STEROIDS
The use of steroids and other Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIED's) is quite normalised amongst LGBT communities, and their use is most often associated with health & fitness.
Myth and word-of-mouth provide most of the information available about steroid use, and often information on websites is misleading or poorly informed. The pharmacology is complicated, and even the most well-meaning advice can be incorrect or misunderstood. You find out further information about steroids here.
Being aware of the safest use of steroids and PIED's is important – from stacking anabolic and androgenic compounds cleverly together, to protecting your muscles, mood and health between cycles, to free and clean injecting equipment and instruction on correct injecting procedure.
New trends emerge all the time in this field as well, and products such as the Human Growth Hormone and fat-burners can all be harmful without the correct advice.
STEROID HARM REDUCTION TIPS
Bad injecting practices can be very dangerous and can cause damage to veins. There is also a risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C by sharing injecting equipment. Those continuing to inject can protect themselves to some degree by using clean equipment and not sharing with anyone else. Visit our safer injecting practices page for further information. The Pharmacy needle exchange scheme allows you to collect clean needles anonymously and discreetly at certain pharmacies. The pharmacy at Boots, Piccadilly Circus is part of the scheme and is open till midnight seven days a week.
An Antidote worker at London Friend can discuss all this with you, and more. From arranging liver-function tests, advice on interactions with HIV medications, where to obtain clean needles, workout advice and sports-nutrition tips, understanding Post-Cycle-Therapy (PCT) and checking in with your self-esteem.
Download a more comprehensive document about stacking, PCT, steroids and the law, gynecomastia, workout tips, diet and more.
You can access a list of our services or contact us by email to discuss your needs: antidote@londonfriend.org.uk.
Antidote helpline: Contact us to discuss your drug or alcohol issues on 020 7833 1674 (10am-6pm, Monday to Friday). Ask for someone from the Antidote Team.
