Steroid Withdrawal

Discontinuing steroid use can provoke an array of challenging physical and psychological reactions in the body.

This page explores the withdrawal experience associated with stopping steroids, including common symptoms, timeline expectations, and effective approaches to managing the process safely. You’ll also discover why withdrawal occurs, what to expect during different phases, and practical techniques for supporting recovery while minimizing discomfort.

What is Steroid Withdrawal?

Steroid withdrawal is a collection of symptoms that manifest when someone stops using steroids after their body has become dependent on them. These symptoms happen because the body needs time to adjust to functioning without the external source of steroids to which it’s become accustomed.

Withdrawal can affect people who have been taking either medical corticosteroids (like prednisone) or anabolic steroids (often used for bodybuilding).

Types of Steroids and Their Withdrawal Risks

There are two main types of steroids, each presenting different withdrawal risks.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are medications prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These drugs are often indicated for conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.

Common corticosteroids include:

• Prednisone.
• Dexamethasone.
• Hydrocortisone.
• Methylprednisolone.

The body can become dependent on these medications when used for extended periods. This happens because corticosteroids resemble cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands. With regular steroid use, your body may reduce its natural cortisol production, creating dependence.

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone used to build muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. While doctors sometimes prescribe them for specific medical conditions, they’re more often misused without medical supervision.

Common anabolic steroids include:

• Testosterone.
• Nandrolone.
• Stanozolol.
• Oxandrolone.

Anabolic steroid withdrawal can be demanding because these substances affect multiple body systems, including hormone regulation and brain chemistry.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Steroid withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, but many people experience similar patterns of symptoms.

Physical symptoms might include:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Headaches.
• Fever and chills.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Changes in appetite.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Low blood pressure.
• Blood sugar fluctuations.
• Skin issues, like rash, itching, or peeling.

Psychological symptoms might include:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Panic attacks.
• Irritability and mood swings.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
• Intense cravings for steroids.
• Restlessness.

Those who use anabolic steroids may experience additional symptoms, such as:

• Decrease in sex drive.
• Fatigue from hormonal imbalances.
• Loss of muscle fat and strength.
• Increased body fat.

The Steroid Withdrawal Timeline

The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms hinge on the following variables:

• Type of steroid used.
• Dosage and frequency.
• Duration of use.
• Individual health factors.
• Method of discontinuation (tapering vs. stopping abruptly).

Phase 1 – acute withdrawal (1 to 2 weeks)

During the first phase of withdrawal, physical symptoms are most intense as the body adjusts to a sudden change in hormone levels. Symptoms include:

• Severe fatigue.
• Aches and pains.
• Nausea.
• Digestive issues.
• Headaches.
• Fever.
• Dizziness.

Phase 2 – post-acute withdrawal (2 to 4 weeks)

As acute physical symptoms subside, psychological manifestations become more prominent. These include:

• Depression.
• Mood swings.
• Anxiety.
• Cravings.
• Sleep disturbances.

Phase 3 – extended recovery (1 to 6 months)

Most acute symptoms have resolved during this period, but some lingering effects may persist.

• Gradually improving energy levels.
• Stabilizing mood.
• Hormonal rebalancing.
• Occasional flare-ups of symptoms.

Those who use anabolic steroids may take 3 to 12 months before returning to normal, depending on the scope and duration of abuse.

The Benefits of Tapering off Steroids

Stopping steroids suddenly – going cold turkey – can be dangerous, especially after long-term use. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids can provoke adrenal crisis (a potentially fatal condition where the body cannot produce enough cortisol to function properly).

Tapering involves slowly reducing the steroid dose over time, enabling the body to adjust gradually. This approach reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and lowers health risks. A typical tapering schedule might reduce the dose by 5 to 20% every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on medical guidance and individual factors.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Medical approaches to managing steroid withdrawal include:

• Supervised tapering – Working with healthcare providers to develop an appropriate tapering schedule.
• Symptom management medications – Treating symptoms like pain, nausea, or insomnia with prescribed medications.
• HRT (hormone replacement therapy) – May be indicated for those who use anabolic steroids and experience severe hormonal imbalances.
• Regular monitoring – Checking vital signs, hormone levels, and overall health during withdrawal.

Making lifestyle changes might include:

• Proper nutrition – Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
• Adequate hydration – Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and support bodily functions.
• Regular exercise – Engaging in gentle physical activity to maintain strength and reduce stress.
• Stress management – Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Quality sleep – Establishing good sleep habits to promote healing and hormone regulation.

The following support systems can be beneficial for long-term recovery from steroid misuse:

• Professional counseling – Working with therapists specializing in addiction or withdrawal management.
• Support groups – Connecting with others who understand the challenges of steroid withdrawal.
• Family and friends – Leaning on loved ones for emotional support.
• Education – Learning about the withdrawal process to better understand what to expect.

Special Considerations for Different Populations

People who have used anabolic steroids for performance enhancement face unique difficulties during withdrawal, such as:

• Loss of muscle mass and strength.
• Body composition changes.
• Potential for depression related to physical changes.
• Pressure to return to steroid use.

Working with sports medicine specialists and mental health professionals can help manage these challenges.

Those who were taking corticosteroids to manage chronic conditions may experience:

• Potential flare-ups of the underlying condition.
• Need for alternative treatment strategies.
• Balancing withdrawal management with disease management.

In these cases, close coordination between specialists is advisable.

Risk Factors for Severe Steroid Withdrawal

Some factors may increase the risk of someone experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms:

• High-dose steroid use.
• Long-term use for months or years.
• History of previous withdrawal attempts.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Using multiple types of steroids concurrently.
• Advanced age.
• Underlying physical health conditions.

When to Seek Medical Help

The following withdrawal symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Severe, persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
• Extreme dizziness or fainting.
• Confusion.
• Disorientation.
• Severe depression.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• High fever.
• Seizures.
• Abdominal, back, or leg pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain.

These symptoms suggest severe complications like adrenal crisis or other potentially life-threatening conditions.

Long-Term Recovery from Steroid Misuse

Recovery from steroid withdrawal involves getting through the immediate symptoms and then considering longer-term strategies, such as:

• Hormonal rebalancing and regulation.
• Rebuilding healthy exercise habits.
• Developing sustainable coping mechanisms.
• Addressing issues driving steroid use.
• Regular health monitoring.
• Working on natural strength and fitness.

Complete recovery may take up to a year, although some effects of steroid abuse can persist longer. Here’s how to get help in Orange County.

Get Help with Steroid Misuse at Anchored Recovery Community

If you have been misusing any form of steroids, we can help you get back on track at Anchored Recovery Community.

After steroid withdrawal, you can choose an outpatient program at our luxury beachside facility in Orange County at an appropriate level of intensity. You’ll join others tackling similar issues as you address the physical and psychological side of addiction.

All Anchored treatment plans are personalized with therapies that include:

• Medication management
• Counseling
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Family therapy
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery from steroid abuse by calling (844) 429-5554.