before injecting into your muscle.

Make sure there is no air left in syringe, however, it is difficult and not necessary to get rid of all the bubbles, especially when injecting steroids, which can be quite oily.

Stretch skin of injection site, usually it is easier with index finger and thumb of opposite hand. Hold syringe like a dart and quickly jab the needle into the muscular area at a right angle. Pull

back the plunger to make sure no blood enters the syringe. If no blood, press the plunger. If blood enters the needle, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Remove the needle and put pressure to area

until bleeding stops. Use another site. NEVER INJECT INTO VEIN OR ARTERY. If you feel a sharp, severe pain (like an electric shock), you likely have hit a nerve. Remove

needle immediately and use another site. After injecting into muscle, put a cotton swab to area with pressure and massage slowly to

disperse the drug. Due to “thickness” of most steroid solutions, injection might be painful. Dispose of needle and vial in biohazard bin.

Anabolic Steroids Abcesses:

Causes: not cleaning area properly, over use of site, or not injecting deep enough into the tissue.

Symptoms: pain/burning at site, hard lump. Heat, redness, inflammation. May cause cellulitis or nerve injury.

Apply warm compress to area. Use a different site. Get treatment. Antibiotics may be

necessary. Rotate sites. Don’t inject too much fluid. Oil based steroids.

Needle exchange Call Safeworks. Go to Pharmacy or medical

supply stores.

Anabolic Steroids

Oral steroids:Most orals are chemically altered

(C-17 Alpha-alkylated) to prolong its life in the body, which causes the oral steroids to typically be more toxic to the liver. There are few orals (such as Andriol) that are not altered, however, they need to be taken more frequently and have a shorter life.

Anabolic Steroids

Cycles: Steroids should not be used all the time. A cycle is usually a

planned 6-12 week span where one uses steroids and other enhancing drugs, followed by a similar length of time where one does not use anything. It is important to have off time to allow the body to rest from side effects, receptor sites to regain sensitivity to steroids.

You may want to get a physical exam and blood work done to assess physical health; electrolytes, liver function, cholesterol, glucose and hormone levels. Test for HIV, Hep C.

**This is a really great way to find out if your gear is real or counterfeit!**

Find a doctor you can trust. Cycling for some may mean lowering the dose.

Anabolic Steroids

Stacking: Taking a combo of 2 or more

drugs. When stacking, each drug dose can be reduced w/same effects. Some people prefer stacking, and find that using certain combos optimizes the effects of each.

More is not better.

Anabolic Steroids

Diet: Carbohydrates 50%-60% Protein 30%-35% Fats 10%

Two essential components to bodybuilding: Regular resistance weight training Adequate, planned diet

Common mistake: overestimating need for protein. Energy is most important requirement for body, obtained by carbohydrates.

If the body uses up the energy from carbohydrate consumption, it begins to break down proteins to use instead.

Vitamins and minerals are essential. Drink plenty of water. Best to drink no alcohol. Reduce stress. Sleep and exercise.

Anabolic Steroids

Where do steroids come from? Available via “black market”.

Difficult to maintain quality control, poor quality products are available.

Risky. No guarantee to ingredients or mix of ingredients.

Difficult to determine proper dosage. Sometimes the steroid is made of “toxic” substances from other countries (less expensive, easier availability).

Made in unsterile conditions, or with products that resemble steroids but are not (ie: Olive Oil, Primrose Oil).

Anabolic Steroids

SPOTTING COUNTERFEIT STEROIDS: Inspect quality of packaging. Is there a safety seal or information

insert? Single shot vials should have even levels. Don’t buy loose tablets or vials. Never use multi-shot water based steroids. Dates and Batch/Lot numbers should be printed on

packaging/bottle, in different ink than rest of labelling. Sometimes there is an indent in the label/box. They should be consistent.

Check bottle or vial—labels should be straight, with clear, crisp ink, not faded or crooked with rough edges.

Stopper on top of vial should not be able to turn by hand. Does it look tampered with?

Before and after drawing steroid solution, inspect the vial and syringe, hold it up to light and observe for any floating bits. The solution should be clear and free of any floaters or cloudiness. If you are concerned about color or consistency, do not use.

When in doubt……discard.

Do your research, keep up-to-date about what is available and current trends.

Anabolic Steroids “Roid Rage”: Increased aggression, linked to some cases of violent crime.

