A qualitative study of anabolic steroid use amongst gym users in the United Kingdom: motives, beliefs and experiences

Abstract

The illicit use of anabolic steroids amongst the gym population continues to rise in the United Kingdom presenting serious challenges to public health. This study used qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of 24 users of anabolic steroids and investigate their motives and experiences. Body satisfaction was a motivating factor in the use of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroid users’ drug use and associated behaviour were influenced by numerous sources of information, in particular, first-hand accounts of their peers, along with personal opinion and anecdotes on the Internet. As a result of this knowledge, users expressed their belief that these drugs can be used relatively safely. The prevailing viewpoint, that the harms associated with anabolic steroids can be managed and that this behaviour is part of a healthy lifestyle, contributes to the potential health risks.

• Anabolic steroids
• gym population
• motivations for use

Acknowledgements

The author wish to thank all the respondents in the study. The author would also like to thank Jim McVeigh for his constructive and helpful advice.

Declaration of interest

The author report no conflicts of interest. The author alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes

¹ Of note is that concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy of these estimates (ACMD, 2010; Evans-Brown et al., 2012).

² Services included fixed-site needle and syringe programmes, outreach harm reduction service provision in gyms and so-called steroid clinics providing harm reduction interventions designed specifically for users of anabolic steroids. For more information regarding these programmes, see ACMD (2010).

³ The article presents only quotes from interviews recorded on audio.

⁴ A stone is a unit of weight equivalent to 14 pounds (about 6.35 kg). Fifteen stone is around 95 kg.