‘Hidden population’ of

Increase in users turning up at needle exchange

A “HIDDEN population” of steroid users are taking potentially dangerous chemical shortcuts to reach body image ideals as seen on social media and reality TV shows like Love Island.

The drugs crisis plaguing Dundee means the work of needle exchanges supporting people with heroin or methodone addiction is perhaps more familiar than in other cities.

But the city’s facilities are also seeing a rise in the number of people using image and performance-enhancing drugs (Ipeds), most commonly anabolic steroids. Side effects can include shrunken testes and development of breast tissue in men, as well as fertility issues, acne, aggression, mood swings, heart attack, liver failure and blood clots. Those who inject the substances can also run the risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV.

The use of steroids among athletes has been commonplace for decades - and some even claim, if well-managed, they can be used safely.

But, according to Danny Kelly of Hillcrest Futures, there is a growing number of users who are looking for a “quick fix”.

In the past four years, the harm reduction service manager has seen a “steady increase” in the number of people using the needle exchange, who fall into this bracket.

Danny said: “I’d definitely say that Iped users are a hidden population. Steroid use is not always there in your face and it can be a bit of a taboo – someone who’s going to the gym all the time, who’s training hard, maybe they don’t want to disclose the fact they’re using steroids.

“I would say the past few years it’s definitely gone from people looking to get big and have that bigger, fuller look to people wanting to be more aesthetic, which is basically a tapered-down look, a lot leaner, a different look all together.

“For the kind of average Joe it seems a lot more attainable, and when that’s backed up

Danny Kelly says the service at The Cairn Centre is strictly anonymous.