Criteria for anabolic steroid dependence

• More anabolic steroid taken than intended.
• A desire to cut down or to control the anabolic steroid dose, yet unable to.
• A large amount of time spent on drug-related activity.
• Frequent intoxication or withdrawal symptoms when expected to function or in physically hazardous situations.
• Social, leisure or work activities are replaced by anabolic steroid use.
• Anabolic steroid use continued despite problems caused or worsened by its use.
• Tolerance built up and supratherapeutic doses are required.
• Withdrawal symptoms such as depression, fatigue, headaches and psychomotor retardation develop.
• Anabolic steroids are used to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  Many of these criteria apply to most heavy anabolic steroid users.