By Dr Tom O’Connor 
If you want to hear another story about the negative balance of trade with China, consider this: The US is now the largest outlet for anabolic steroids made in China. Import duties? These drugs can arrive hidden in duty free products, gratis US customs regulations. So, every day we are importing–inviting– the seeds of our own destruction, without a whisper from Homeland Security. And the worst part? It’s not a secret.
Over the past 15 years or so, there have been a few attempts by researchers and media outlets to tell the broader story of increasing use of steroids use by the average guy, including a significant number of policemen and armed services personnel (Time Magazine Health, 2005). However, these sober reports have been eclipsed by the more glamorous tales of multi-million dollar athletes who cheat. Politicians and reporters couldn’t wait to get before the cameras to shame the offenders in this modern morality play. Even when highly respected research institutions like Harvard University regularly published articles about the prevalence and dangers of these drugs in professional journals, and occasionally in interviews in the public media, these warnings did not gain any traction with the medical profession itself…or from anyone in public office or government administration, people who are presumably familiar with such journals–or whose staff should be. Anyone who has tried to obtain government funding, as I have, and as researchers from major universities with whom I have spoken also have, for research on AAS can attest to the total absence of any funding which indicates seriousness on the part of government. Anyone can fact check this by logging on to www.grants.gov.
So, as Chinese steroids continue to flood the US–including the raw materials for underground labs to make AAS– and as social pressures inflate ideal images of masculinity, prevalence of use continues to increase while beginner’s age declines. The new user gets younger every year…but just as naive to the dangers as ever. The average high school student still does not believe that steroids are dangerous…or addictive. To give them their due, official government publications religiously report these grim statistics annually; however, once these numbers are typed in neat columns, any further official effort languishes–laid to rest as a statistic. Unofficially, in private communications with experts at prestigious universities, and in my own medical practice, I have learned that even these statistics are only the tip of a very dangerous iceberg.
But, even the official numbers- over 4 million steroid users now in America, albeit underestimated, look worse each year..shouldn’t that alone signal action? To stem the epidemic? To help those already affected?
In February, 2017, Time Magazine published an excellent article, reliably documented with clear statements from the top steroids experts in the nation, which summarized enough about the prevalence and dangers of steroids use to hold the attention of readers for more than a news cycle. A similar article appeared in the recent issue of Men’s Health, describing the majority of AAS users now as cosmetically motivated average Joe’s risking their health for the sake of a buff image.
Good omens? I’m pessimistic. If past is prologue, these returning harbingers of a tsunami of serious AAS related health problems will soon join the ranks of previous warnings in the round file.
After I stopped shaking my head at this prospect, I began to reflect on the phenomenon itself: Why would such serious, repeated, reliable warnings continue to be ignored? When we heard about Zika virus, the nation went crazy. As it should. The result: emergency government funding to stem the epidemic. Which it did. Similarly, the opioids epidemic has more press coverage and panel discussions than an English coronation, and the media–as it should– has finally validated the relationship between opioids and heroin and the despondency creeping across the American Heartland. The results aren’t clear yet, but the scapegoated medical profession may be feeling some relief now that this cat is out of the bag.
These were the clues I needed: What was different with Zika, with opioids and heroin, as opposed to AAS was the involvement of people with “motivation and opportunity”, as Charlie Chan used to say.–those who would benefit from change, and who also controlled the resources needed for change. The public, the professionals, the pundits, and the politicians.
Where are these catalysts now?
The Public and the Professionals: The media has convinced most people that steroids are only used by cheating athletes, so many folks are still asleep, waiting to be woke. People who do use AAS shun the spotlight because of potential legal and employment consequences. That’s why, even when users do recognize medical problems related to AAS, they avoid seeing doctors–or being honest with them. And, to be fair, doctors aren’t signalling that they are open to hearing about AAS related problems, despite the fact that safe and effective clinical protocols to help users with cessation have been endorsed by major professional organizations, e.g., Endocrinological Society, Cleveland Clinic, Harvard University School of Medicine. So it’s a standoff between the users and the docs.
The media has convinced most people that steroids are only used by cheating athletes
And, finally, among the public missing-in-action are the 15-30% of users who have become addicted to AAS, and fear losing their underground supplies in the face of the dreaded Withdrawal Syndrome.
The Pundits: Not much more to say than they love a good story. But, with “investigative journalist” having become an oxymoron, don’t expect them to lead the charge. They are more likely to follow the elephant in the room. An article pops up here and there, but nothing in from Bob Woodward or Charlie Rose as yet. If there is anyone left at Fox News, maybe…
The Politicians? I would have thought that Arnold, the Gov might have weighed in. But then I recalled his annual cult event, The Arnold Expo. The roar of the crowd… hard to give up.
The legislators? I’ve written to them. I’m sure many people have. Nice responses. Repeat sentence. “The legislators? I’ve written to them…” Repeat sentence…
I hope this helps-
Stay Strong and Healthy,
Dr O
The Anabolic Doc
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