Important to understand that “rage” and “aggression” is a behaviour and can be controlled. Ask: “What happened that led you to act aggressively?”, “Where and when did it occur?”, “Who was

affected?”, “Outcome?”. “How did you benefit from this incident and how did it help your training?” Understand your aggression. Prepare yourself for upcoming aggravation. Talk to a friend and tell them what you are doing. Reward yourself when you control your anger successfully.

Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms: Pain, fatigue, malaise, insomnia, loss of sex drive, loss of muscle, loss of appetite, lack of

interest, headaches. Desire to use more steroid or start cycle sooner. Depression, ambivalence or restlessness. Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Feeling of dissatisfaction with body image. Suicidal thoughts or suicide.

What to do: Talk to someone. Seek professional help. Find distractions or other activities. Continue training and stay on track with nutrition. Find a support system or group. Identify triggers and build coping mechanisms.

To reduce withdrawal effects: Keep on your diet and nutrition. Get adequate sleep and rest. Drink LOTS of fluids.

Anabolic Steroids

Subculture. Used by:

Competitive athletes. (Performance enhancement.) Bodybuilders. (Often steroids are a major part of the training, widely accepted within the

culture.) Body Image Users. (Fashion/ entertainment industry, gay, recreational weight trainers, self

esteem.) Occupational Users. (Police, security, military, construction, bouncers, etc.) Adolescents. (To achieve media portrayed body shape.)

Steroid use and users remain on the fringe of mainstream culture and a subculture exists. Media often sensationalizes the steroid/ bodybuilding culture. (Example: Figure skaters, cyclists, etc., use steroids for

performance enhancement yet media portrays male bodybuilders in a different light.) Sexual promiscuity, body dysmorphia and use of party drugs/ alcohol are prevalent within this subculture. Encourage to PRACTICE SAFE SEX.

Building relationships with the steroid consumer client in harm reduction: Non-judgemental approach. Avoid commenting to their body size/ shape. Avoid terms such as “juice monkey”, “meathead”, “steroid junkie”, “juiced up”, etc. Be aware that steroids can cause mood swings and aggression, your client may not be

in the “mood” to engage. Steroid consumers do not associate themselves as “drug mis-users” or “drug abusers”

or “needle users”. Ask if they have a network of experienced trainers/ users who they can seek advice from

or a doctor they can trust. There are website forums they can access.

Anabolic Steroids

Website Forums: Resources for Clients-

www.steroid-encyclopaedia.comwww.musculardevelopment.com

Dan Duchaine, the “Steroid Guru”: The Underground Steroid Handbook.

Anabolic Steroids

Steroids and the Law: Restricted drugs under the Food and Drug Act

(Schedule G in the Criminal Code, Section 48, Subsection 1).

It is an offence to import, export, produce or supply with/without intent to sell or supply.

It is illegal to be in possession of drugs that are not prescribed by a Doctor (non-medicinal use).

Tested for in many contests/ competitions, banned in sports.

Sentence: Fine to 18months-10years in Jail.

Anabolic Steroids- ORALSteroid Dose General

InformationSide Effects Other

InformationAnadrol (Oxymetholone) 50mg tablets.

Common Dose: 1-2 tablets.

Strongest oral available. Works fast. ++Androgenic/Anabolic= ++wt/strength gains. C-17 alpha alkylated= ++toxic to liver. Only steroid conclusively linked to liver cancer.

**WORST**. Water retention, high BP, acne, hair loss, “bitch tits”, headaches, stomach cramping. Liver disturbances and jaundice even at low doses. DO NOT USE LONGER THAN 6 wks.

After completing cycle, some experience ++wt/strength loss.

Cycles should not be longer than 4-5 weeks max. Best used in a stack.

Anavar (Oxandrolone) 2.5mg tablets.Men- 6 tabs/dayWomen- 3 tabs/day.

Mild, low androgen. Promotes strength and hardness w/out water weight. Does not risk high BP or “bitch tits”.

Very rare. GI upset is common. Sometimes used as part of stack. Safest to use. Can stay on it all year round. ++Expensive.

Halotestin

40mgs/day maximum 4-6 weeks.

Increases strength and energy. MOST TOXIC on the market. C-17 alpha alkylated. Best used 4-6 weeks before show, hardens++.

Aggression+++ uncontrollable. Not for women, as virilisation effects may be permanent.

Dianabol (D-Ball), Methandienon (Methandrostenolone)

5mg tablets.Common Dose: 3-5 tabs/day.

