Research
Adherence
AAS dependence is associated with higher rates of conduct disorder, antisocial traits, and other substance dependencies, particularly opioid dependence.
AAS dependence often co-occurs with other mental health and substance use issues, such as opioid dependence and conduct disorder. Addressing these comorbidities is crucial for effective treatment of AAS dependence.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Dependent AAS users also reported a much more frequent history of conduct disorder than non-dependent AAS users and a much higher life-time prevalence of non-alcohol substance dependence than either comparison group; the latter differences were driven largely by a strikingly higher prevalence of opioid abuse and dependence.
Why this rating
Based on field studies comparing dependent vs. non-dependent users.
Source
Anabolic–androgenic steroid dependence: an emerging disorder
Gen Kanayama et al. · Addiction · 2009
DOI 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02734.x
narrative_reviewCited 292×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Approximately 30% of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users develop a distinct dependence syndrome characterized by chronic use despite adverse physical and psychosocial effects.Good
- AAS dependence shares significant neurobiological mechanisms with opioid dependence, including opioid-like withdrawal symptoms and cross-sensitization.Good
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