Australia should stop beefing up its steroid laws - that won't help users

Abstract

The use of image and performance enhancing drugs – in particular steroids – is a growing area of concern globally. <br/> The use of these drugs has traditionally been limited to elite athletes and professional bodybuilders. But now their use is becoming normalised as part of a fitness and beauty regime for people who want to gain muscle, become leaner, and improve their appearance. <br/> Several population studies have shown the use of image and performance enhancing drugs in Australia is relatively low. However, the dramatic increase of steroids detected at the country's borders, and the number of users accessing needle and syringe programs, seem to indicate otherwise.