Addictive Potential of Steroids

Animal studies have shown that steroids are reinforcing. Animals will administer steroids to themselves when researchers gave them the opportunity. Animals do this with other addictive drugs, too. The addictive property is more difficult to demonstrate in humans, but the potential for steroid abusers to become addicted is consistent with continued abuse, despite physical problems and negative effects on social relations. In addition, steroid abusers typically spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drug, which is another indication of addiction. Individuals who abuse steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking steroids. Symptoms include: mood swings, fatigue and restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive and steroid cravings. Withdrawal symptoms may contribute to continued steroid abuse. One of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms of steroid use is depression. When persistent, depression can sometimes lead to suicide attempts. Research indicates that some steroid users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of steroids. For example, a study of 227 men admitted to a private treatment center for dependence on heroin or other opioids in 1999 found that 9.3 percent had abused steroids before trying any other illicit drug. Of these, 86 percent first used opioids to counteract insomnia and irritability resulting from the steroids.

Psychotherapy

Clinical experience shows that people with addiction disorders have diverse biological, psychological and social issues and benefit from individual assessment and treatment. The sensibilities and perspective of the patient are of primary importance when beginning a course of psychotherapy. The therapists identify the main difficulties of the patient that are likely amenable to brief psychotherapy, assign priorities and select a treatment strategy. Therapists assist each patient to activate character functions that permit the enjoyment of sober life. Such mental awareness or state of mind allows each patient to access inner creativity. As each patient learns how to initiate and sustain creative and ordinary living, the patient is better able to manage or overcome particular external stressors that may have contributed to chemical abuse or dependence. As a patient works through particular wounds of life that were factors in their chemical dependency, an abiding connection with the inner creative spirit countervails any illusion of comfort from a drug-induced state. Addiction can affect an entire family. Therefore, the treatment plan for an addict includes the family, spouse and significant others. Therapists customize the family therapy program as required. The entire family should benefit from the program. Family members attend sessions in the counseling office or by phone. A licensed nursing staff supervises medication services and coordinate outside health services. Trained personnel and licensed nurses supervise any self administration of any medications. This staff is present to supervise, support and assist the individual during the treatment stay and 24 hours a day. Additionally the nursing personnel are trained patient advocates and are available to communicate progress to the appropriate team members if they are not immediately available.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Healthy eating and physical activity habits are important to the well being of every child. Eating too much and exercising too little may lead to being overweight and related health problems that may follow children into adult years. Parents can take active roles to help kids and the whole family, learn healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime.
Children grow at different rates at different times, so it is not always easy to tell if a child is overweight. If a child is overweight, talk to a health care provider. The doctor can determine if the weight and height of the child are in a healthy range.
Involve the whole family in building healthy eating and physical activity habits. This benefits everyone and does not single out the overweight child.
Do not put a child on a weight loss diet unless a health care provider advises it. If children do not eat enough, they may not grow and learn as well as they should.
Remind the child that he or she is special. The feelings children have about themselves are a result of how they think their parents feel about them. Accept a child no matter what his or her weight. Children are more likely to accept and feel good about themselves when parents accept them. Listen concerns the child may have about his or her weight. Overweight children probably know better than anyone that they have a weight problem. Children need support, understanding and encouragement from parents.