++Size/Strength gains. Mainly only available as counterfeit. C-17 alpha alkylated. Enhances feelings of well-being. Aromatises easily.

Acne aggravation, male pattern baldness, gynaemastia, water retention, high BP. Even low doses cause abnormalities in liver function tests.

Easiest to get. Cheap.

Primobolan Orals Men- 50-100mg/dayWomen- 25-50mg/day

Popular with women. Not C-17 alpha alkylated. Used mostly before competitions, not dramatic gains.

One of the safest. Has an effect while on a reduced calorie diet. Out of system quickly, used up to three weeks before competition.

Stromba, Stanozolol (See Winstrol)

5mg tablets. If given for prolonged periods, may affect liver.

Winstrol 2mg tablets.Men- 16-30mg/day.Women- 4-8mg/day.

Low androgenic properties. Low. Women may experience virilisation effects.

Used in combinations for stacks to bulk, harden, cut.

Anabolic Steroids- OTHER

Steroid Dose General Information

Side Effects Other Information

Trenbolone Acetate (Tren)

20mg pellets, ground up and mixed with 50/50 water/DMSO mix.

Apply to skin or snort directly.May make into injectable mix but must be done in sterile environment to reduce risk of infection.

Acne, body/facial hair growth/ hair loss. **Will suppress natural testosterone production.

Strong androgen, no estrogenic activity. ++Hardness/definition. No water retention. Reported to cause ++aggression, mood swings, edginess, increased sex drive and vivid dreams.

Anabolic Steroids- INJECTABLESteroid Dose General

InformationSide Effects Other

Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)

200mg/1ml vial. 2ml vials.Men- 200-400mg/week.Women- 50-100mg/week.

++Popular with steroid consumers and counterfeiters. Great for size/strength gains. Minimal harm to liver. Minimal aromatization with moderate doses. Increases nitrogen retention (increases protein synthesis and prevents tissue breakdown).

Stays in system up to a year after termination. “Deca-dick”- erectile dysfunction++.

Frequently detected and banned in competitions. Excellent base drug on a cycle. Good results when stacked w/most drugs. Users have reported that previously sore shoulders/knees are painless on Deca.

Dynabolon 80.5mg per injection. Similar to Deca. Good anabolic results.

Durabolin 50mg/2ml vial. Similar to Deca, faster acting. Active less than a week, requiring 2 injections weekly.

See Deca. One of the safest and effective anabolic steroids available.

Dianabol (D-Bol) 25mg/vial. 50-100mg/weekly IM. ++Size/Strength gains. Mainly only available as counterfeit. C-17 alpha alkylated. Aromatises easily. Use w/anti-estrogen.

Acne aggravation, male pattern baldness, water retention, high BP.

Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Esiclene 2mg/ampoule. 6 ampoule/box. Inject 1-2mg into specific muscle w/25g x ½ inch needle. Only good w/2 muscle groups at a time.

Muscle inflammatory. Used for site injections, best biceps, calves, rear deltoids.

Dangerous due to multiple injection areas.

Lasts 20-30 hours. Great for definition and hardness. Used to harden lagging biceps or the night before competition. Commonly tested for in contests.

Equipoise 50mg/cc. 10/50cc vials. 3-6 ml/week.

Widely used. Oil based. Veterinarian steroid. ++Anabolic, +Androgenic properties. When stacked with low androgenic steroid, good “cutting” results. ++Strength when stacked w/Test.

Very few. Low risk to liver. Rare aromatising. Small water retention.

Counterfeits are common. Some versions don’t contain steroid.

Primobolan Depot 50-100mg/ml. 1ml vials.100mg dose is from Germany, 50mg dose is from Mexico.Men- 200mg/week.Women- 100mg/week.

Effective while on low calorie diet. Mostly used prior to contest. Longer lasting, requires injection once/week.

Safer. Doesn’t aromatixe, isn’t toxic, low in androgens.

Anabolic Steroids- INJECTABLE cont’d…Sustanon Unknown Dose. Blend of four testosterones:

propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaporate, decanoate. Fast acting and long acting, up to 4 weeks in system.

Less is needed, therefore less side effects.

Used on weight gaining cycle, stacked w/oral anabolic. “One stop shop”.

Strombaject See Winstrol.

Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone, Cyp)

200mg/ml. 10ml vial. Oil based. ++Anabolic/ ++Androgenic. Aromatises. Causes natural production of testosterone to be dramatically disturbed. Water retention. Can last 2-4 weeks.

