Sandro Ricci* (27) wants to get stronger. He is holding a syringe. There is a mirror in front of it. He sees her bare butt inside. He starts, stabs and shoots. Three times total: Testosterone Enanthate, Masteron and Deca-Durabolin. His health comes second. He re-injects anabolic steroids every three days. After two months, he takes a break until he can prepare the next injections. Because: Ricci wants to be more beautiful. By this he means bulging muscles, broad shoulders and thick veins.
That’s what Ricci says in a conversation with SonntagsBlick. It’s been clean for a year. He is currently working as a trainer in a studio and wishes to remain anonymous so as not to lose his job. “There is someone” or “There is someone”, that’s how Ricci talks about himself. He rarely uses the word “I”. Our society stigmatizes people who take anabolic steroids. Although “pump” items are common. A study by the Center for Addiction Medicine in Zurich concludes that more than 200,000 people in Switzerland have used anabolic steroids in their lifetime. Rising trend.
The investigation was led by general internist Philip Bruggmann (51). He says: “Ideal body images are being disseminated through social networks. Teens compare themselves to people who use anabolic steroids. They want to look the same so they turn to steroids. This creates a spiral.”
Stroke possible as a side effect
Influencers like strong athlete Mark Bell (46) talk about their experiences online. Half a million people follow him on Instagram. In a video, one of the interlocutors tells Bell: “Testosterone replacement therapy has a positive effect on your life. You have more confidence and your body changes a bit.” It doesn’t mention any risks or side effects. Ricci watched videos and podcasts like this one. He browsed YouTube and numerous forums to learn more. He also sought advice from his “pump” friends.
This is typical for Professor Bruggmann: “Physicians without special training in anabolic steroids often react with caution, even to the point of stigma.” Often the information is lacking for sound advice. As a result, those affected return to their communities. The problem with this is that what is conveyed is often half knowledge, not specialist knowledge, at best. Risks are downplayed and positive effects are emphasized.
This often ends in disaster. For example, coronary arteries can narrow as a side effect of anabolic steroids. Coups are also possible. Bruggmann explains: “In medicine, people take testosterone replacement therapy when their own production is too low. These are relatively small amounts.” It takes a lot more testosterone to achieve strong muscle growth. “Side effects are inevitable at these high doses.”
Other active ingredients other than those specified
Ricci acknowledged this. After her first week of splashing, her nose started bleeding and she had a pimple on her back. Hair fell out in a short time. The mammary glands enlarged while the testicles shrank. He no longer wanted sex – a typical consequence of anabolic steroids. Online stores promise help and put testosterone doses right next to Viagra pills. Ricci felt increasingly uncomfortable. Hair was transplanted and mammary glands were surgically reduced. Then he quit all substances and fell into depression. Anabolic steroids are addictive.
And that’s not even all the dangers. According to the Center for Addiction Medicine, three-quarters of all anabolic steroid products are counterfeit. They contain different active ingredients than specified or are not dosed correctly. Medicines from veterinary medicine are sold on the Internet and by dealers. Or illegal substances produced in clandestine laboratories and sold on the black market. It’s a million-franc business for criminal networks.
Even teenagers want anabolic steroids
This was also confirmed by Jonas Personeni of the Swiss Foundation for Sport Integrity (SSI): “The banned doping substances come mainly from Eastern European and Asian countries.” SSI works with law enforcement and investigates seized prohibited items. The increase in imports of anabolic steroids in recent years indicates a trend towards these products.
Ricci observes this in his work at the fitness centre. More and more interested people come to him with questions. “Even 16-year-olds want to try Testo.” Even he considers it an alarming development. Ricci is not currently using anabolic steroids. But: “One day I might want to start over.” Ricci misses strength during training. And his bulging muscles when he stands in front of the mirror.
* Name changed