The release of steroids into the body can cause a series of problems for both men and women.

Long-term steroid use can result in a number of physical and emotional health problems, said Steve Lux a health educator at NIU Health Enhancement.

“Paranoid jealousy, delusions and impaired judgment from feelings of invincibility are effects from steroids,” Lux said. “Other long-term effects can include stunting the height of growing adolescents, masculinization of women, premature heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure and serious psychiatric problems.”

Not all supplements used for body-enhancing effects are steroids, Lux said.

“There are some supplements, such as creatine and androstenedione, that are legally marketed with claims that they can build muscles and improve strength and stamina,” Lux said. “But as with most things in life, there is no free lunch and there are consequences to the abuse of anything that can be put in the body.”

Lux stressed there is no replacement for a healthy diet, proper training and practice. People may not know steroids cannot improve agility or skill, he said.

Many potential steroid users are aware only of the positive physical effects of the drug and need information about short- and long-term side effects, said Troy Melendez a psychologist at the Counseling Student Development Center.

“These can be physical and emotional difficulties that can result in further problems beyond the known side effects,” Melendez said. “Far too often, individuals will not be aware of the effects of a substance beyond the effects they find desirable, and this approach can put someone at serious risk for complications. These negative side effects are increased when we are talking about younger, developing individuals using these harmful substances.”

In order for a person to stop using steroids, medical assistance as well as counseling may be necessary to address the problem, Lux said.

“Counseling may be necessary to help the person deal with some of the emotional consequences of steroid abuse,” Lux said. “Research has also shown that depression can also be associated with stopping steroid use, and that sometimes users may turn to other drugs to attempt to alleviate some of the negative effects.”

There can be any number of signs that might cause someone to believe a person is using steroids, Lux said.

“You cannot tell just by looking at someone or by simply observing their behavior if they are using steroids,” Lux said. “If, after educating yourself about all of the signs and symptoms of steroid use, you are worried that someone you know might be in trouble, you need to try to get that person to seek help or get checked out. As with many personal problem issues, it is often difficult to get someone to admit they may have a problem.”