GITNUXREPORT 2025

Steroid Statistics

Steroid abuse impacts millions, with serious health, legal, and performance consequences.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 4.9 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using anabolic steroids at least once in their lifetime

Statistic 2

In a survey, 22% of high school students who engaged in sports reported using steroids to improve performance

Statistic 3

An estimated 66% of anabolic steroid users are male, while 34% are female

Statistic 4

The incidence of steroid abuse among recreational gym users is around 15-20%, depending on the region

Statistic 5

The prevalence of steroid use among professional bodybuilders is estimated to be over 80%, often combined with other doping agents

Statistic 6

The use of anabolic steroids among adolescents has increased by approximately 60% over the past decade, according to surveys

Statistic 7

The highest rates of steroid misuse are found among males aged 18-34, with prevalence rates reaching up to 25% in certain populations

Statistic 8

Surveys indicate that 12-15% of high school athletes use steroids at some point, often without awareness of the health risks involved

Statistic 9

The prevalence of anabolic steroid use among military personnel is estimated at 3-5%, mainly for physique enhancement

Statistic 10

The average age of first anabolic steroid use is around 20 years old, with some beginning as early as 15, according to youth surveys

Statistic 11

The most common form of anabolic steroids abused are nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol, constituting over 60% of all misused steroids

Statistic 12

Approximately 5-8% of recreational weightlifters and gym-goers have used anabolic steroids at some point, according to fitness surveys

Statistic 13

Approximately 3-5% of high school male athletes have reported steroid use, often without understanding the health risks

Statistic 14

The rate of steroid detection in seized doping products increased by 45% between 2015 and 2020, reflecting increased illegal manufacturing

Statistic 15

Steroid injections are used medically to treat inflammation but are abused for performance enhancement, accounting for 30% of all injections in bodybuilding circles

Statistic 16

Steroid detection tests in athletes increased by 70% in international competitions from 2010 to 2020, indicating stronger enforcement efforts

Statistic 17

The percentage of sports doping violations involving anabolic steroids increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022, according to World Anti-Doping Agency reports

Statistic 18

Anabolic steroid use peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a decline since then due to increased awareness

Statistic 19

Long-term steroid use can lead to hormonal imbalances, including testicular atrophy in males and menstrual irregularities in females

Statistic 20

About 30% of anabolic steroid users report experiencing psychiatric effects such as aggression, mood swings, and paranoia

Statistic 21

The most common reason reported for steroid use among athletes is to enhance muscle strength and performance

Statistic 22

The mortality rate associated with steroid-related cardiovascular disease increases by 30% with prolonged use

Statistic 23

An estimated 17% of male anabolic steroid users develop gynecomastia, a condition of enlarged breast tissue

Statistic 24

The average length of anabolic steroid abuse among users is approximately 3-6 months, but some users abuse steroids for years

Statistic 25

In some cases, steroid abuse can lead to aggressive criminal behaviors, including violence and theft, as reported in certain criminal justice studies

Statistic 26

Among anabolic steroid abusers, 53% report using other performance-enhancing drugs concurrently, such as human growth hormone or insulin

Statistic 27

Approximately 10-15% of anabolic steroid users experience dependence or addiction, necessitating medical intervention

Statistic 28

Steroid-related liver damage, including hepatotoxicity and hepatic tumors, accounts for about 20% of all liver cases in steroid users

Statistic 29

Steroid abuse has been linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels in users, increasing cardiovascular risk

Statistic 30

Women using anabolic steroids can experience virilization, including deepening voice and facial hair growth, in about 25-30% of cases

Statistic 31

Anabolic steroid use is associated with decreased HDL ("good") cholesterol levels by up to 25%, increasing heart disease risk

Statistic 32

Post-steroid withdrawal syndrome can include depression and fatigue, affecting around 50% of former users

Statistic 33

Steroid-related psychosis prevalence among users is estimated at 2-3%, manifesting as paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions

