Characteristics and Behaviors of Older Male Anabolic Steroid Users

Abstract

Objective: To compare and contrast the characteristics of 2 groups of men ≥40 years old: reported anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) users and nonusers. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Thirty-eight online fitness, weight lifting, bodybuilding, and steroid Web sites. Participants: A total of 67 male AAS users and 76 male nonusers ≥40 years old. Main Outcomes Measured: Demographics, utilization of AAS and other performance-enhancing agents (PEAs), exercise patterns, history of illicit drugs and alcohol use, and psychiatric traits/diagnoses. Results: The majority of AAS users ≥40 years old were caucasian (92.5%), heterosexual (97.0%), and classified themselves as recreational exercisers (79.1%). AAS users took more PEAs (11.5 ± 5.6 vs 4.6 ± 2.7; P < .001), were more likely to binge drink (47.8% vs 29.0%; P = .025), report heavy alcohol use (21.0% vs 7.9%; P = .031), meet criteria for substance dependence disorder (27.4% vs 4.0%; P < .001), and report an anxiety disorder diagnosis (12.0% vs 2.6%; P = .046) than nonusers. Conclusions: AAS misuse is prevalent among older men and is associated with polypharmacy, more aggressive alcohol use, and a higher incidence of substance dependence and anxiety disorders compared to nonusers. This information may help clinicians and researchers identify and develop appropriate intervention strategies for AAS abuse among older men.