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Three quarters of all anabolic steroids are counterfeit and endanger health.
Robin BaniRingier journalism student
The steroid trade is thriving. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security reports: The number of intercepted shipments is increasing from year to year. And the Center for Addiction Medicine (Arud) estimates that more than 200,000 people in Switzerland take anabolic steroids at some point in their lives – even though these substances are banned.
Better access to expertise could be more effective than tougher judicial action. The Center for Addiction Medicine is now planning a counseling service for consumers of anabolic steroids. From the summer of 2023, they should be informed about psychological and physical dangers.
But that’s not enough. Specialist positions are rare, as is the necessary knowledge. That’s why “pumpers” often get information in dodgy online forums or on YouTube channels that spread half-knowledge, downplay risks or hide them.
Testosterone users are reluctant to admit that their testicles have shrunk. They prefer to tense their biceps in front of the camera. Many in the fitness scene still believe that steroids can be used to gain muscle without side effects. One mistake among many. In addition, three quarters of all anabolic steroids are counterfeit and endanger your health.
There is no drug checking, as there is for psychoactive substances, and there is a lot of catching up to do. Increasingly, minors are also interested in anabolic steroids. To counteract this, we don’t have to ban harder, we have to communicate better. More education is needed about the risks of anabolic steroids.