A study analysing anabolic steroids has found that more than half the samples were mislabelled or contained the wrong drug, and all samples contained heavy-metal contamination. Photo: vuk8619.
A recently released study analysing 28 anabolic steroid products in Australia has found that more than half of the samples were mislabelled or contained the wrong drug, and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium contamination were detected in all steroids.
Anabolic steroids are drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone. Steroids are sometimes prescribed for specific health conditions, but they are often taken by people looking to increase muscle size or improve athletic performance. Studies indicate that more people are now using steroids, including women.
Wagga Wagga Snap Fitness club manager James Trevaskis shed light on the reasons many people continue to take steroids despite the risks.
“I would say social media has had a big influence,” Mr Trevaskis said.
“I would say that a lot of young men and women probably see people looking unbelievable on socials.
“They’ve got great physiques and that kind of thing. And when they find out that you’ve got to kind of take something to get to that next level, it probably plays a bit on their mind.”
These heavy metals are known to cause cancer, heart disease and organ failure. It is illegal in Australia to possess steroids without a prescription, but people still manage to source them.
In NSW, the maximum penalty for drug possession is up to two years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2200.
The levels of heavy metals detected were still within daily exposure limits considered safe by health authorities. However, more frequent and heavier usage would quickly see steroid users exceed recommended thresholds.
Mr Trevaskis said he “wouldn’t even know where to start to find steroids”, but had noticed a trend where people were becoming more open with their steroid use online.
“I guess most people are pretty secretive about it,” he said.
“I know it’s becoming more and more kind of present in regards to people being more open about it.
“You see a bit online and that as well, about people coming forward and just saying that they use it.
“I’ve got nothing against those who do take it, I guess, as long as they’re respecting the gym rules.”
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium often contaminate anabolic steroid products because raw powders sourced from some manufacturers may be produced with poor quality control and impure starting materials.
“I just try and stay away from it personally,” Mr Trevaskis said.
“Ideally, for the majority of people who like the gym, I hope they’d be doing it nice and clean and that kind of thing.
“I guess there’s a chance with something like that being involved, if they do decide to go that way.
“They have the choice to do it, but I hope they’ve done their kind of study on it and make sure they can get to it in a safe manner, that they’re not going to jeopardise their health.”
The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, including available treatment options, and automatically directs the caller to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in the state/territory from which they are calling. Their number is 1800 250 015.
