are steroids pyschologically addicting...?

[djsf]

I think steroids *can* be addictive, but they are not inherently addictive. Here are some of the common signs of substance dependence (excerpted from "Addiction for Dummies"):

- Experiencing tolerance, which is a need to use a markedly increasing amount of the substance to get the same effect, or a markedly diminished effect using the sam amount

- Experiencing withdrawl symptoms with use of the substance is stopped, or taking other medications to relieve withdrawl symptoms

- The substance is taken in larger amounts or over a longer time period than initially intended

- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use

- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, or being preoccupied with how you will get more dominates your daily thoughts

- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are neglected or abandoned because of substance use

- The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurring psychological or physical problem related to substance use​

Medical criteria for substance abuse:

- Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to filfill major role obligations at work, home or school.

- Recurrent substance use in situations where it is physically hazardous

- Recurrent substance-related legal problems

- Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by substance use (for instance arguments with your spouse about the consequences of use)​

Basically, each of you can look at these criteria as applied to your own situation. If at three or more of them apply to you, then you probably have an addiction problem.

 

[zips92]

Anything with a positive result can become psychologically addictive.

Masturbation?

 

[mendo]

Masturbation?

Good example...

 

[bluehen]

Looking at Zips Avi?

 

[Wrongun]

excellent topic this as many sides of AAS are posted but what is not discussed is the possible physiological issues. We have all heard of roid rage but with more and more research being conducted this is the official stance (official UK NHS stance):
Administration of AS may affect behavior. Increased testosterone levels in the blood are associated with masculine behavior, aggressiveness and increased sexual desire. Increased aggressiveness may be beneficial for athletic training, but may also lead to overt violence outside the gym or the track. There are reports of violent, criminal behavior in individuals taking AS. Other side effects of AS are euphoria, confusion, sleeping disorders, pathological anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
Anabolic steroid users may become dependent on the drug, with symptoms of withdrawal after cessation of drug use. The withdrawal symptoms consist of aggressive and violent behavior, mental depression with suicidal behavior, mood changes, and in some cases acute psychosis. At present it is unknown which individuals are particularly at risk. It is likely that great individual differences in responsiveness may exist. Some individuals try to minimize the withdrawal affects by administration of human choriogonadotropins (hCG), in order to enhance endogenous testosterone production. However, it is unknown in how far the hCG administration is successful in ameliorating the withdrawal effects.

I will not say I agree with all the comments above but evidence does show that long term AS can cause distorted thinking (i.e. depression, anxiety etc).

Wrongun!

 

[knight48]

very addictive for me. hit depression when off