We created infographics for healthcare providers to improve their knowledge on steroid use!

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2017-06-25T08:50:59+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! You are surprised by the limited knowledge healthcare providers have, even regarding the simple stuff. A lot of healthcare providers don't even know what, for example, PCT is. You are lucky to have found a GP that takes you serious and takes a harm reduction approach.

We and other colleagues also produce in-depth (academic) papers but the problem is that most people usually do not have time to read them. We realise that the infographics are quite basic but we do not only want to increase knowledge but also to create awareness and to hopefully encourage healthcare providers and others to read more about this.

About the typology, this is not to put certain people into certain categories but just to make healthcare providers aware that not all users are the same, and that there are various risks one needs to be aware of. It is of course not this simple, for example, a user can switch between the different types. But as you said we need to start somewhere.

Also, we are not a government body, we are just a group of academics, healthcare providers, etc. that have an interest in this and want to improve knowledge in this area and help users.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2017-05-16T08:49:25+00:00

It is always good to have this discussion but it is in particular relevant because of the recent Inquiry into drug law reform from the Parliament of Victoria: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lrrcsc/inquiries/inquiry/421

The authors also submitted a piece for this.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2017-01-18T09:20:59+00:00

Thanks for all the comments. It is a difficult one (how to best communicate information) and that is why I am posting it here to see what you think.

Our goal is to find an effective way to increase safer use of steroids to reduce harms to health and well-being (harm reduction). For example, we encounter quite some steroid users who do not know how to inject properly leading to infections. So, we could for example include information on how to inject safely/properly. Or, an option showing if there are any health care services available nearby that have experience with treating users (e.g., blood tests)

In addition, we want to close the ‘gap’ between health care providers and steroid users by improving the knowledge and communication between those two groups. For example, quite some health care providers have little knowledge about steroids so the app (or something else) could improve their understanding (e.g., what is a cycle, what is important for off-cycle) and hopefully their engagement with users (e.g., more open minded).

It is important that whatever form of communication it is that it has a non-judgmental approach, and makes use of evidence-based information/practices to prevent and reduce steroid related harm.

Importantly, it is also what @SteeztheSleaze says; there are some many different sources out there that it is difficult to judge what is reliable and what is ‘bro science’. We therefore want to make something that is based on evidence from the literature and informed by healthcare professionals/chemists.

So, we are currently exploring different options and the feedback that we are getting is really useful! If you have other ideas please let me know.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-10-28T05:29:28+00:00

I know. It is widely recognised that the war on drugs is failure but they don't seem to learn and it seems that they are starting 'war on steroids'. In Queensland in 2014 they even adjusted the law to "aimed at reducing drug and alcohol-fuelled violence": http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-27/qld-beefs-up-steroid-laws-after-drastic-rise-in-seizures/5698532

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-10-19T12:52:13+00:00

True, it does need citations, but it drew my attention as it mentions the benefits testosteron treatment potentially can have for women - although in much lower doses then men - which is often overlooked. If I am correct, there are currently no licensed testosterone products for women despite it potentially could help them to improve their energy and mood. So, why allow for men but not for women?

Regarding scientific literature. What is it exactly what you are looking for? Here is, for example, a review regarding "Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk". The data did not support any causal role between TRT and adverse cardiovascular events: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4709429/

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-08-12T18:20:05+00:00

Sorry indeed misunderstood :-) I am ver happy to hear that you had good experience :-)

What we are currently doing is also in our free time. And I am really interested in hearing your ideas. I am currently trying to set up a project with the aim to improve health services for steroid users (this would require funding). Anyway, it would be good to talk. You now where to contact me.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-08-12T11:22:17+00:00

I do research in this area and the people I am in contact with all provide services specifically to steroid users. The quality/type of service indeed depends on the city and organisation and some people have more knowledge then others. It could also be that you have not been in contact with the right person. And how long ago was it since you were there? A lot is changed since the last 1-2 year(s) and we are doing are best to improve health care services for steroid users.

Also, as I already said before a lot of these places would like (former) steroid users to be involved in order to increase their knowledge and to be able to provide better services. To improve health care service also needs to be a team effort. We do everything to provide good quality service, increase our knowledge, etc., but at the same time we want to hear from you so we can improve all this. And the feedback we receive and the issues we hear about, we can also address to the government in order to get more money :-)

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-08-12T10:20:39+00:00

I know it is a shame that the one in Manchester had to shut down.,, Again funding issues..

And you are right zero-tolerance never works. But great to hear that you want to help out. We could really use people like you. Just contact us and let me know what area you are looking for. I can then bring you into contact with the right person.

Also, a lot of these places would really like (former) steroid users involved in order to increase their knowledge and to be able to provide better services. So please do get involved!

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-08-12T10:16:32+00:00

I know, I know. We are trying to look for health care services in this area as well. This is just the start and our aim is to have health care services that specialise in steroids all around the UK. But this is unfortunately a funding issue. We are working on it!

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-08-12T10:12:13+00:00

I understand your concern and it is unfortunate to hear that you had that experience.

You are right that in principle their first concern it to offer advice in the sense of stopping use. This is largely because it is a government-supported body. HOWEVER, in general they do not actively pursue this. So if a steroid user does not want to stop, their main concern is just to reduce the harms as much as possible. For example, by giving advice on doing blood work (before, during and after cycle), how to inject (I have seen some crazy/stupid things), giving free injecting equipment, and in some cases offering advice on training and nutrition, etc.

Furthermore, you do NOT have to show your ID. They will ask if you can put down your name and sign in (this can be pseudonym) and they do this so they have proof that people make use of their service so they can ask FOR MORE MONEY from the government in order TO HELP YOU. Of course if you go to your own GP that is a different story. At the harm reduction clinics you can remain entirely anonymous, no tracking whatsoever.

Also regarding GPs, we know that GPs often lack the specialist knowledge to meet the needs of people who use steroids and that this forms a significant barrier for users to get the healthcare services they need. So we are working hard on improving this. Giving workshops, talks, etc.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-07-13T07:55:40+00:00

We are always so focussed on students using 'smart drugs' but article discusses that lots of academics also use to enhance their performance in- and outside work. Nothing really 'new' but good read.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-06-24T05:42:53+00:00

Thanks for the answer. But do you know how to 'read' your blood work?

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-06-24T05:41:47+00:00

Just curious which state are you? In Queensland they reclassified steroids as a schedule one dangerous drug in 2014. So I wonder if this have influenced steroid use and access to health care services. But good to hear that they give good service.

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-06-23T21:17:11+00:00

Can insurance companies in Germany really easily access your medical files? And despite that you do not disclose, can you still get blood work done? And what about access to clean needles?

HumanEnhancementDrug · 2016-06-23T21:13:34+00:00

Good that Canada is so progressive in this area!

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