Steroid Use Surges in Australia, Leaving Health System Ill-Prepared to Help Users Quit
Australia is facing a growing crisis as the non-medical use of anabolic steroids rises sharply, yet the nation’s healthcare infrastructure remains critically under-equipped to support those seeking to quit, leaving many vulnerable and reliant on potentially dangerous online advice.
A powerlifter named George Napper nearly died after a heart attack triggered by long-term steroid use, yet returned to competition just weeks later. His story underscores a dangerous pattern: a desperate cycle of abuse fueled by psychological dependence and a lack of accessible, clinical support. “It was an absolutely idiotic decision,” Napper admitted, questioning whether the drugs had clouded his judgment.
A 40% Increase in Steroid Use
Anabolic androgenic steroids, synthetic drugs mimicking the male hormone testosterone, are legally available for specific medical reasons, such as addressing hormone imbalances. However, their non-medical use – driven by a desire to build strength and muscle mass – is illegal in Australia. Despite this, uptake has exploded in recent years. Data reveals an almost 40 percent increase in reported steroid use across the country in the seven years leading up to 2022-23. Simultaneously, border detections of illicit steroids reached record highs, climbing 64 percent between 2020 and 2021.
“We’re seeing more and more people starting,” explains Dr. Tim Piatkowski, a steroid researcher at the University of Queensland. “At some point, you’d think people should be stopping, and we actually don’t have anything effective for that.”
The Cycle of Abuse: ‘Blast and Cruise’
The allure of steroids extends beyond physical gains. Users often report a psychological dependence, fueled by positive reinforcement from peers. Napper himself described seeking validation through comments about his appearance, leading him to increase dosages.
Common practices include “cycling” – periods of use followed by breaks intended to mitigate risks – and the more dangerous “blast and cruise” method, which involves alternating between high and low doses without a complete cessation. Napper opted for the latter, pushing himself to “quite high doses” and experiencing alarming side effects, including breathing difficulties and fluid retention.
The physical consequences of steroid use are extensive. While effects vary, they can include water retention, aggression, baldness, severe acne, and altered sex drive. Long-term use dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular issues, liver damage, kidney failure, and mental illness. Men may develop breasts and experience infertility, while women can face excessive hair growth and voice deepening.
Stigma and a Lack of Clinical Guidance
Napper’s attempts to seek medical help were often met with judgment. “They go, ‘Oh look, you shouldn’t be doing that,’” he recalled, describing instances where doctors dismissed his concerns and even asked him to leave. This stigma, according to Dr. Piatkowski, prevents open dialogue and drives users toward unreliable sources of information.
Many are turning to online forums and social media for guidance on quitting, exposing themselves to potentially dangerous advice. Some online communities even promote “post cycle therapy” (PCT) – utilizing substances, including cancer medications, to attempt to restore natural hormone production. While some observational studies suggest potential benefits, PCT remains an unapproved and unregulated medical treatment. .
The Risks of Withdrawal
Quitting steroids is not without its own dangers. Withdrawal symptoms can include severe fatigue, muscle and bone density loss, and, most critically, depression and suicidal ideation. Dr. Piatkowski emphasizes the urgent need for a robust evidence base to guide safe and effective withdrawal strategies. “Options are there,” he says. “We really need to get a robust evidence base going and see what’s possible.”
Two years after his heart attack, Napper has broken his addiction and reports feeling “a thousand times better,” but acknowledges the journey was “a nightmare.” He now actively discourages others from using steroids, warning, “If you abuse your body when you’re young, you’re going to pay for it when you’re older. I’m living that now.”
His experience serves as a stark warning and a call to action: Australia’s healthcare system must urgently address the growing need for specialized support for individuals struggling with steroid use, before more lives are irrevocably damaged.
