Campaign to tackle steroid use in Hull
Hundreds of people have visited the city's needle exchange in the last year for steroid use.
Almost 3,000 people visited Hull's needle exchange last year - with over 800 using the scheme so that they could safely inject steroids.
A campaign has now been launched to warn people of the dangers of injecting steroids and other image and performance enhancing drugs.
Serious side effects include breast tissue growth, hair loss and aggression in men and women can experience growth of facial hair and fertility problems.
Under the joint IPED campaign, representatives from drug support service ReNew will work with Hull University’s on-campus gym to provide students and other gym users with information and support where needed.
Vicky Harris, Assistant City Manager for Public Health Commissioning, said:
“This focus on substances which are used to enhance image and performance is intended to make users aware that these drugs are not without risk. Those who use these drugs often do so in the pursuit of health, youth and appearance, but the side-effects are completely at odds with these goals.
“IPEDs put users at risk of a range of harms, including acne, liver and heart problems, depression, aggression and hair loss. Men specifically can suffer shrinking testicles, prostate problems and growth of breast tissue. Women may see their voices deepen, growth of facial hair and a disrupted menstrual cycle or fertility problems. Additionally, all intravenous drugs carry a range of risks, including blood-borne viruses and issues related to injecting.
“With this campaign, we hope to reach groups already using these substances and those at risk of becoming users”.