Can You Drink on Steroids?

With the rise of “gym bro” content on social media, more and more young people are experimenting with steroids. Naturally, this has led to questions like “Can you drink on steroids?” In this article, we’ll explain the dangers of steroids and how they compound when drinking on steroids.

What Are Steroids?

Steroids are a type of natural substance in the body, coming from cholesterol; they’re also a class of drugs (synthetic steroids).  They are important for many body functions and are structured with four rings in their chemical makeup.

There are two main types of steroids:

• Corticosteroids: These are medicines that doctors use to reduce swelling and help with inflammation. They treat conditions like asthma, allergies, and diseases where the immune system attacks the body, like rheumatoid arthritis. These steroids are similar to certain hormones that the adrenal glands (small glands on top of the kidneys) make naturally.
• Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS): These are different. They are man-made versions of testosterone, a male hormone, and are used mostly by doctors to help with issues like delayed puberty or severe muscle loss from diseases.

This latter category of steroids is often misused by people wanting to build more muscle or improve sports performance, leading to problems like health risks and addiction. Steroid abuse is a growing trend, especially among young men, driven by the desire to be stronger and build a muscular physique they believe will make them more physically attractive. A study from 2006 estimated lifetime steroid use among young Americans at 2.7 to 2.9 percent. By 2014, another study estimated the rate of steroid use among young Americans at 12 to 15%. More recent data is hard to come by, but judging by the proliferation of “gym bro” culture on social media, it’s reasonable to assume rates could be even higher now.

The rise in steroid abuse in young people is worrying in itself, but the dangers compound when people drink on steroids.

The Effects of Steroids on Your Health

Steroids have significant impacts on both physical and mental health, depending on how they are used.

Here’s a closer look at some of the effects:

Physical Effects

Steroids, particularly anabolic steroids, are known for their role in enhancing muscle growth and performance, but they come with numerous health risks:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Steroids can disrupt the normal production of hormones in the body, leading to conditions like gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men) and testicular atrophy.
• Liver Damage: Prolonged steroid use can lead to liver diseases, including cancer. Steroids are particularly taxing on the liver when taken orally. This damage to the liver compounds when you drink on oral steroids.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Steroid use increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and hypertension. It can alter cholesterol levels by increasing LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreasing HDL (good cholesterol).
• Reproductive System Effects: In men, steroids can decrease sperm production and cause erectile dysfunction. In women, they can cause irregular menstrual cycles and a deeper voice, among other changes.

Mental Effects

The mental health implications of steroid use are profound and can include:

• Mood Swings and Aggression: Commonly referred to as “roid rage,” this symptom involves significant mood swings, increased aggression, and irritability.
• Depression: Upon discontinuing steroids, users may experience severe depression and feelings of worthlessness.
• Addiction: The misuse of steroids can lead to addiction, where individuals continue to use steroids despite negative effects on their health and well-being.
• Anxiety: Steroid use has been linked to increased anxiety levels, which can impact overall mental health and quality of life. This increased anxiety is sometimes referred to as “steroid psychosis.”

These effects underline the importance of considering both the physical and mental risks associated with steroid use. The pursuit of enhanced physical appearance or athletic performance must be balanced against these significant health risks.