Anabolic steroids are basically artificial variations of testosterone which is a male hormone. These drugs help in building muscles and also contribute towards enhanced masculine features and characteristics. These steroids increase the synthesis of proteins in the cells and this causes the muscles to build up. As anabolic steroids help in formation of lean muscles these have been used in anabolic steroid treatment particularly to deal with patients suffering from AIDS.

AIDS patients largely experience fat loss, wasting of the body and this is tackled through taking steroids as these can help in building lean muscles. HIV drugs may also result in reduction in the testosterone levels and in that case testosterone treatment may be a part of the anabolic steroids treatment.

Anabolic steroids are largely used by athletes and other sports persons as these help in building muscles and improving performance. In fact many athletes tend to take multiple kinds of steroids believing that these multiple steroids can have a better effect on the muscles. Also some athletes start off with low doses or steroids and slowly increase the doses. All this can cause dependence on steroids. In case of abuse of anabolic steroid treatment specifically designed to tackle the addiction may be needed.

In the case of abuse and addiction to anabolic steroid treatment may involve supportive therapy. In this the patients are normally educated about the withdrawal symptoms associated with anabolic steroids. Behavioral therapies may also be used and specific issues underlying each individual case may be identified and addressed. In this treatment it is identified if the steroids are taken to increase performance or to improve appearance. Once the reasons are identified a plan of action can be chartered out and implemented. Other aspects that need to be considered to tackle steroids abuse include diet along with the exercise regime followed. Spirituality and family therapy can also help steroid abusers.

In case of abuse and addiction to anabolic steroid treatment options should be determined only after identifying the reasons why the steroids were used in the first place. Specific tests may also be used to identify and also monitor the levels of abused substances in the blood. Relapse prevention along with recreational activities and anger and grief therapy can also help in tackling this problem of steroids abuse.