Steroids are a classification of drugs. Though they are not as commonly abused as other types of drugs, there’s also a tendency to addiction, especially if users take advantage of them as performance enhancers.
According to some studies, users of anabolic steroids correlate with people who use illicit drugs and drink alcohol. Sometimes, the addiction to steroids paves the way to developing further addiction to other substances, especially with brain alterations in its effects.
Learn more about steroids, including drinking alcohol while on steroids and its possible effects on your body, when you continue reading.
Is It Okay to Mix Anabolic Steroids and Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol while on steroids can lead to the enhancement of its side effects. When combined with alcohol, the steroids will boost alcohol’s effects on the body, leading to an increased risk of developing severe health issues.
Moreover, research says that taking anabolic steroids may be a person’s gateway to developing addiction tendencies. As steroids induce alterations in the brain, the users may become more sensitive to alcohol use, increase their alcohol intake, and lean towards other high-risk behaviors.
Is It Okay to Mix Prednisone and Alcohol?
Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics the actions of the human hormone cortisol.
The drug is a widely used drug and is considered an essential treatment in managing certain diseases. However, the drug can have side effects, especially when taken in large amounts.
When mixed with alcohol, its side effects might be complicated and enhanced.
What Are the Side Effects of Regularly Taking Steroids and Alcohol at the Same Time?
1. Suppressed Immune System
Mixing steroids and alcohol can affect your immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from foreign substances and organisms.
If the immune system is suppressed, you may be more likely to get an infection.
2. Enhanced Heart Problems
The heart is one of the most important organs of the body. When taking steroids and consuming alcohol, they may cause increased heart problems or the development of cardiovascular or atherosclerosis problems.
Because steroids and alcohol individually have cardiovascular effects, taking the two together makes the effects worse.
3. Irritate the Digestive Tract
The steroid hormones in the body lead to a change in their chemical makeup. Steroids may irritate the digestive tract and cause inflammation. Combined with the irritant properties of alcohol, the effects may be more severe.
What Are Steroids?
Steroids are synthetically derived from the male sex hormone testosterone. They have a similar chemical structure, but a higher potency.
Synthetic steroids are often used as performance-enhancing drugs to help improve muscle growth and athletic performance.
However, steroids are also used to treat delayed puberty, muscle-wasting diseases, and chronic diseases.
What Are Steroids Used For?
Steroids are used to boost performance. The drug gives the user a burst of energy and improves endurance, strength, and speed. Because the drug helps muscle growth and enhances athletic performance, it is also widely used for improving physical appearance.
However, steroids are also used for treating medical conditions. It is used for relieving the symptoms of diseases such as:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Eczema
- Frozen shoulder
- Hay fever
- Hives
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
How Do Steroids Work?
Steroids affect the body in a similar way as the male sex hormone testosterone. Steroids work by binding to the receptor cells. The hormones received by the cells mimic the natural hormones in the body, creating a more favorable ratio.
There are several steroid receptors, and each receptor has a different effect on the body. One of the major receptors includes the muscle development receptor.
The hormones familiarize the muscle cells to perform a greater repair of protein and generate new muscle cells. The peptide receptor stimulates the muscle cells to grow in size and number.
The drugs also stimulate the cell’s DNA to make extra copies of genes responsible for creating muscle cells.
What Are the Types of Steroids?
Steroids are classified into two types: anabolic and androgenic. While these two types produce different effects on the body, the anabolic type is more commonly used.
1. Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic, manufactured substances with the same effects as the male sex hormone testosterone but with higher potency. The substances are used to increase muscle mass and enhance performance.
They cause an increase in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, which results in an increase in oxygen supply to the body. In addition to enhancing performance, it also helps athletes build a healthier body.
2. Androgenic Steroids
Androgenic steroids are considered a type of anabolic steroid, but they possess a different chemical structure.
These are commonly used to treat medical conditions and are known to have the same effects as anabolic steroids. The difference lies in the dissimilarity in its structure compared to testosterone.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are synthetic steroids that are commonly used to treat adrenal gland, respiratory, skin, and other medical conditions. The substances are often used in the form of pills, injections, or topical medications.
What Are the Forms of Steroids?
1. Tablets
Steroids taken as tablets are the most commonly used form of the drug. They are available in different strengths and shapes, so users can easily swallow them orally.
2. Syrups and Liquids
Steroids can also be taken as syrups or by dissolving the tablets into the fluids. The liquid form is more recommended for patients with swallowing disorders.
3. Inhalers
Inhaling steroids are mostly used for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. The steroids are used to stop the inflammation and swelling of the air passages.
4. Injections
Steroids are commonly injected as shots taken in the glutes, deltoid, and biceps. These forms of injections have the same effects as tablets.
5. Creams, Lotions, and Gels
Steroids in the form of cream are commonly used to treat skin conditions. It is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Steroids?
The side effects of taking steroids are similar to the male hormone testosterone. The side effects include:
- Acne
- Irritability
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
- Fertility problems
- Increased sex drive
- Menstrual problems
In some situations, the drug can cause life-threatening side effects, especially when taken in large amounts. The side effects of taking anabolic steroids for those using it for performance enhancement include:
- Hypertension
- Liver problems
- Heart problems
- Testosterone suppression
- Increased risk of cardiovascular and atherosclerosis
- Increased risk for hypertension and stroke
- Psychiatric problems
- Pituitary gland enlargement
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Water retention
- Hypertrophy of the breast
Can Steroids Be Addictive?
Anabolic steroids are addictive and may lead to dependence and tolerance. Users who take steroids may develop withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal symptoms may differ depending on the dosage and duration of steroid intake. The signs of withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of sex drive
- Muscle and joint pain
What Should You Do If You Develop a Steroid Addiction?
If you develop a dependence on your steroid hormones, speak with your doctor immediately. They will assess your condition and determine the right treatment plan for you.
The doctor may suggest a drug rehabilitation program. A qualified alcohol and drug rehab clinic may help in your recovery process.
Make sure to choose a clinic that uses a holistic approach in treating addiction. The clinic should have a treatment process that considers factors or causes that lead to your addiction.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol abuse and addiction are widely prevalent. Mixing alcohol with steroids can make it worse. Those who abuse alcohol and take steroids should immediately seek a rehab clinic to address their abuse issues.