Also known as

Users call them roids. Trade names include Sustanon 250, Deca-Durabolin, Dianabol, Anavar, Stanozolol.

What it looks like and how it's taken

Steroids come in liquid or tablet form. The tablets are swallowed and the liquid is usually injected.

Immediate effects

Sports enthusiasts claim steroids make them able to train harder and can help build muscle mass. The drug can also make users feel more aggressive.

Risks

Short term: Taking steroids can mean normally calm people can become aggressive or even violent. If you're young, anabolic steroids can affect the natural development of the body. If you're male, you can get erection problems, grow breasts, become sterile and develop acne. It can also make your testicles shrink. If you're female, you can get extra facial hair, a deep voice, shrinking breasts and an increased risk of menstrual problems. Injecting any drug can cause vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. Dirty or shared needles and other injecting works can also help the spread of HIV and hepatitis.

Long term: Long term usage can lead to paranoia, confusion and sleep problems. You could also experience dramatic mood swings and suffer long-term depression. Steroid use can lead to increased blood pressure and increases the likelihood of liver failure, stroke or a heart attack.

Legal status

If possessed without a prescription or supplied illegally, classified as Class C.

Learn more about drugs and the law.