The band name for the generic stanozolol, Winstrol is a man-made steroid, similar to the naturally occurring steroid testosterone. This type of steroid is generally used to treat hereditary angioedema, which causes episodes of swelling of the face, extremities, genitals, bowel wall and throat. Winstrol is known to decrease the frequency and severity of these attacks.
The administration of this medication is generally reserved for adults who are suffering from angioedema as the effects of Winstrol in children can outweigh the benefit the medication is meant to provide. Even adults who are being treated with this medication must be closely watched to ensure adverse reactions do not emerge from use.
Abuses of Winstrol
Winstrol is classified as a controlled substance under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 and has been assigned to Schedule III. The increase of the abuse steroids by bodybuilders has been reported in Western Europe and the United States since the 1990s. These individuals and other sports athletes tend to use the drug to build lean muscle mass and reduce body fat.
A number of bodybuilders are known to increase the dosage at abnormal levels to gain muscles at a rapid and unsafe speed. 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 Winstrol
The effects of Winstrol are greatly dependent upon the level of the drug ingested. One of the most common and potent side-effects associated with Winstrol 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, which could ultimately lead to death.
As the amount of Winstrol ingested increases, so to does the risk of heart related disorders. Most commonly, good cholesterol levels tend to decrease, which bad cholesterol levels increase. Taken and abused regularly, Winstrol can also decrease sleep and increase excitability in abusers.
Effects can vary by gender as 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. For women, enlargement of the clitoris and irregularities in the menstrual cycles are not uncommon. Both genders may experience a decreased libido.
Withdrawal of Winstrol
Winstrol can cause difficult withdrawal symptoms when it is abruptly discontinued, especially for those individuals who have been taking the drug for recreational or body enhancing purposes.
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 Winstrol can include, but are not limited to:
Treatment of Winstrol Addiction
Winstrol is often a drug that is taken for long periods of time, especially when used to treat hereditary angioedema. For those who continually increase the drug for body-enhancing purposes, they 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. 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.