Steroid Intervention
Each year an increasing number of individuals turn to steroids for their performance enhancing and muscle building qualities or as a means to deal with their personal body image issues.
Who might use steroids?
For some, the lure of fame and fortune through professional athletics drives their steroid use. However, it could be the guy at the gym who wants bigger more impressive muscles, or the young woman who desires a toned, athletic appearance. Steroid use even affects our children. High school athletes look to steroids for better performance in their sport, as the path to a college scholarship or professional career or because they believe that they must "level the playing field" to compete with other steroid users. More and more "non-athlete" high school kids are turning to steroids for the same reasons as the guy in the gym or the young woman mentioned above … to deal with their body image issues. Despite the various negative side effects, these individuals continue to use steroids and this often leads to other drug use as well.
Do steroids have valid medical applications?
Most drugs, including steroids, have valid medical applications. However, when taken outside of the recommended application, these same drugs can not only have negative affects on the individuals that use them, but also their families and organizations with which they are associated.
Are there any programs I can turn to for help?
Until now, athletes, families, schools and sports organizations had nowhere to turn for a comprehensive program to intervene, stop steroid abuse and help prevent future steroid use. AIR's Steroid Intervention Program is designed to meet the need for assessment and treatment of athletes of all ages and abilities who use steroids and other performance enhancing drugs, as well as those who may be struggling with an addiction to alcohol and drugs. Our approach to the families, friends and organizations that turn to AIR for help, is the same as our time tested intervention solutions. The AIR model meets the problem head on and motivates the affected individual to accept help, facilitates access to the appropriate level of treatment, prepares for post treatment continuing care and designs strategies to assist with their recovery. Every step of the way AIR's solution is tailored to the individual … there are no "cookie cutter" or "one size fits all" solutions.
How do you tell if a loved one, friend or teammate is using steroids?The most obvious sign is extremely rapid muscle development. In a matter of weeks one can see increased muscle mass. Other visible signs include jaundice, trembling and acne on the face, shoulders and back. Women may also exhibit excessive growth of facial and body hair and deepening of the voice.
I know that my loved one is abusing steroids – Now What?
If you feel you need help with someone's steroid use, please feel free to contact AIR. Our experienced counselors will help you asses the situation and develop a plan of action. AIR can provide comprehensive solutions which can include: assessment, intervention, consulting, treatment referral and continuing care. If you are reading this webpage, something prompted you into action to get here. Let AIR assist you with the next steps … early intervention is the best prevention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Steroid Prevention Programs
To read more information on our Drug Intervention Program, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158