PubHawk
Drug Alcohol Depend June 2010 PMID 20188494

Treatment of anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: Emerging evidence and its implications.

Gen Kanayama, Kirk J Brower, Ruth I Wood, James I Hudson, Harrison G Pope

Full text PDF Download social card

Mentions

4
Peak: 1 in Jan 2021
across 2 sources since Jan 2021

Extended reach

29,799
potential audience

Total likes

2,725

Video views

29,181

Mentions per month

Jan 2021 – Aug 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter2 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussion includes a comparison of how AAS dependence is similar to nicotine addiction, indicating recognition of the problem, and emphasizes the importance of trustworthy medical guidance to reduce harm. The tone and word choice focus on health risks and the social dynamics of AAS use, demonstrating moderate engagement and interest but only a neutral perceived impact on broader awareness or change.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

The discussion shows mixed opinions, with one post comparing AAS dependence to nicotine addiction, indicating some recognition of the addiction aspect, while the other emphasizes the need for expert guidance, reflecting moderate agreement overall.

InterestModerate interest

The posts reflect curiosity about the topic, especially highlighting the social dynamics and health impacts involved, which suggests a moderate level of interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

The responses involve some analysis of the social organization around AAS use and calls for professional intervention, showing a decent level of engagement.

ImpactNeutral impact

These posts raise awareness of the problem and suggest practical solutions, but do not indicate a consensus on the article's broader implications or transformative effects, resulting in a neutral impact score.

Abstract in brief

  • The text suggests that as individuals who started using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in the 1980s age into middle age, there may be an increase in those seeking treatment for AAS dependence due to potential health risks like heart and mental health issues.
  • Treatment approaches should target three main causes of AAS dependence: body image issues such as muscle dysmorphia, hormonal imbalances like hypogonadism caused by AAS withdrawal, and the drug's inherent pleasurable or hedonic effects similar to other addictive substances.
  • Managing AAS dependence may involve psychological therapies, hormonal treatments like human chorionic gonadotropin or clomiphene, antidepressants for depression, and possibly pharmacological agents like naltrexone, which blocks the pleasure effects of AAS, paralleling treatments used for opioid addiction.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. Samuel Iff
@EpiOccDoc · X

@RobinParisotto1 The users have been self-organizing in a biased way (hence the "gurus"). Reliable trustworthy information from doctors can help to reduce harm and help with prevention. Ignoring the problem won't reduce the burden. Re: Addiction https://t.co/8Nexek5mJy

Jan 24, 2021 · 1 like · 565 followers View post →
GCA
@GCand13 · X

@Mr_Hyde1866 De acordo com o Paulo Gentil vicia como se fosse Nicotina, normalmente bombado é viciado https://t.co/2EVT2aSUNb

Aug 4, 2025 · 1 like · 54 followers View post →

All mentions

GCA
@GCand13 · X

@Mr_Hyde1866 De acordo com o Paulo Gentil vicia como se fosse Nicotina, normalmente bombado é viciado https://t.co/2EVT2aSUNb

Aug 4, 2025 · 1 like · 54 followers View post →
Dr. Samuel Iff
@EpiOccDoc · X

@RobinParisotto1 The users have been self-organizing in a biased way (hence the "gurus"). Reliable trustworthy information from doctors can help to reduce harm and help with prevention. Ignoring the problem won't reduce the burden. Re: Addiction https://t.co/8Nexek5mJy

Jan 24, 2021 · 1 like · 565 followers View post →