Keywords: AAS, cosmesis, growth hormone, insulin, performance, strength
Copyright © 2008 Graham et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. AAS, growth hormone, and insulin abuse: psychological and neuroendocrine effects Correspondence: Michael R Graham Health and Exercise Science Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sport and Science, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom Tel +44 1443 482293 Fax +44 1443 482285 Email drgraham/at/glam.ac.uk | ||||
Abstract The nontherapeutic use of prescription medicines by individuals involved in sport is increasing. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are the most widely abused drug. Much of our knowledge of the psychological and physiological effects of human growth hormone (hGH) and insulin has been learned from deficiency states. As a consequence of the Internet revolution, previously unobtainable and expensive designer drugs, particularly recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and insulin, have become freely available at ridiculously discounted prices from countries such as China and are being abused. These drugs have various physiological and psychological effects and medical personnel must become aware that such prescription medicine abuse appears to be used not only for performance and cosmetic reasons, but as a consequence of psychological pre-morbidity.
Keywords: AAS, cosmesis, growth hormone, insulin, performance, strength
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