Performance Enhancing Drugs

INJECTING RISK

• Tetanus or other infections
• Acquiring or transmitting Hepatitis B, C, or HIV

It is very important that clean or sterile equipment is used to avoid infection or abscesses. The sharing of injecting equipment exposes you to blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

If you have a bleeding disorder or are on an anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, or have a liver disorder you should be extremely cautious or not use steroids at all. Letting your doctor know that you intend using steroids is a good idea so they can keep an eye on any changes that may occur.

KEEP THESE HANDY

• Alcohol swabs
• 3 or 5ml syringe depending on the amount being used
• 18G (gauge) needle for drawing up the oily steroid being used
• 23G needle to inject the product and a cotton wool ball to clean up any blood.

Preparing the product: If the steroid comes in a multi-use vial, use an alcohol swab to wipe clean the rubber on the top of the vial. Attach the 18 gauge needle to the end of a new syringe and use this to draw up the amount of steroid being used. Injecting the same amount of air into the vial as the amount of product you want to draw up, the air creates pressure making drawing up easier. replace the 18 gauge needle with a 23G remove excess air bubbles, it is now ready to inject.

Slight pain for the next few days is not unexpected, it can feel like a bruise or large lump. Infection, abscess, signs of heat, redness, increasing lump, fever, sweats or shakes are all signs something isn’t right and you should see a doctor straight away. Infection can occur from a few days to a few weeks after injection. Severe bleeding and bruising is also a sign something isn’t right, minor bruising is not uncommon if you see swelling, bleeding or experience severe pain see a doctor.

Always clean equipment for each person, wash you hands before and after injecting someone as small traces of blood can remain with the possibility to transmit blood born viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV. Remember unless prescribed by a doctor these drugs are not regulated and in a lot of cases intended for animal use only, so if something isn’t right see you doctor.

Choosing an injection site is important, the butt is usually the easiest site. The sciatic nerve runs through the inner part of each butt cheek it is essential to avoid this nerve. Divide the butt into 4 quadrants, the safer place to inject is the upper, outer quadrant. In the thigh the main blood vessels run though the inner part so inject to the front just off to the side, in the deltoid inject into the centre on the muscle.

SAFER INJECTING

Preparing the product: If the steroid comes in a multi-use vial, use an alcohol swab to wipe clean the rubber on the top of the vial. Attach the 18 gauge needle to the end of a new syringe and use this to draw up the amount of steroid being used. Inject the same amount of air into the vial as the amount of product you want to draw up, the air creates pressure making drawing up easier. Replace the 18 gauge needle with a 23G and remove excess air bubbles, it is now ready to inject.

Choosing an injection site is important – the butt is usually the easiest. Make sure to avoid the sciatic nerve, which runs through the inner part of each butt cheek. If you divide the butt into 4 quadrants, the safest place to inject is the upper, outer quadrant. In the thigh, the main blood vessels run though the inner part, so make sure to inject at the front just off to the side. If injecting into the deltoid, inject into the centre of the muscle.

Clean the skin where you intend to inject using an alcohol swab. Hold the needle at a 90 degree angle to the muscle and push it in a quick and controlled manner till the needle is fully inserted. Draw back on the plunger if you hit a blood vessel and see bleeding. If you don’t see blood, you’re safe to inject. Push the plunger until all the liquid is administered. Take the needle out and apply pressure for about 30 seconds with a cotton ball. Recap needle and dispose in sharps container. Slight pain for the next few days is not unexpected, it can feel like a bruise or a large lump.

Signs that something isn’t right and you should see a doctor straight away:

• Infection
• Abscess
• Signs of heat
• Redness
• Increasing lump
• Fever
• Sweats or shakes

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT

Make sure you wash your hands well or use hand sanitiser, if injecting someone else gloves can also be worn.

People who use steroids should be aware of a number of negative physical, psychological and behavioural side effects including:

PHYSICAL

• Increased muscle mass, faster recovery, reduced fat, improved physical performance
• Liver and heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Water retention

EMOTIONAL

• Increased sex drive
• Increased aggression and irritability (‘roid rage’)

LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE

• Acne
• Hair loss
• Gynaecomastia (growth of breast tissue in men)
• Shrinking testicles and prostate problems⁴
• Exacerbate body dysmorphia
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Heart and liver damage
• Tendon or ligament damage.

What if shit goes wrong?

• If you’re experiencing roid rage stay away from crowds.
• Avoid loud noises.
• Reassure yourself or the person affected that what you are experiencing is because of the PIEDs.
• If it gets out of control dial 000 and remember paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.

 Things not feeling great?

If you’re experiencing negative side effects from your alcohol use you can access Thorne Harbour Health’s counselling services

For LGBTI drug information check out Touchbase or for more general advice  Harm Reduction Victoria’s drug resources

If you need help on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, please contact DrugInfo at 1300 85 85 84

If you’re in crisis contact Switchboard  or Lifeline

Ask us anything! Got more questions about booze? Ask our specialists and we’ll get back to you with some help or answers.