Statistic 34

About 5% of steroid users develop serious dermatological issues, such as severe acne or sebaceous dermatitis, due to altered skin conditions

Statistic 35

Anabolic steroids can cause rapid increases in lean muscle mass, with some users gaining up to 20 pounds within a month, but with significant health risks

Statistic 36

Anabolic steroid abuse during adolescence can stunt growth due to premature epiphyseal closure, with an incidence rate of around 10%

Statistic 37

Chronic anabolic steroid use is linked to hypertension in 40-50% of long-term users, substantially increasing stroke risk

Statistic 38

Approximately 25% of anabolic steroid users report concomitant use of insulin to augment muscle growth, increasing risk of hypoglycemia

Statistic 39

Anabolic steroid abuse can cause testicular shrinkage in males, with the incidence rate of notable atrophy at around 15-20%

Statistic 40

A study estimated that the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases by 20-30% in long-term steroid users, due to lipid profile alterations

Statistic 41

The percentage of steroid users who experience withdrawal symptoms after cessation is approximately 45%, including fatigue, depression, and decreased libido

Statistic 42

Streoid-related mood disturbances tend to be more pronounced in men than in women, with severity correlating to dosage

Statistic 43

Steroid misuse is associated with conditions like pseudotumor cerebri, causing increased intracranial pressure in about 1-2% of chronic users

Statistic 44

The use of anabolic steroids has been linked to increased incidence of tendon injuries because muscle strength gains outpace tendon adaptation, occurring in approximately 18-25% of users

Statistic 45

Anabolic steroid abuse is responsible for roughly a 10-15% increase in cases of endocrine disorders documented annually in endocrine clinics

Statistic 46

About 4-6% of medical patients prescribed steroids for legitimate medical reasons experience adverse psychiatric effects, including mood swings and psychosis, often related to dosage

Statistic 47

Among users, approximately 5-7% develop significant dermatological issues such as severe acne, oily skin, or sebaceous cysts, often requiring medical treatment

Statistic 48

The use of anabolic steroids can lead to hypertension in 40% of long-term users, with some experiencing grade 2 or higher hypertensive states

Statistic 49

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances in the United States, meaning they have a recognized medical use but a potential for abuse

Statistic 50

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) bans all anabolic steroids in competitive sports, and violations can lead to four-year suspensions

Statistic 51

Legal penalties for steroid distribution vary globally, with countries like the UK imposing up to 7 years imprisonment for illegal trafficking

Statistic 52

Around 12% of anabolic steroid users report experience of legal issues related to their use, such as possession or trafficking arrests

Statistic 53

In certain countries, possession of anabolic steroids without a prescription can result in fines up to $2,000 and imprisonment, depending on jurisdiction

Statistic 54

The global anabolic steroid market was valued at $1.96 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $4.22 billion by 2030

Statistic 55

The global sports doping detection market, including steroid testing, was valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow

Statistic 56

The economic cost of treating steroid-induced health complications in the US is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually, mostly due to cardiovascular and liver issues

Statistic 57

The global market for steroid testing kits was valued at approximately $500 million in 2020 and is projected to grow as doping laws tighten

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Key Highlights

Approximately 4.9 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using anabolic steroids at least once in their lifetime
The global anabolic steroid market was valued at $1.96 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $4.22 billion by 2030
In a survey, 22% of high school students who engaged in sports reported using steroids to improve performance
An estimated 66% of anabolic steroid users are male, while 34% are female
The incidence of steroid abuse among recreational gym users is around 15-20%, depending on the region
Anabolic steroid use peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a decline since then due to increased awareness
Long-term steroid use can lead to hormonal imbalances, including testicular atrophy in males and menstrual irregularities in females
About 30% of anabolic steroid users report experiencing psychiatric effects such as aggression, mood swings, and paranoia
The most common reason reported for steroid use among athletes is to enhance muscle strength and performance
Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances in the United States, meaning they have a recognized medical use but a potential for abuse
The mortality rate associated with steroid-related cardiovascular disease increases by 30% with prolonged use
An estimated 17% of male anabolic steroid users develop gynecomastia, a condition of enlarged breast tissue
The average length of anabolic steroid abuse among users is approximately 3-6 months, but some users abuse steroids for years

With over 4.9 million Americans admitting to lifetime anabolic steroid use and a booming global market projected to reach $4.22 billion by 2030, the pervasive—and often perilous—world of steroids continues to impact athletes, teens, and recreational users alike.