Size/ strength gains++. Popular steroid. Stacked for greater results. See potential in 4-8 weeks.

Testosterone Enanthate (Testoviron Depot)

200mg/ml vial. 10ml vial. Long acting.++Anabolic/ ++androgenic. Aromatises. Moderately toxic to liver.

Injections every 10 days.

Testosterone Propionate (Testoviron)

100mg/ml. 10ml vial. Oil based. Similar to Cyp. Usual side effects. Take every 3-5 days.++Painful to inject.

Testosterone Suspension 100mg/ml. 10ml or 30ml vial. Water based. Very fast acting. ++Anabolic, ++androgenic. Lasts in system approx 24 hours. Huge gains.

One of the WORST: water retention, gynaecomastia, acne, aggression, baldness, testicular atrophy, infertility (reversible), impotence. Effects worsen if used for longer periods. Highly toxic to liver.

Testosterone in purest form. Can feel a change within 30 mins of injection– obvious psychological response.

Testosterone Teramax 50mg, 100mg, 250mg/ml strengths.

French Testosterone.

Winstrol Depol 50mg/ml.Men- 3-5ml/week.Women- 1-2ml/week.

Low androgenic properties.

Low. Women may experience virilisation effects.

Used in combinations for stacks to bulk, harden, cut. You can put it in syringe and drink it. When you come off of it, your joints ache—painful+++.

Other DrugsName Dose General

InformationSide Effects Other

Aldactone (Spironolactone) 25mg tablets. Mild diuretic used for high BP, however, competitors use it prior to competition for water retention. Females use as anti-androgen.

Muscle cramps, GI disturbances, gynaecomastia, heart problems, dizziness. Electrolyte imbalances.

Furosemide, Burinex, Amiloride.

Caffeine, Ephedrine, Aspirin (ECA stack)

Ratio ECA 1:10:3Ephedrine 20-30mg, Caffeine 200mg, Aspirin 75mg.

Fat burning, energy enhancing stimulant.

Increased BP, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, shakiness, headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations, irritability.

There have been deaths associated with Ephedrine use. Hard on heart.

Clenbuterol (Clen) 20mcg tablets. Used as a beta-2 agonist in treatment of asthma, but had muscle building and fat reducing properties. Stimulant. Used as fat burner or muscle definition.

Anxiety, insomnia, shakiness. Dangerous changes to the function of the heart.

“Ephedrine for horses”. Take 2 days on, 2 days off (3 weeks maximum) because body builds up tolerance quickly.

Cytomel (Triacana, Textroxin, Liothyronine sodium)

20mcg tablets. Thyroid hormone drug. Pre-contest, used to increase metabolism of carbs, lipids, proteins.

Nervousness, tremors, headache, insomnia, muscle cramps, restlessness, excitability, diarrhoea, weight loss.

RISKY: prolonged use may cause hypothyroidism or under active, requiring thyroid medication for duration of life. Thyroxine, Eltroxin.

Ephedrine Hydrochloride Stimulant. May cause feelings of euphoria. Used as stimulant to increase energy and endurance and appetite suppressant.

Increased BP/ heart rate, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dry mouth, restlessness, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, cold fingers/ toes. There is a risk of psychosis and paranoia with high doses. Side effects stop when discontinued.

Not physically addictive.

Furosemide (Lasix) 10mg, 20mg, 40mg. More bodybuilders die on this diuretic. Pulls potassium from heart.

GHB 1 teaspoon of powder mixed w/water before bed.

Increases natural growth hormone, has an effect on growth hormone and prolactin. Induces sleep. Also diuretic.

Can cause unconsciousness/ coma for 3-4 hours, amnesia, vomiting, loss of muscle control/ spasms. Worse with alcohol.

Associated with “date rape”. Illegal to possess. Part of party/ night club subculture.

Other Drugs…cont’d…Name Dose General

InformationSide Effects Other

Growth Hormone Very popular. Naturally produced in body. Promotes growth of muscle, body stature. Improves conversion of fat into energy. Great fat burner.

Many. Gigantism and acromegaly of the eye. Enlarged hands, feet, fingers, nose, ears, etc. Enlarged organs. Elongated jaw bone and forehead. Thick/ coarse skin, deepened voice, increased body hair. Spade-like shape to fingers/ toes. Joint pain/ bone abnormalities. Shorter life expectancy, age faster.

