GITNUXREPORT 2025

Steroids Statistics

Steroid use risks health, legality, dependency, and increases global consumption.

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 2 million Americans have used anabolic steroids at least once

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Up to 19% of college athletes have admitted to steroid use at some point during their careers

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An estimated 375,000 Americans abuse anabolic steroids

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Over 200,000 teenage boys in the U.S. have used anabolic steroids

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Steroid abuse is most prevalent among young adult males aged 18-25

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Usage of anabolic steroids among high school students was reported at approximately 2% in a 2020 survey

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The prevalence of steroid use in professional weightlifting is estimated to be over 60%

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Long-term anabolic steroid use can lead to liver damage, including tumors and cysts

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Steroids increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, especially when abused long-term

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Anabolic steroids can cause infertility and testicular shrinkage in males

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Female steroid users may experience hair loss, breast reduction, and deepening of the voice

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Anabolic steroids can lead to skin conditions like acne and cysts, especially with prolonged use

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The use of steroids can cause paranoia and delusions, particularly in high doses

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Some athletes use steroids to improve their performance in sports like bodybuilding, football, and baseball

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The detoxification process from steroid dependence can take several months or longer

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Steroid withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, restlessness, decreased appetite, and depression

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The risk of developing steroid dependency increases with prolonged use and higher dosage, said by addiction specialists

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Steroid use is associated with increased libido but can result in sexual dysfunction over time

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About 60% of steroid users report using other illicit drugs concurrently, such as alcohol and stimulants

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Steroid abuse-related health costs in the U.S. are estimated to be in the billions annually, including medical treatment and lost productivity

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Anabolic steroids can cause stunted growth among adolescents if used prematurely, according to pediatric endocrinologists

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Some people use steroids for quick muscle gains rather than training harder, contributing to unsafe dosages

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Female athletes may be more likely to suffer from menstrual irregularities due to steroid use, according to sports medicine research

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Anabolic steroids can cause water retention and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease

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Some users develop a dependency on steroids, requiring medically supervised detoxification, which can be complex and lengthy

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The use of anabolic steroids can cause significant hormonal imbalances, including gynecomastia in males

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Steroid use among teenagers is often motivated by desires to improve physical appearance and athletic competence, according to youth surveys

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The number of reported anabolic steroid-related emergency room visits increased by 10% over five years, indicating rising health risks

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Anabolic steroids are sometimes used illicitly to help reduce body fat, despite health risks

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A significant proportion of users do not disclose their steroid use to healthcare providers, complicating diagnosis and treatment

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The majority of athletes who use steroids do so without medical supervision, increasing health risks

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Steroid use is associated with increased incidence of tendon injuries due to rapid muscle growth exceeding tendon strength

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Youths who start steroid use at an early age are more likely to develop substance use disorders later, according to longitudinal studies

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Steroids can impair cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis

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The use of steroids during adolescence can interfere with normal development and puberty, according to pediatric health experts

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Many bodybuilders and athletes resort to steroids to achieve an aesthetic ideal, despite the legal and health risks involved

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Legal penalties for steroid trafficking can include fines and imprisonment, depending on jurisdiction

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Some countries have implemented strict regulations and bans on anabolic steroids, but illegal markets persist worldwide

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The global anabolic steroid market was valued at over $3 billion in 2020

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The majority of steroid users obtain the drugs illegally, often through underground labs or black market sources

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Despite the risks, some athletes believe steroids are essential for competitive advantage, indicating a cultural normalization in some sports communities

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The global demand for steroids has increased by over 50% in the past decade, driven by body image concerns and athletic performance

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Approximately 30% of steroid users reported experiencing mood swings, irritability, or aggression

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Key Highlights

Approximately 2 million Americans have used anabolic steroids at least once
The global anabolic steroid market was valued at over $3 billion in 2020
Up to 19% of college athletes have admitted to steroid use at some point during their careers
An estimated 375,000 Americans abuse anabolic steroids
Over 200,000 teenage boys in the U.S. have used anabolic steroids
Long-term anabolic steroid use can lead to liver damage, including tumors and cysts
Steroids increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, especially when abused long-term
Anabolic steroids can cause infertility and testicular shrinkage in males
Female steroid users may experience hair loss, breast reduction, and deepening of the voice
Approximately 30% of steroid users reported experiencing mood swings, irritability, or aggression
The majority of steroid users obtain the drugs illegally, often through underground labs or black market sources
Steroid abuse is most prevalent among young adult males aged 18-25
Anabolic steroids can lead to skin conditions like acne and cysts, especially with prolonged use

Despite their popularity among athletes, bodybuilders, and teenagers—numbers revealing over 2 million Americans have tried anabolic steroids—these powerful drugs carry significant health risks, legal consequences, and a troubling addiction potential that often go unnoticed.

