Use of anabolic androgenic steroids among patients in substance use treatment

The life-time prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids use among patients in residential and outpatient treatment in Norway is examined.

Background

Previous research has shown that the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) often is combined with the use of other drugs, and that AAS use is more common among substance use patients than in the general population. Considering the potentially harmful medical and psychological effect of AAS use, particularly in combined use with of other drugs, it would be useful to map the extent of use among drug users in Norway.

Aim

The main purpose of this study is to map the life-time prevalence of anabolic steroids use among patients admitted to substance use treatment. Furthermore, is AAS use something the staff is attentive to and take into consideration in the treatment offered to patients. We also examine characteristics and motives of AAS-use, which side-effects are experienced, and whether patients with AAS-experience differ from the other patients in relation to what drugs they prefer to use and personality traits.

Methods

Data is collected through scheduled visits at different substance use treatment sites in Norway, where patients in treatment at the time of visit are invited to fill out a questionnaire.

Status

Data-collection is completed, publications are in the pipeline.