Despite their prevalence in bodybuilding, steroids are controlled substances in many regions. In a recent VICE documentary, an underground steroid market dealer and a harm reduction specialist shed light on the concerning surge of performance-enhancing drug use in the Uk.
Moreover, the narrator revealed a troubling statistic:
“An estimated half a million young men in the UK are addicted to steroids. In fact, the Class C drug is the second-most used drug after cannabis,” said the narrator.
Once a topic veiled in secrecy, the conversation around performance-enhancing drugs has gained prominence, propelled by the social media boom. Notably, in fitness and sports, steroids serve various purposes, enhancing agility, strength, power, and aiding recovery and intense training for bodybuilding.
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Furthermore, it’s crucial to clarify that Colosseum Strength doesn’t endorse or recommend recreational or performance-enhancing drugs. The provided information is based on athletes’ statements, and Colosseum Strength isn’t a medical resource; it serves informational purposes only.
In the UK, steroids are notably popular among young men aged 16-24. This popularity is driven by the influencer era and its unrealistic expectations. Nevertheless, concerns abound about the potential escalation of this steroid obsession.
VICE Documentary Unveils the UK Underground Steroid Market and Alarming Side Effects
In the dim corners of the steroid market, a VICE documentary exposes the clandestine dealings of an underground steroid dealer. Furthermore, the investigation commences by highlighting the potential risks associated with steroid use, underscoring the threats of liver and heart failure.
“But steroids come with some pretty alarming side effects including liver failure and heart failure as well as mood swings and increased estrogen which results in men needing breast reduction surgery.”
Actor Tom Powell, renowned for Love Island, unveiled his experiences with steroids. Specifically, Trenbolone, he disclosed, led to the shrinkage of his testicles.
“Tom Powell if it sounds familiar it’s because he was in season two of Love Island, he’s been openly taking steroids for a number of years now.”
“That’s not a stigma that’s fucking true, my balls are tiny,” said Powell. “My balls are pretty small.”
Although he acknowledges the impressive external results on Trenbolone, internally, he describes feeling akin to death.
“This is when I was taking Tren in my third cycle. I had a lot. My mood swings were up and down. Night terrors, which were horrible dreams every single night.
Couldn’t keep a hard-on. I looked incredible, I looked lean, I was full it was great but I felt like death.”
“I felt pressure to stay in shape more, it wasn’t the reason why I took those steroids. It was a contributing factor, obviously, I wanted to look good all the time because you’re constantly in the public eye.”
“I met the guys I wanted to become I asked them straight away, boys talk to me about steroids are you on them? They said, ‘Yeah, you can’t get anywhere in this industry without them.’ You can go to any single gym and buy steroids within five minutes of being in there. They are very very available.”
Regarding the most severe consequences of his steroid use, Powell affirmed that gynecomastia was a prominent issue. He even discussed live-streaming his surgery to address the condition:
“Yeah, I had gyno surgery. Gyno is a build-up of estrogen behind the nipple. I’m estrogen sensitive so when I was taking steroids my estrogen built up and stuck by my nipple basically, and it was causing pain.”
“To raise awareness [is why I live-streamed it] I know it’s a bit crazy. The more people it sees, the more people it reaches, and the more people that will see it and get checked out.”
Dr. John, known as ‘The King of Gyno,’ who performed Powell’s surgery, asserts that there is a widespread epidemic of this ailment in the UK.
“I do about two to three a day [gynocamatia surgeries]. Half of them are due to steroids, we’re talking about 15 in five days. So about seven or eight from steroid use. But I’m the King of Gyno,” says Dr. John.
“I genuinely can’t believe those massive glands came out of Grant’s body. Honestly, if that doesn’t put you off taking steroids, I genuinely don’t know what will,” the narrator said.
In an interview with an international steroid dealer, the VICE reporter observed the process of creating a homemade mixture involving nandrolone and a “couple of other chemicals.”
“I’m in an undisclosed location and I’m about to meet an international steroid dealer who makes steroids in his kitchen,” the narrator said. “So what’s happening now?”
“Basically, add a solution of nandrolone or deca, we’ve got the raw powder here. We put a couple of chemicals in there. I’m just finishing it off with some seed oil. This is the carrier. This is the solution,” said the masked steroid dealer.
“I mean, if you’re buying it over the internet or even from your local dealer you don’t know what the fuck you’re getting. Especially when you’re injecting it straight into your muscle, has it got hairs in it, has it got bits of fucking shit floating in it that’s going to give you sepsis,” said the dealer.
The steroid dealer highlighted the lack of clean sterile environments in formulating these compounds, stressing that “every time you take this shit, you’re risking your life.”
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“Well, I’ve seen some very dirty conditions, smoking cigarettes over it and the ashes dropping in. It’s not getting filtered. I’ve seen people have injections and them go bad. They have to have their whole leg cut open and drained. It’s fucking risky. It’s risky.”
There’s not a lot of people actually making this shit. So the guy in the gym who is telling you yeah yeah this is the best, how the fuck do they know? You know what I mean. Every time you take this shit you’re risking your life. It’s a lottery. Unless you’re making this yourself or getting it from a pharmaceutical company, you don’t know what the fucks in it.”
The underground steroid dealer expressed regret, revealing that his usual clientele comprises males aged 16 to 24 years old.
“Not everybody who makes and sells drugs is trying to kill people and rinse them. Do you know what I mean? It’s a gray area.”
“It breaks my heart to say it but 16-24 [years old is my demographic].”
Former steroid user and bodybuilder David Crossland established a company to mitigate the potential harm associated with the use of these drugs.
“David Crossland, a former steroid user and bodybuilder, has turned his efforts to harm reduction,” said the narrator.
“The easiest way to describe E-Val is a blood testing company for people with alternative lifestyles. It’s just about minimizing the harms that people expose them to. Be that steroids or be that recreational drugs.”
VICE Documentary Reveals Harsh Realities of Steroid Use in the Fitness and Bodybuilding Community
In recent months, the bodybuilding world faced tragic deaths, like Jo Lindner’s aneurysm at 30. Kristyn Lia, a 39-year-old Women’s Physique IFBB Pro, also passed away, her cause undisclosed. However, these events spotlight the complex impact of steroids in fitness. They call for increased education and support for young men dealing with steroid challenges in the UK.
Furthermore, the recent VICE documentary provides vital insights into the world of steroids, emphasizing risks and promoting informed decision-making. It sheds light on the struggles within the fitness and bodybuilding community, underlining the need for proactive measures.
Watch the full video from the VICE YouTube channel below:
Overview
A recent VICE documentary unveils the alarming surge in steroid use in the United Kingdom. Delving into the UK underground market, it features an international steroid dealer and a harm reduction specialist, shedding light on the deadly consequences of performance-enhancing drug use. Furthermore, the film discusses the risks associated with steroids, from liver and heart failure too severe side effects like gynecomastia. Additionally, the UK, witnessing a rise in steroid obsession among young men, prompts concerns about potential health hazards. The documentary advocates for increased education and awareness to address the challenges posed by steroid use in the fitness community.
Featured Image @Vice Documentary (YouTube), @sam_Sulek, @rubiel_mosquera__ (Instagram)
