Steroids and HIV Infection

The connection between injection drug use and HIV infection is well known. Sharing injection equipment such as needles and syringes presents a real risk of transmitting HIV as well as Hepatitis C. However, the injection of steroids is often overlooked as a risk behavior.

Unlike mood-altering drugs, steroids are not perceived as having any health risks and, therefore, the user does not think he/she is in any danger.

The majority of users are high school students. Other users may include strip dancers, wrestlers, weight lifters, military personnel and prisoners. The use of anabolic steroids for cosmetic purposes far exceeds their use by athletes for competition. The preferred method of use is by injection rather than by mouth.

Steroid use is a short cut to self-esteem. It needs little investment in energy and its reinforcing results are almost immediate. In a society that places so much value on body image, steroids are seen as a quick and easy response to that pressure.

Most of the negative effects of steroids are due to overuse or misuse. The side effects may include: liver damage, sexual difficulties, aggressive behavior, depression, acne, muscle spasms and interference with normal growth. Some of the effects are reversible after discontinuing the steroid use. However, the very real health risks are from:

• sharing needles, syringes and vials
• improper injection site
• failure to clean injection site
• failure to ensure the needle is not in a vein or artery

Steroid users must be given the opportunity to decide for themselves the negative aspects of steroid use. Until they are ready to quit, it is essential to help our young people stay alive. Any discussion of HIV/AIDS should ensure that use of steroids is included as a risk behavior. In addition, information on the proper use of injection equipment must be readily available.

If you have used injectable steroids and would like to receive confidential HIV testing, contact one of our Sexual Health Clinic Locations in Grey Bruce.

For FREE and CONFIDENTIAL needles and injection supplies, or disposal of used needles, contact the GB Works Needle Exchange cell phone at 519-372-5952