We at Ballymena Today were disappointed when Made in Chelsea’s Spencer Matthews dropped out of the latest series of “I’m a Celebrity get Me out of Here”. His reason was even more disappointing:
He said:
Why did I leave I’m a Celebrity after just three days? The simple answer is that I screwed up, and have some explaining to do.
Shortly after I arrived in Australia I told the production team that I was taking a steroid-based medication that had begun some weeks ago.
When I started taking this programme of pills it was in preparation for a charity boxing match which, ironically, never took place.
Vanity, I suppose, had been the reason for wanting to bulk up a bit for the fight. I had intended to come off the pills gradually, but there was no time to do this before I reached the jungle.
My admission to the production team that I was still taking these pills led to the conclusion that it would be unsafe for me to stay in the jungle – a decision which I found extremely hard to stomach. I pushed back but ultimately the show’s duty of care prevailed and bags had to be packed. (Source)
Anabolic steroids are performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects. Some athletes, weightlifters and bodybuilders take them regularly to improve their physical performance and build up their bodies.
However, people of all ages have been known to misuse these drugs, including adolescent boys who suffer from body dysmorphia, an anxiety disorder where the way someone thinks about their body doesn’t match the way it looks.
Teenage boys and young men may take the drugs because they have reverse anorexia. This is when they don’t see themselves as being physically big enough or strong enough.
Some people believe taking anabolic steroids will help them become fit and healthy. This isn’t true: taking anabolic steroids is a dangerous drug habit.
There are some frightening side effect which you can read here. You should see your GP if you think you’re addicted to anabolic steroids. Treatment for an addiction to anabolic steroids will be similar to that of other types of addiction.
Your GP may refer you to a specially trained drugs counsellor. They’ll discuss your addiction with you, how to safely stop taking steroids, and any obstacles you may face when trying to stop, plus strategies for dealing with those obstacles. Please don’t wait before getting help for yourself of someone who you are worried about.
