Anabolic steroids are a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength. Testosterone is the best known natural anabolic steroid, as well as the best known natural androgen. Effects Most anabolic steroids work by activation of androgen receptors, producing anabolic and virilizing effects. Examples of anabolic effects: * Increased protein synthesis from amino acids * Increased muscle mass and strength * …showed first 75 words of 2931 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2931 total…experience the classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms. "Addiction is an extreme of dependency, which may be a psychological, if not physical, phenomena," says Dr. Wadler. "Regardless, there is no question that when regular steroid users stop taking the drug they get withdrawal pains and if they start up again the pain goes away. They have difficulties stopping use even though they know it's bad for them."