CNS EFFECTS AND ABUSE LIABILITY OF ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have become more widely used and ab used not only by elite athletes, but by nonathletes as well. It appear s that these drugs are being used for cosmetic purposes as well as for promoting aggressive behavior. However, AASs may also be used in comb ination with other drugs such as ethyl alcohol and cocaine-a practice that may contribute to the observed increase in aggressive behavior. A s there are no reliable animal models of AAS self-administration, it h as been difficult to characterize the abuse liability and physical dep endence potential of this class of drugs. A better understanding of ne uroactive steroids, improved methods for assessing AAS abuse, and a re vised interpretation of drug-seeking behavior is needed to develop imp roved treatment strategies for this emerging health-related problem.