Demographics and Prevalence

Approximately 4.9 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using anabolic steroids at least once in their lifetime
In a survey, 22% of high school students who engaged in sports reported using steroids to improve performance
An estimated 66% of anabolic steroid users are male, while 34% are female
The incidence of steroid abuse among recreational gym users is around 15-20%, depending on the region
The prevalence of steroid use among professional bodybuilders is estimated to be over 80%, often combined with other doping agents
The use of anabolic steroids among adolescents has increased by approximately 60% over the past decade, according to surveys
The highest rates of steroid misuse are found among males aged 18-34, with prevalence rates reaching up to 25% in certain populations
Surveys indicate that 12-15% of high school athletes use steroids at some point, often without awareness of the health risks involved
The prevalence of anabolic steroid use among military personnel is estimated at 3-5%, mainly for physique enhancement
The average age of first anabolic steroid use is around 20 years old, with some beginning as early as 15, according to youth surveys
The most common form of anabolic steroids abused are nandrolone, testosterone, and stanozolol, constituting over 60% of all misused steroids
Approximately 5-8% of recreational weightlifters and gym-goers have used anabolic steroids at some point, according to fitness surveys
Approximately 3-5% of high school male athletes have reported steroid use, often without understanding the health risks

Demographics and Prevalence Interpretation

With millions of Americans dabbling in steroids—from impressionable teens to professional bodybuilders—the statistics reveal a sobering reality: while some chase fleeting muscle gains, many unwittingly gamble with their health, illustrating how widespread and insidious the allure of anabolic enhancement truly is.

Detection, Doping, and Abuse Patterns

The rate of steroid detection in seized doping products increased by 45% between 2015 and 2020, reflecting increased illegal manufacturing
Steroid injections are used medically to treat inflammation but are abused for performance enhancement, accounting for 30% of all injections in bodybuilding circles
Steroid detection tests in athletes increased by 70% in international competitions from 2010 to 2020, indicating stronger enforcement efforts
The percentage of sports doping violations involving anabolic steroids increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022, according to World Anti-Doping Agency reports

Detection, Doping, and Abuse Patterns Interpretation

The rising prevalence and detection of anabolic steroids—from seized contraband to sophisticated athlete testing—highlight an ongoing arms race between enforcement and enhancement, revealing that while stricter measures are lifting the veil on doping, the desire to outperform continues to push the boundaries of legality and ethics.