Demographics and Prevalence

Approximately 2 million Americans have used anabolic steroids at least once
Up to 19% of college athletes have admitted to steroid use at some point during their careers
An estimated 375,000 Americans abuse anabolic steroids
Over 200,000 teenage boys in the U.S. have used anabolic steroids
Steroid abuse is most prevalent among young adult males aged 18-25
Usage of anabolic steroids among high school students was reported at approximately 2% in a 2020 survey
The prevalence of steroid use in professional weightlifting is estimated to be over 60%

Demographics and Prevalence Interpretation

With millions having dipped into the illicit gains pool—from teenage boys to pro weightlifters—it's clear that in America's quest for strength, the line between ambition and addiction is increasingly blurring, revealing a culture where performance often outweighs health.

Health Risks and Medical Consequences

Long-term anabolic steroid use can lead to liver damage, including tumors and cysts
Steroids increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, especially when abused long-term
Anabolic steroids can cause infertility and testicular shrinkage in males
Female steroid users may experience hair loss, breast reduction, and deepening of the voice
Anabolic steroids can lead to skin conditions like acne and cysts, especially with prolonged use
The use of steroids can cause paranoia and delusions, particularly in high doses
Some athletes use steroids to improve their performance in sports like bodybuilding, football, and baseball
The detoxification process from steroid dependence can take several months or longer
Steroid withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, restlessness, decreased appetite, and depression
The risk of developing steroid dependency increases with prolonged use and higher dosage, said by addiction specialists
Steroid use is associated with increased libido but can result in sexual dysfunction over time
About 60% of steroid users report using other illicit drugs concurrently, such as alcohol and stimulants
Steroid abuse-related health costs in the U.S. are estimated to be in the billions annually, including medical treatment and lost productivity
Anabolic steroids can cause stunted growth among adolescents if used prematurely, according to pediatric endocrinologists
Some people use steroids for quick muscle gains rather than training harder, contributing to unsafe dosages
Female athletes may be more likely to suffer from menstrual irregularities due to steroid use, according to sports medicine research
Anabolic steroids can cause water retention and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease
Some users develop a dependency on steroids, requiring medically supervised detoxification, which can be complex and lengthy
The use of anabolic steroids can cause significant hormonal imbalances, including gynecomastia in males
Steroid use among teenagers is often motivated by desires to improve physical appearance and athletic competence, according to youth surveys
The number of reported anabolic steroid-related emergency room visits increased by 10% over five years, indicating rising health risks
Anabolic steroids are sometimes used illicitly to help reduce body fat, despite health risks
A significant proportion of users do not disclose their steroid use to healthcare providers, complicating diagnosis and treatment
The majority of athletes who use steroids do so without medical supervision, increasing health risks
Steroid use is associated with increased incidence of tendon injuries due to rapid muscle growth exceeding tendon strength
Youths who start steroid use at an early age are more likely to develop substance use disorders later, according to longitudinal studies
Steroids can impair cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis
The use of steroids during adolescence can interfere with normal development and puberty, according to pediatric health experts
Many bodybuilders and athletes resort to steroids to achieve an aesthetic ideal, despite the legal and health risks involved

Health Risks and Medical Consequences Interpretation

While anabolic steroids promise quick muscle gains and athletic prestige, their long-term health toll—ranging from liver tumors and heart attacks to infertility and hormonal chaos—reminds us that forcing fitness shortcuts often comes with a dangerously steep price tag.

Legal and Enforcement Aspects

Legal penalties for steroid trafficking can include fines and imprisonment, depending on jurisdiction
Some countries have implemented strict regulations and bans on anabolic steroids, but illegal markets persist worldwide

Legal and Enforcement Aspects Interpretation

Despite strict regulations and hefty penalties, the ongoing global clandestine trade in anabolic steroids highlights that, in some arenas, the legal walls are no match for the relentless illicit pursuit of muscle and fame.

Market and Usage Trends

The global anabolic steroid market was valued at over $3 billion in 2020
The majority of steroid users obtain the drugs illegally, often through underground labs or black market sources
Despite the risks, some athletes believe steroids are essential for competitive advantage, indicating a cultural normalization in some sports communities
The global demand for steroids has increased by over 50% in the past decade, driven by body image concerns and athletic performance

Market and Usage Trends Interpretation

With a global market surpassing $3 billion and a 50% surge in demand over the past decade, anabolic steroids highlight a troubling normalization of performance enhancement and body image obsession, often fueling illegal practices despite mounting health and ethical risks.

Psychological and Behavioral Effects

Approximately 30% of steroid users reported experiencing mood swings, irritability, or aggression

Psychological and Behavioral Effects Interpretation

While nearly a third of steroid users grapple with mood swings or aggression, these statistics serve as a stark reminder that physical gains often come at a significant emotional and psychological cost.