Social Connections and Perceptions Influence Steroid Use Intentions in Boys and Men

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto has shed light on how social relationships and individual perceptions are linked to the likelihood of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use among boys and men. The research found that individuals who perceive steroid use within their social circles are more prone to developing intentions to use these substances themselves, even if they have not used them before. This highlights the powerful role of social environment in shaping attitudes toward steroid use.

The study analyzed data from over 1,500 participants across Canada and the United States, providing one of the first comprehensive insights into how exposure to steroid use within one’s social network influences personal attitudes and future risk of use. Lead author Dr. Kyle Ganson explained that more than a third of participants knew someone in their social circle who used steroids. While overall intentions to use steroids were relatively low, those exposed to users within their social networks showed significantly higher intentions to experiment with anabolic steroids.

Moreover, the research identified demographic factors associated with increased or decreased intentions. For example, multiracial individuals displayed higher tendencies to consider using AAS. Conversely, those who identified as gay or had achieved a graduate-level education demonstrated lower intentions. These findings underscore the importance of tailored prevention efforts that consider both social context and demographic variables.

Ganson emphasized that understanding social influences is crucial for developing effective harm reduction strategies and prevention campaigns, especially targeted at youth and young adults navigating social pressures related to body image, performance, and masculinity. As steroid use becomes more normalized in certain groups, recognizing the social aspects influencing this behavior is essential for public health interventions.

This research is published in the journal Performance Enhancement & Health, providing valuable insights into how social environments impact attitudes towards performance-enhancing drugs and highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this issue.