Working with people who use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs): engagement workshop targeted at healthcare professionals

Abstract

There are indications that people across the globe are increasingly using performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), such as steroids, to help them meet their 'body-image-related goals'. While many of the PIED use related harms are superficial (e.g. acne), there are more severe physical (e.g. cardiovascular disease) and psychological (e.g. dependence) problems. In addition, many people who use PIEDs, inject their drugs and are therefore at risk of injecting related harms. Yet, healthcare professionals, from clinical psychologists to GPs and NSP workers, generally report difficulties engaging with PIED users, which is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge about these substances. Effective education for healthcare professionals on PIEDs is therefore urgently needed.