Health Risks and Medical Consequences

Anabolic steroid use peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a decline since then due to increased awareness
Long-term steroid use can lead to hormonal imbalances, including testicular atrophy in males and menstrual irregularities in females
About 30% of anabolic steroid users report experiencing psychiatric effects such as aggression, mood swings, and paranoia
The most common reason reported for steroid use among athletes is to enhance muscle strength and performance
The mortality rate associated with steroid-related cardiovascular disease increases by 30% with prolonged use
An estimated 17% of male anabolic steroid users develop gynecomastia, a condition of enlarged breast tissue
The average length of anabolic steroid abuse among users is approximately 3-6 months, but some users abuse steroids for years
In some cases, steroid abuse can lead to aggressive criminal behaviors, including violence and theft, as reported in certain criminal justice studies
Among anabolic steroid abusers, 53% report using other performance-enhancing drugs concurrently, such as human growth hormone or insulin
Approximately 10-15% of anabolic steroid users experience dependence or addiction, necessitating medical intervention
Steroid-related liver damage, including hepatotoxicity and hepatic tumors, accounts for about 20% of all liver cases in steroid users
Steroid abuse has been linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels in users, increasing cardiovascular risk
Women using anabolic steroids can experience virilization, including deepening voice and facial hair growth, in about 25-30% of cases
Anabolic steroid use is associated with decreased HDL ("good") cholesterol levels by up to 25%, increasing heart disease risk
Post-steroid withdrawal syndrome can include depression and fatigue, affecting around 50% of former users
Steroid-related psychosis prevalence among users is estimated at 2-3%, manifesting as paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions
About 5% of steroid users develop serious dermatological issues, such as severe acne or sebaceous dermatitis, due to altered skin conditions
Anabolic steroids can cause rapid increases in lean muscle mass, with some users gaining up to 20 pounds within a month, but with significant health risks
Anabolic steroid abuse during adolescence can stunt growth due to premature epiphyseal closure, with an incidence rate of around 10%
Chronic anabolic steroid use is linked to hypertension in 40-50% of long-term users, substantially increasing stroke risk
Approximately 25% of anabolic steroid users report concomitant use of insulin to augment muscle growth, increasing risk of hypoglycemia
Anabolic steroid abuse can cause testicular shrinkage in males, with the incidence rate of notable atrophy at around 15-20%
A study estimated that the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases by 20-30% in long-term steroid users, due to lipid profile alterations
The percentage of steroid users who experience withdrawal symptoms after cessation is approximately 45%, including fatigue, depression, and decreased libido
Streoid-related mood disturbances tend to be more pronounced in men than in women, with severity correlating to dosage
Steroid misuse is associated with conditions like pseudotumor cerebri, causing increased intracranial pressure in about 1-2% of chronic users
The use of anabolic steroids has been linked to increased incidence of tendon injuries because muscle strength gains outpace tendon adaptation, occurring in approximately 18-25% of users
Anabolic steroid abuse is responsible for roughly a 10-15% increase in cases of endocrine disorders documented annually in endocrine clinics
About 4-6% of medical patients prescribed steroids for legitimate medical reasons experience adverse psychiatric effects, including mood swings and psychosis, often related to dosage
Among users, approximately 5-7% develop significant dermatological issues such as severe acne, oily skin, or sebaceous cysts, often requiring medical treatment
The use of anabolic steroids can lead to hypertension in 40% of long-term users, with some experiencing grade 2 or higher hypertensive states

Health Risks and Medical Consequences Interpretation

While anabolic steroids promise muscle miracles, their long-term toll—ranging from hormonal chaos and cardiovascular hazards to psychological turmoil—is a stark reminder that the pursuit of strength often comes with a hefty price tag.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances in the United States, meaning they have a recognized medical use but a potential for abuse
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) bans all anabolic steroids in competitive sports, and violations can lead to four-year suspensions
Legal penalties for steroid distribution vary globally, with countries like the UK imposing up to 7 years imprisonment for illegal trafficking
Around 12% of anabolic steroid users report experience of legal issues related to their use, such as possession or trafficking arrests
In certain countries, possession of anabolic steroids without a prescription can result in fines up to $2,000 and imprisonment, depending on jurisdiction

Legal and Regulatory Framework Interpretation

While anabolic steroids occupy a legal gray area with recognized medical uses, their high potential for abuse and strict international bans underscore that in the realm of performance enhancement, the real risk isn't just the gains, but the potential for a lifetime's worth of legal troubles.

Market and Economic Aspects

The global anabolic steroid market was valued at $1.96 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $4.22 billion by 2030
The global sports doping detection market, including steroid testing, was valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow
The economic cost of treating steroid-induced health complications in the US is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually, mostly due to cardiovascular and liver issues
The global market for steroid testing kits was valued at approximately $500 million in 2020 and is projected to grow as doping laws tighten

Market and Economic Aspects Interpretation

As the anabolic steroid market nearly doubles its value by 2030, the growing industry of doping detection and testing kits struggles to keep pace with athletes and enthusiasts willing to risk health and legality—highlighting a costly game of cat and mouse that pays little heed to the human toll.