The non-medical use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in Australia is reportedly increasing, with experts describing a rapid rise in uptake and associated health harms. Despite legal restrictions and known side effects, users often lack access to clinical support when attempting to stop or manage use.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic compounds similar to the male hormone testosterone. Medically, they may be prescribed to treat conditions such as hormone deficiencies, muscle wasting from chronic diseases, or specific anemias, when use is supervised by a clinician. However, many people use steroids illicitly to increase muscle mass, enhance performance or alter appearance.
In Australia, steroids are classified as prescription-only medicines and their unauthorised possession, use or supply is illegal. Despite this, illicit use remains widespread, with regular seizures reported by authorities and users obtaining steroids through online or peer networks.
Researchers and health professionals have noted an “explosion” in steroid use across Australia in recent years. Australian Border Force data indicate increased detection and seizure of performance and image enhancing drugs, reflecting growing demand and circulation of steroids, often of unknown quality.
Steroid users often employ strategies such as “cycling”, taking steroids intermittently or “blast and cruise”, alternating between high and low doses without breaks as reported by ABC news. These patterns can complicate health outcomes and recovery.
Some studies also suggest a shift in user demographics, with women increasingly represented among steroid users, particularly within bodybuilding and strength training communities. This trend raises additional health concerns, given the range of gender-specific side effects associated with steroid misuse.
Short-term effects of steroid use can include water retention, acne, mood changes and aggression, while longer-term misuse has been linked to cardiovascular complications, liver and kidney damage, hormonal disturbances and mental health disorders.
Additional research in Australia has identified contaminants such as heavy metals in unregulated steroid products, posing further potential risks including organ damage and cancer.
Clinicians and health organisations also note that some adverse effects are gender-specific; for example, women may experience deepened voices, menstrual irregularities and fertility issues, while men may face testicular shrinkage, infertility and gynecomastia.
Despite increasing use, Australia lacks standardised clinical guidelines for individuals seeking to quit non-medical steroid use or manage withdrawal and recovery. Researchers highlight that, unlike substances such as opioids or alcohol, for which evidence-based cessation protocols exist, there are few structured frameworks to support steroid users stopping use.
Withdrawal from steroids can be associated with severe fatigue, hormonal imbalances, psychological distress and depression, making a lack of clinical support a potential barrier to safe cessation.
Users reportedly turn to online forums and peer advice, where inconsistent and potentially harmful guidance may predominate. Researchers and public health experts urge more healthcare engagement and the development of evidence-based interventions.
Under Australian law, anabolic steroids are illegal to possess or use without a prescription. Penalties vary by state and territory but can include fines and imprisonment, reflecting the controlled status of these substances due to their health risks.
Competitive sports bodies also ban non-prescribed steroid use, with sanctions including suspensions and disqualifications for athletes found to have used performance-enhancing drugs.
Given the surge in steroid use and associated harms, researchers recommend a dual focus on harm reduction and clinical support. This includes better education on risks, improved access to medical evaluation, and development of multidisciplinary approaches to assist users when they choose to stop.
Health communication strategies may also address social media influences and cultural factors that drive steroid misuse among young Australians, particularly in fitness and bodybuilding communities.
References
Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “Steroid Use Is ‘Exploding’ — But There Are No Clinical Guidelines on How to Quit, Health Experts Say.” ABC News, December 28, 2025. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-28/steroid-use-increase-quit-guidelines-australia/106043898.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation. “Steroids – Drug Facts.” ADF, accessed 29th December 2025. https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/steroids/.