The addictive qualities of anabolic steroids are discussed on several professional counseling websites that can be found on the Internet by using the search term “counselors for anabolic steroid addiction.” They say steroids do not cause a physical addiction, but it can lead to emotional dependence as people begin to depend upon the drug to feel and function normally. The websites discuss the users continued desire to keep using the steroids even though the users experience mood swings, aggressive behavior, deteriorating relationships, depression, delusions, paranoia, and many other possible negative side-effects. The sites generally say this happens when taking the steroids for non-medical reasons. I believe that because many medical doctors are overprescribing these drugs to men who do not need them and are prescribing for long periods of time, that many men are becoming addicted even though it is medically prescribed. Our bodies do not know or care how the drug is obtained.
For the most effective counseling, choose someone who understands the problem. Alcohol and drug counselors would naturally have an edge because of their experience with the dynamics of addictions. Someone who has recovered from an addiction to a testosterone product such as anabolic steroids would have an even greater understanding of just how these drugs affect the way a person thinks and behaves. Such a counselor should know best how to break through the denial most testosterone users develop. They deal with people routinely who do not want to give up the substance that is destroying them and know how to conduct an intervention if necessary. They will probably recognize that the primary goal is to get rid of the drug, and that repairing damage to the relationship is secondary. Some counselors can offer supportive therapy to the spouse of the drug user as well. If counselors are available that have experience with anabolic steroid abuse, they will understand that the person using a testosterone product is most resistant to anything said to them during the highest peak of the testosterone in their blood and are most receptive to ideas at the end of their dose cycle. Many of the counseling websites offer long term treatment in a facility, some offer treatment as an outpatient.
Alcoholics, Narcotic and Cocaine Anonymous meetings and their Al Anon counterparts function as self-help groups. They maintain a complete data base of contact telephone numbers and meeting times and places throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. These meetings are free and can be attended by anyone having an addiction related problem. The website also has many helpful publications on addiction and recovery. The Al Anon side is for the spouse of the chemically dependent person and offers many helpful coping skills.
Personality Changes Caused by Low T Therapy 