Harm Minimisation and Anabolic Steroids
Results and Recommendations of the DRIC
Injecting Steroid User Survey
Author: Stephen Plowright
Published By: Assisting Drug Dependants Inc.
Australian Capital Territory
July 1993
Funding: Department of Health, Housing, Local Government,
& Community Services
Abstract
In order to develop appropriate educational materials aimed at reducing
possible HIV/AIDS risk and other possible harm associated with anabolic
steroid use, a sample of steroid users were given a needs and risks analysis
questionnaire. Steroid users reported very low HIV/AIDS risk behaviour when
compared with some other drug injecting groups and negligible needle sharing.
The study also showed that neither legal sanctions, nor information about
the possible harmful effects of steroid use, are likely to be effective
deterrents. Legal sanctions do discourage users from seeking counselling
or medical advice, thus they may increase harm associated with steroid use.
Steroid users who received prescribed steroids and who were medically monitored
by a sports medicine specialist had significantly fewer side effects.
Report available from Drug Referral and Information Centre:
DRIC
GPO Box 2421
Canberra
ACT 2601
Australia
DRIC@spirit.com.au
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