The body can produce antibodies to GH and destroy it within the body. Expensive++.

You can tell “Real” Growth Hormone (Humatrop, Gintrop) from fake if you feel aching/ stiffness in your hands after use.

Insulin Immediately after workout, inject a small amount of insulin SQ. Drink a carb drink within 15 mins after injection. Eat or drink a protein shake within an hour later to avoid a drastic sugar drop.

Complex polypeptide hormone. Regulates carbs/ fats/ protein metabolism. Primary stimulus for muscle growth. HGH causes liver to produce IGF-1 (Insulin Like Growth Factor), which travels to muscles and insulin drives it into muscle cells. IGF-1 with insulin then initiates muscle protein synthesis.

Sudden and severe hypoglycemia. Abnormal behavior. Seizures. Coma, death. Can cause diabetes. Excess insulin can be stored as body fat, causing obesity.Risk: after injection, sleepiness may occur, increasing risk of coma.

Excellent anabolic, best when stacked with HGH. Can’t be detected in urine testing. Difficult to regulate, varies from dose/ type/ diet/ exercise/ drug interactions. Requires manipulation of Thyroid hormone also for added gains- very difficult. Always carry glucose tabs. Make sure you have a STRICT ROUTINE.

VERY DANGEROUS.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Anabolic with high nutritional state (otherwise may become catabolic-opposite of anabolic causing tissue breakdown- with reduced caloric intake).

Hypoglycemia, edema, jaw pain. Expensive. Comes in powder- easy to cut or fake.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin

500IU/vial, 1500IU/vial, 5000IU/vial. Comes in bottles of powder, add water, inject SQ.

Stimulates production of testosterone. Often used simultaneously with a cycle. Must be used in 2-3 week cycle, with 1 month between cycles.

Prolonged use may suppress body’s production of gonadotrophin (regulates normal growth, sexual development, reproduction).

Use post cycle to get testosterone back to normal. Not readily available.

Other DrugsName Dose General

InformationSide Effects Other

Nubain 10mg/ml. 1ml and 2ml vials. Opiod analgesic for pain management and peri-operative analgesia. Used by bodybuilders for pain management. Euphoria++.

Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, slow pulse, sweating, palpitations, tolerance, dependence.

“Bodybuilder’s Heroin”. Used orally or IV. Expensive++. “Chasing first high”. Taken with Oxycontin sometimes. Side effects can be felt within 24 hours of last dose.

Proviron Estrogen antagonist. Minimizes or stops aromatising effects. Also used to harden muscles for men and women. Women use proviron w/other steroids.

Tamoxifen 10mg/tablet. 10-20mg/day. Anti-estrogen. Counteracts effects of aromatisation. Prevents gynaecomastia, female pattern fat growth, edema.

Take post cycle.

Testosterone Precursors (DHEA- dehydroepiandrosterone, Androstenedione, Androstenediol).

Convert to testosterone in the body. Short serum life in the body. Minimal effects.

Recreational Drugs (ie: stimulants)

Amphetamines, speed, ecstasy, cocaine. Cannabis, alcohol, nicotine.

Euphoria, inflated sense of self.Paranoia. Increased heart rate, BP, anxiety. Can cause heart attack, death. May adversely interact with steroids used.

Supplements (ie: Creatine Monohydrate)

Popular product. Available over the counter. May replenish and increase body’s ability to delay fatigue and reduce recovery time between exercise. May increase muscle volume by pulling water into muscle cells.

Water retention. Not recommended for use with diabetics or individuals with impaired kidney function.

Questions?

Resources/ Training

Pamphlet “Anabolic STEROIDS- HARDCORE INFO” by Lifeline Publications, www.exchangesupplies.org.

Pamphlet “Using Anabolic Steroids Safely- A Harm Reduction Approach” by Calgary Regional Health Authority.

FactSHEET “Testosterone and Anabolic Steroids” by the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Test Revision. (Copyright 2000). American Psychiatric Association.

Booklet “A User’s Guide to Steroids and Other Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs- MUSCLE Boundaries”. Published by HIT UK Ltd, 2006.

Pamphlet “Anabolic Steroids” Published by HIT UK LTD, 2005-2007.Pamphlet “Injecting Anabolic Steroids: Step-by-Step Visual Guide”

by Lifeline Publications.Pamphlet “Anabolic Steroids: A Guide for Users & Professionals” by

Lifeline Publications.