Polysubstance use practices among women using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS)

Background: Research with men who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) shows typologies exist where some younger and less risk-averse users engage in polysubstance use. Little research has investigated polysubstance use among women who use AAS. Method: This study explored patterns of AAS and other illicit substance use among a sample of female AAS users involved in strength sports (e.g., bodybuilding) from Australia (n=7). The research also engaged in interviews with male AAS users who came into frequent contact with women using AAS either by coaching them or as peers (n=7). Data were analysed within a constructivist framework using thematic analysis. Results: The data suggests belonging to a female strength athlete identity may have pseudo-protective elements which results in reducing licit substance use, however, illicit substance use does not run counter to the culture and may be supported by it. Discussion: Women who use AAS identified underlying factors, related to significant previous events in their lives, contributing to their polysubstance use. The male participants expressed similar views regarding underlying factors which contributed to women’s use of other substances for recreational purposes. Further investigations are warranted to explore, more fully, the psychosocial factors which contribute to use of multiple illicit substances among women who use AAS and whether typologies exist.