A synthetic steroid, Anadrol belongs to the class of anabolic steroids, which are synthetic derivatives of the male hormone known as testosterone. The drug is available in tablet, liquid and paper forms. Originally developed to improve the health status of individual affected with anemia.
Anadrol increases the production of the erythropoietin and is associated with increased excretion of erythropoietin. Anadrol is also used to treat excessive weight loss associated with specific disorders, such as hereditary angioedema. Such uses have not been approved in large scale studies.
Abuses of Anadrol
The increase of anadrol abuse by bodybuilders has been reported in Western Europe and the United States since the 1990s. The drug is used by bodybuilders and other sports athletes to build lean muscle mass and reduce body fat. As anadrol offers a faster way of losing fat and gaining muscle, it has become a favored option by these athletes.
A number of bodybuilders might increase the dosage at abnormal levels to gain muscles at a rapid and unsafe method. Such abuse does not come without side effects, many of which can impact the functioning of internal organs. The liver and heart can receive the most abuse, which can turn out to be life-threatening.
Effects of Anadrol
The effects of anadrol are greatly impacted by the level of the drug ingested. One of the most common and potent side-effects associated with anadrol use is peliosis hepatic, which is characterized by the formation of cysts in the liver and even on the spleen. These cysts can result in liver failure.
As users increase the amount of anadrol ingested, the risk of heart related disorders. Most commonly, good cholesterol levels tend to decrease, which bad cholesterol levels increase. Anadrol can also decrease sleep and increase excitability in abusers.
In men, increased consumption can create a decreased function of the testicles, reduction in sperm count, impotence, bladder irritation and decreased in the seminal fluid volume. In women, enlargement of the clitoris and irregularities in the menstrual cycles can be experienced. For both genders, libido is decreased.
Withdrawal of Anadrol
Anadrol can cause difficult withdrawal symptoms when it is abruptly discontinued. While some of these symptoms are more of the psychological nature, others are associated with the physical aspect. The withdrawal process can be both hard and painful and can even cause serious damage to internal organs, especially if cessation is unsupervised.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with cessation of Anadrol can include, but are not limited to:
• Severe weight loss
• Aggressive behavior
• A reversal of all effects from the drug
Treatment of Anadrol Addiction
As Anadrol is a drug that is taken for long periods of time, as well as taken at increasing rates by those seeking to increase body mass, the user will likely develop a psychological dependence, requiring assistance in the discontinuation. If the drug is taken for recreational purposes, both psychological and physiological dependence can occur.
When this happens, it is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist. This will help the person cope with a rapidly changing physical body as the anadrol leaves the system.
Entering a center for 24/7 comfortable detox treatment will ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely, learning to function without it. This method is used to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.