In 1990, responding to increasing illicit traffic, the U.S. Congress passed the Anabolic Steroid Act, which identified anabolic steroids as a class of drugs and specifies over two dozen items as controlled substances.

In addition, a four-part definition of this class is established to permit new, black market compounds to be assigned to this category, and thus subject to regulation as controlled substances.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are the best-studied class of appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs). APEDs are used to improve appearance by building muscle mass or to enhance athletic performance.

Although anabolic steroids and other APEDs may directly and indirectly have effects on a person’s mood, they do not typically produce a euphoric high. However, people who use these substances may develop a substance use disorder, defined as continued use despite adverse consequences.

Anabolic steroids can cause severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible damage. They can lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and psychiatric problems. In addition, stopping steroid use can cause depression, often leading to resumption of use.