Tracing the Impact of Media, Cultural Narratives, and Social Perceptions on Australia's Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Communities

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are used for performance and image enhancement, yet their non-medical use in Australia is heavily criminalized and framed by sociocultural narratives that emphasize risk, deviance and harm. This study aimed to critically examine how people who use AAS experience these narratives, focusing on challenging their role in perpetuating stigma and reinforcing punitive responses. The study employed a peer-led approach to explore the lived-living experiences of people who use AAS in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants recruited through purposive sampling, leveraging the lead author's peer networks. The interview guide was designed to address sensitive topics, including law enforcement, health systems, and sociocultural attitudes. Data were analyzed using iterative categorization, followed by theoretical refinement of the developed categories. This process ensured the integration of participant accounts within broader sociopolitical discourses, recognizing the political dimensions of research. The analysis centred on a sample of 22 participants from Australia ( Median age  = 30 years, range: 19–49), with 91% identifying as men and 9% as women. It highlighted how media narratives portraying AAS use as linked to crime and deviance maintain stigma and contribute to their experiences of symbolic violence. These portrayals shape social perceptions of AAS consumption, reinforce self-stigma among consumers, and discourage open dialogue. Participants described how societal judgment can complicate AAS use, pushing people into informal, risky avenues. Despite a preference for legal and legitimate access, people face barriers rooted in punitive laws and healthcare resistance. This cycle marginalizes people who use AAS, denying them agency and support, while amplifying epistemic injustice and structural exclusion. We conclude by arguing against punitive narratives surrounding AAS use in Australia, advocating for inclusive, health-oriented approaches to policy. We call for peer-led approaches which may serve to dismantle symbolic violence and fostering respectful dialogue to support informed choices and wellbeing.