My brother started doing steroids - need info!?!

OK, first let me start by saying that I HAVE NEVER USED steroids, but I know several people who have, and did a lot of research, because about a year ago I had the opportunity to acquire some, and gave it a lot of thought. A lot of people answering on here are probably copying and pasting answers from other websites. I'm no expert, but I know the truth. Let me help help you.

First of all, there are many types of steroids for bodybuilding, some obviously are more toxic than others. Yes there are negative short term and long term effects. There are a lot of myths about steroids, such as they shrink your package forever, which is untrue, only for a short amount of time. Different steroids are more toxic to your body, especially your liver than others. However, injectable steroids are safer, your body doesn't have to process them.

Everyone will act different to steroids depending on the dosage, type of steroid, and how well they administer PCT (post cycle therapy) and if they are taking support supplements, like a liver support, and something for hair loss. Generally speaking, someone that uses steroids for a short period of time, such as a couple cycles a year, for maybe a year, or two, or even 5 probably won't notice many serious negative long term health effects, if any.

There WILL be some negative short term side effects. Typically these include an increase in acne, some people may experience some hair loss, and some mood swings. Generally, to the best of my knowledge, these mood swings are mild, comparable to a woman on her period.

Are steroids addictive? Well that's a yes and no question. They aren't addictive in the sense that cocaine or other narcotics are, to where someone becomes a fiend and can't wait until their next fix. However, if your brother starts to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, his self-esteem is going to be at an all time high, and he is probably going to want to keep up his look, so in that sense, he might want to keep doing them.

If steroids are taken over a short period of time, in cycles, and RESPONSIBLY, and that means doing TONS of research and reading, I don't see anything to worry about. However, steroids basically are changing the chemical make up of your body, and if not monitored and supported carefully, there can be some long term damage. Remember Bob from fight club? That can happen if proper PCT isn't performed correctly. The body will make extra estrogen to keep up with the extra testosterone, and when the test is gone, the estrogen stays, which can be bad.

Bottom line, if this is just a phase, and not something long term, don't worry about it too much. However I wouldn't recommend using steroids for the duration of a lifetime, there obviously will be negative consequences. Let him be for now, and honestly, if I were you, I would say something about how you can't tell him what to do, but that you want him to make sure he's done a lot of research, because if used improperly he can damage his body.

I contemplated juicing, but in the end, decided it wasn't for me. Plus it's EXPENSIVE!!!

Medical experts see significant dangers in the use – and particularly the gross over-use – of anabolic steroids. Some of the effects are minor or only last while the drug is being taken; others are more serious and long-term. For example, anabolic steroids can cause high blood pressure, acne, abnormalities in liver function,decline in sperm production and impotence in men, kidney failure and heart disease. They can also make both men and women more agressive.

I don't know if they are addictive but when patients are prescribed prednisone they have to scale the drug down slowly before stopping taking it altogether.

From another site...
"An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers become addicted to the drugs, as evidenced by their continuing to take steroids in spite of physical problems, negative effects on social relations, or nervousness and irritability.

Also, they spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and the desire to take more steroids.

The most dangerous of the withdrawal symptoms is depression, because it sometimes leads to suicide attempts. Untreated, some depressive symptoms associated with anabolic steroid withdrawal have been known to persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the drugs."

I don't know what advice you can give your brother, perhaps reading the fact migh influence him?

http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/…

Steroids are not dangerous if done right. He is probably injecting test-e twice a week for I would assume a 12 week cycle, this is a very common beginner cycle. To be saf he must follow these rules.
1) If you cycle for 12 weeks, wait 12 weeks to start another if desired. Time on should equal time off
2) Take an A.I like arimidex while on cycle. This will prevent a common side effect called gynoclamastia "***** titties"
3 Most importantly run a post cycle, clomids and Nolvadex. Your body stops producing natural testosterone when your cycle is over. A proper post cycle will bring you test levels back to normal.

Injectable steroids are not dangerous, orral steroids are harsh on your liver, but if taken right and for the proper length while taking milk thistle too, it again isnt dangerous. Oral steroids have to be processed through your liver twice, injectables only one. Thats why injecables are the safest bet.
There was actually a segment on 20/20 saying that if taken correctly they can do allot of good. Docters even prescibe it to older people with a low test count.

The worst case senerio is your brother would have to be on TRT (testosteron replacement theropy) which is precribed injections from your docter because you body completly stops producing test. Again this is only the result of not following these directions. Alot of people get steroids from there friends in the gym, but no post cycle or arimidex. Thats why you need a good online source that offer more then just the test. Make sure he is using an A.I (aromatate inhibitor *probably spellled wrong*) and proper post cycle. IF not or he cant get them he can email gearhead@cyber-rights.net for a price/product list.

Steroids have some listed side affects and different people respond different. Steroids depends on what kind, there are several to choose from. In moderate use i would say not going to hurt him unless he gets a hold of some dirty juice and it could happen. you over do the juice and you could have sudden heart failure. other side effects: male pattern baldness, decreased libido, high blood pressure, suppress natural testosterone production etc. I have been on testosterone that is prescribed by a doctor for about 5 years but i take it to keep levels up not for bodybuilding. just let your brother know that certain steroids will kill the sex drive and that could lead him woman less. You pay the price for what you do later down the road.