Citation

Cornford CS, Kean J, Nash A. Int. J. Drug Policy 2014; 25(5): 928-930.

Affiliation

Lifeline Project, Middlesbrough Town Hall, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS1 2QQ, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.06.002

PMID

25008191

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are commonly used drugs by young males. There are known associations with other drugs, including heroin. Current explanations for the association with heroin include evidence that both heroin and AAS users come from similar social groups and that both heroin and AAS have similar effects on certain neurochemical pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine what additional socio-cultural explanations might account for the association between AAS and heroin use.

METHODS: The study was conducted with eight focus groups of 30 individuals including both heroin and non-heroin users, and individual semi-structured interviews with two key informants.

RESULTS: AAS were used to reverse the weight loss associated with heroin use. Because of the stigma, hiding weight loss from heroin, or demonstrating recovery by increased size, were important both for the heroin user himself and for reassurance to others. Increased size and increased muscularity and strength were important in intimidating others for roles such as drug dealing.

CONCLUSION: The need to demonstrate weight gain in recovery from heroin use, and the advantages of increased muscularity for intimidation purposes, provide further explanations for the link between heroin and AAS use.

Language: en