Steroid withdrawal can be a challenging process for those who have relied on these medications for extended periods of time. If you’re using steroids and are about to come off, make sure you’re aware of the risks of steroid withdrawal so you can avoid them.

Steroid withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, impacting both physical and mental well-being. The recovery timeline also differs based on the type and duration of steroid use. This guide explores the process, shows how long steroid withdrawal takes, and outlines how to get effective care.

What Are Steroids?

Steroids are a type of medication that doctors use to help with different health problems. There are two main kinds of steroids:

1. Corticosteroids: These are the most common type. Doctors use them to treat things like asthma, allergies, and skin problems. They help calm down the immune system, which can get too active and cause issues.
2. Anabolic steroids: These are different from corticosteroids. People often use anabolic steroids to build muscles. Some athletes misuse them to get stronger and faster, but this is not safe.

Steroids can come in different forms like creams, pills, and injections. When used correctly, they can help people feel better and manage their health problems.

Are Steroids Addictive?

Steroids can be addictive for some people. This means they can start to depend on them and feel like they can’t stop using them. This is more common with anabolic steroids, which some people use to build muscles quickly.

Here are some signs that steroids might be addictive:

• Needing more: Over time, the body gets used to the steroids, and people might need to take more to get the same effect.
• Using without need: Some people might keep using steroids even when they don’t need them for medical reasons.
• Feeling bad when stopping: When people stop using steroids, they might feel sick, tired, or very sad. This can make them want to start using them again.

It’s essential to use steroids only as a doctor tells you to. If you or someone you know is having trouble stopping steroids, ask a doctor for help.

Negative Effects of Steroids

Steroids can help with some health problems, but they can also cause negative effects, especially if used too much or in the wrong way. Here are some of the problems steroids can cause:

Physical effects include:

• Skin problems: Steroids can cause the skin to thin and bruise easily. People might also get acne or red, bumpy skin.
• Weight gain: Using steroids can make people gain weight quickly, especially in the face, neck, and belly.
• Weak muscles and bones: Steroids can make muscles and bones weaker. This can lead to problems like osteoporosis, which makes bones more likely to break.
• High blood pressure: Steroids can increase blood pressure, which can lead to heart problems over time.
• Stomach issues: Steroids can irritate the stomach and cause problems like ulcers or bleeding.

Emotional and mental effects include:

• Mood changes: Steroids can make people feel happy and energetic at first, but later they might feel very sad, angry, or anxious.
• Sleep problems: Steroids can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to tiredness during the day.
• Addiction: Some people can become addicted to steroids and feel like they need to keep using them even when they know it’s not good for them.

Other health problems include:

• Infections: Steroids can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get infections.
• Hormone imbalance: Steroids can affect the body’s natural hormones. For men, this can mean having less sperm and smaller testicles. For women, it can cause changes in menstrual cycles and hair growth.
• Growth issues in kids: For children and teenagers, using steroids can affect growth and development.

Use steroids only as prescribed by a doctor. If someone is having negative effects from steroids, they should talk to a healthcare professional for help.

What Is Steroid Withdrawal?

Steroid withdrawal happens when a person stops using steroids after using them for a long time. There are two main types of steroids that can cause withdrawal: topical steroids and anabolic steroids. 

• Topical steroid withdrawal: This occurs when someone stops using creams or ointments that contain steroids, often used for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The skin can react badly when the medication is stopped.
• Anabolic steroid withdrawal: This happens when someone stops taking steroids that were used to build muscles. Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes misuse these steroids to get stronger and faster. When the body gets used to having these steroids, stopping them can cause various problems. The body needs time to adjust and start making its own natural steroids again.

6 Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone goes through steroid withdrawal, they can have many different symptoms. Here are six common ones:

1. Tiredness: People might feel very tired and weak, lacking energy for normal activities.
2. Muscle and joint pain: Stopping steroids can cause a lot of pain in muscles and joints, making it hard to move around.
3. Mood changes: People might feel very sad, anxious, or irritable. These changes can affect their relationships and daily life.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach and might throw up, which can make it hard to eat and stay healthy.
5. Skin problems: For those stopping topical steroids, the skin can become red, itchy, and swollen. It might also peel or crack, which can be painful.
6. Hormone imbalance: Stopping anabolic steroids can cause hormonal issues, leading to problems like low sex drive, tiredness, and even depression.

Both types of steroid withdrawal can be challenging, but doctors can help manage the symptoms. Follow their advice and don’t stop taking steroids suddenly on your own.

How Long Does It Take to Get Over Steroid Withdrawal?

The time it takes to get over steroid withdrawal can be different for everyone. It depends on how long and how much steroids were used, and the type of steroid.

• Topical steroids: Withdrawal symptoms from stopping topical steroids can last from a few weeks to several months. For some people, it can even take years for their skin to fully recover.
• Anabolic steroids: Withdrawal from anabolic steroids can take a few weeks to a few months. The body needs time to start making its own hormones again.

During this time, be patient and follow a doctor’s advice. Everyone’s body heals at its own pace, and it’s vital to give it time to adjust.

Tips on How to Make Steroid Withdrawal Easier

Going through steroid withdrawal can be tough, but here are some tips to make it easier:

• Follow your doctor’s plan: Always talk to your doctor before stopping steroids. They can help create a plan to slowly reduce the amount you take, which can make withdrawal easier.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body stay healthy and flush out toxins.
• Eat healthy foods: Eating fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.
• Rest: Make sure to get plenty of sleep and rest. Your body needs extra energy to recover.
• Use moisturizers: If you are dealing with skin problems from topical steroid withdrawal, using gentle moisturizers can help soothe your skin.
• Exercise gently: Light exercise, like walking or yoga, can help keep your body strong without overdoing it.
• Talk to someone: It can be helpful to talk to friends, family, or a counselor about what you’re going through. They can offer support and encouragement.
• Avoid stress: Try to stay calm and avoid stressful situations. Stress can make withdrawal symptoms worse.

Remember, getting better takes time. Be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time.

Get Compassionate, Science-Backed Care & Treatment at California Detox

If you need help for yourself or a loved one withdrawing from steroids, reach out to California Detox. We treat all types of addictions and mental health issues at our rehab center in Laguna Beach.

Our medical detox programs help people slowly withdraw from steroids with access to medications and 24/7 clinical care. Medical detox also makes the transition to ongoing treatment smoother.

Inpatient programs at California Detox account for the unique nature of all addictions by offering personalized therapies. These may include:

• Counseling
• Talk therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Group therapy
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery right away by calling 949.694.8305.