You cannot turn on the news or pick up a newspaper without seeing something about the dangers of anabolic steroids. We know, "they can kill you", as we are constantly reminded. But when you open up any bodybuilding magazine or website, you are alerted mainly to the positive aspects of steroids, and the muscle they can deliver. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Let's take a look at some of the adverse side effects of anabolic steroids, which will affect users on a very real, very immediate level.

Needles

If you're not familiar with needles, you're going to have to become familiar quickly. It takes study, practice, and of course, courage, to be able to insert an inch of needle into your body's tissue without resulting in abscess or infection.

Source

Steroids purchased from acquaintances at the gym are notorious for being fakes. Or worse, they might be expired or toxic due to manufacturing imperfections. If you do not obtain your supply from a doctor, there is a good chance you may be buying fake products.

Gynecomastia

Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids often experience breast tissue growth resulting in unsightly lumps around the nipples, commonly referred to as "bitch tits". Resulting from high estrogen levels, costly surgery is often required for correction.

Current legal environment

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're well aware of the recent string of busts, which have led to the downfall of many steroid suppliers and sellers. This means that sellers and buyers all along the supply chain are giving up their contact/client information in order to gain lesser sentences, and some shops are operating compromised. Unless you like the idea of going to jail or receiving a hefty fine, purchasing, even from a friend, might not be such a good idea.

Steroids are an inevitable and unavoidable part of high-level amateur and professional bodybuilding. For the average gymrat, however, they are very often not a viable or sensible option. Be sure to analyze the possible ramifications of making the decisions to use, and make your decision using as much information as possible. There is no such thing as an "undo" when it comes to matters of health and legality.