GP Guide to harm minimisation for patients using non-prescribed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs)

The purpose of this Guide is to provide GPs and other health professionals with up-to-date, evidence-informed guidance on how to manage and minimise harm for people who are contemplating, currently using or wanting to stop  non-prescribed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs).

The Guide is based on the best available evidence and draws upon an extensive literature review and the experience and knowledge of health professionals, researchers, and people who use non-prescribed AAS and other PIEDs.

For the printable PDF version of this guide, click here.

For the PIEDs Quick Reference Guide, click here.

The harm minimisation approach taken in these Guides is in line with the National Drug Strategy. It acknowledges the inherent risks of drug use and the range of supports needed to progressively reduce drug-related harm to the user, the community, and families. This approach does not condone the use of illicit drugs.

Acknowledgment

This resource was developed by Dr Katinka van de Ven, Dr Beng Eu, Dr Eva Jackson, Dr Esther Han, Dr Nicole Gouda, Ms Pat Simmonds and Mr Craig Parsons. We would also like to thank all the health professionals and other experts who have been consulted throughout this process.

Suggested reference

van de Ven, K., Eu, B., Jackson, E., Han, E., Gouda, N., Simmonds, P., & Parsons, C. (2020, December). GP Guide to harm minimisation for patients using non-prescribed anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs). Sydney, Australia: Sydney North Health Network (SNHN).

Disclaimer: The GP Guide to Harm Minimisation for Patients using Non-Prescribed Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) and other Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) (the Guide) is intended as an educational tool for health professionals and not the general public. The content of the Guide including all information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and in no event will SNPHN Ltd be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profit arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the Guide.