UK Steroid Law Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs IPEDs
UK Steroid Law Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs IPEDs
In most situations the possession offence is waived meaning that people who possess or use steroids without a prescription are unlikely to be prosecuted. However, in some areas of the UK police have successfully prosecuted people for possession of steroids when the steroids have not been in the form of a medicinal product. People can also be prosecuted for possession with intent to supply if they have large quantities of steroids without a prescription for them. There is currently nothing illegal about possessing anabolic steroids for personal use, due to their Class C status.
- Most sports organisations have banned the use of anabolic steroids, and other performance-enhancing drugs, and will carry out regular tests on all competitors.
- As doctors, we know only too well how dangerous and addictive these drugs are and the serious side effects of steroids.
- Coming off steroids can lead to depression and for some men possibly thoughts of suicide.
- Legality is one thing – but such substances can have a devastating effect on both safety and personal health.
Anabolic steroids can be legally prescribed to treat hormone deficiencies, such as delayed puberty, and loss of muscle mass in patients with life-threatening illnesses including cancer and AIDS. Controlled drugs refer to any substances that are tightly controlled by the government, because they pose a risk of addiction or misuse. Below is an overview of the side effects of using anabolic steroids alongside other drugs. Anabolic androgenic steroids are manufactured drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone, the sex hormone mainly produced in the gonads – the glands involved in reproduction (testicles or ovaries).
Importation of Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced drugs that mimic the effects of natural testosterone. They are sometimes used very occasionally to stimulate muscle regrowth after surgery or as part of treatment for an unusual type of anaemia. It is an offence to sell articles for the preparation or administration of controlled drugs – such as cocaine snorting kits. The Act also allows for the seizure of assets and income of someone who is found guilty of drug trafficking, even if the assets and income cannot be shown to have come from the proceeds of drug trafficking.
- Depending on the type of steroids, the quantity of them and the methods and sophistication use to import them; the sentences will vary significantly.
- We believe that by providing you with these services, you will be able to make more informed choices about your sexual and overall health.
- As drug misuse increases, some people may use crime, such as burglary, to find items that can be stolen and sold to others to raise money to buy more drugs.
- Some younger people use them to try and look more attractive, despite risking the negative effects on their looks.
They are a class C drug and can only be obtained through a pharmacy with a valid prescription. Outside of licensed medical uses, people tend to use anabolic steroids in bodybuilding, because they can quickly build muscle mass, decrease body fat, and improve athletic performance. Anabolic steroids are controlled as Class C substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Why do people take anabolic steroids?
This also covers activities relating to the production, supply or preparation of controlled drugs. The answer is complicated because importing (even for personal use) or supplying steroids uk shop online steroids is illegal. This means the onus will be on you to prove you have not imported or supplied or have the intention to supply steroids that are in your possession.
The “supply” offence can mean something as simple as sharing with someone else, even if you don’t sell the steroids to them. Tyrone Brennand trained extremely hard in his twenties to become a bodybuilder. He tried to gain as much muscle as possible through eating, protein shakes and lifting weights and came under immense pressure from people at the gym to try steroids.
Does a conviction for Importation of Steroids go on your criminal record?
It is important to be aware of these risks before attempting to inject any substance. Before deciding on a sentence, the court will look into any factors that increase the seriousness of the offence such as being in possession whilst on bail. They will also look into factors that may decrease the sentence such as having no convictions or being of good character. As steroids can affect your mood it is advisable to avoid other drugs that change your mental state.
YDNPA Occupancy restrictions and legal agreements
While personal possession of AAS is legal in the UK, many people who use these drugs remain secretive, sometimes in response to the stigma fuelled by the mainstream media. Drawing on our own research and other published literature, we explore the stigma experienced by people who use AAS, together with the discriminatory and sometimes stigmatising behaviours exhibited by some members of this community. N2 – The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has diffused from elite sport and competitive bodybuilding and is now commonplace in the gyms of the UK.
The risks
“The real growth has come in young users who want to improve their body image.” The amount of drugs found on you and whether you have a criminal record, will be taken into account when a punishment is being decided. The importing of a psychoactive substance, which would include buying a psychoactive substance from a non-UK based website, may lead to individuals being prosecuted.