Steroid version: anabolics are sold online using the methods of drug dealers
The police have eliminated one of the major network platforms of the underground trade in anabolic steroids. Despite the active struggle of law enforcement agencies against illegal traders, there are more and more such drug shops in the Network every day. How the black market of anabolic steroids works and what is the danger of uncontrolled use of testosterone — in the material of Izvestia.
Sellers of the "test"
The metropolitan police stopped the activities of a large online store specializing in the illegal trade in anabolic steroids. During the special operation, the security forces seized more than 300 kg of prohibited substances, and also detained eight members of the organized group. This was announced by the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Irina Volk.
As the operatives found out, the attackers organized a "full cycle" from accepting orders through the website to sending parcels to customers across the country. After receiving the request, the sellers formed parcels and handed them over to their accomplices, who sent the goods by regular mail to the buyers.
A criminal case has been opened against the detainees. Now the defendants face not only a large monetary fine, but also real terms of imprisonment. However, if for law enforcement officers this is a case of smuggling and illegal trafficking of powerful substances, then for doctors it is another "call" about a problem that has long gone beyond professional sports.
Network distribution
The seizure of 300 kg of steroids in Moscow is just the tip of the iceberg. As long as Russians are willing to risk their lives in pursuit of the "perfect body" by receiving packages of questionable content, shadow pharmacology will flourish. However, the price of such "perfection", according to doctors, often turns out to be prohibitively high.
Izvestia found several online stores that illegally sell a huge range of anabolic steroids and other potent drugs illegally. However, in order to purchase the "product", it is necessary to use a special invitation link to get into a special group. As a rule, amateur athletes from one gym send invitations to like-minded people from another. Or the information and links come from coaches who receive a discount for it.
There are not many open channels — Izvestia found only two. One has about 16.5 thousand subscribers, the other has 5.4 thousand. The purchase is made through a chatbot or directly through the admin - the seller sends instructions and a price list. The "test" (as anabolic steroids are called in jargon) is offered, as a rule, imported: Canadian, American, Bulgarian, Indian, Chinese and German production. The cost of an ampoule or a package of drugs ranges from 2 thousand to 15 thousand rubles.
At the same time, drugs are not transferred through a "bookmark", like drugs, but simply sent by courier service or mail.
It's not just the biceps that are growing
Daniil Petrov, narcologist and head physician of Dr. Isaev's Clinic, explained specifically for Izvestia why taking "chemistry" without a doctor's supervision leads to irreversible consequences and real addiction.
According to the expert, amateur athletes, in pursuit of quick results, use steroids in doses that are many times higher than therapeutic ones.
— For non-medical use, we are usually talking about dosages 5-10 times higher than those prescribed by a doctor. Yes, it stimulates muscle growth, but it increases not only the volume of skeletal muscles, but also other organs— primarily the heart muscle. This leads to an increase in blood pressure, an increase in "bad" cholesterol and, in the long run, to heart failure," explains Petrov.
The doctor emphasizes that "chemistry" affects all body systems: the liver tries to neutralize toxins (risk of hepatitis), and the kidneys suffer from edema caused by fluid retention.
Myths and tragedies
The expert pays special attention to gender differences in the effects of taking steroids. If men can partially restore their health after withdrawal, the consequences for women are usually irreversible.
— Men's own testosterone production decreases, spermatogenesis suffers, the prostate grows and breasts appear (gynecomastia). The so—called "steroid rage" is noted - this is uncontrolled aggression and irritability. In women, the side effects are often more severe: coarsening of the voice, male-type hair growth, and infertility. And while some of the changes can go away in men, virilization often persists forever in women, the narcologist warns.
The psychological trap
One of the main theses of the doctor concerns the destruction of the myth of the safety of steroids in terms of addiction. Many people believe that if there is no euphoria, then there is no dependence. According to Petrov, this is a dangerous misconception.
— Addiction is not just about feeling "high". This is primarily about losing control. A person gets used to a quick result. There is an attitude: the result should be today, now and immediately. After discontinuation, withdrawal syndrome develops: one's own testosterone drops, the "relief" disappears (due to fluid loss), weakness and depression pile up, says Petrov. — This is perceived as a disaster. There is a feeling that you cannot reach your ceiling without steroids, that the natural way no longer works. A vicious circle is forming, and it becomes extremely difficult to get off the needle depending on your appearance.
Dr. Petrov summarizes: dependence on anabolic steroids is a real clinical phenomenon that requires treatment for both hormonal imbalance and addictive behavior. But the main problem is denial: as long as people believe in "safe chemicals," underground workshops like the one liquidated in Moscow will find their customers.
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