Use of doping agents and symptoms of eating disorders among male and feamale drug addicts in treatment

Abstract

AIMS – This study investigates the prevalence of use of doping agents and symptoms of eating disorders among patients in drug addiction treatment. The aim is also to look for characteristics of the groups reporting the use of doping agents or symptoms of eating disorders. DESIGN – A survey including questions on exercise, the use of doping agents and Eating Disorder Inventory-2 was administered in a Norwegian drug addiction facility. The study included 109 patients in residential drug treatment, 30 females and 79 males (ranging from 17 to 50 years old). RESULTS – Symptoms of eating disorders were reported by 33 percent of the females and 7.6 percent of the males. Previous use of doping agents (anabolic-androgenic steroids in particular) was reported by 40.5 percent of the men and 20 percent of the women. The results are discussed in light of the theory on emotion regulation, gender and cultural expectations, drug treatment as a liminal phase and similarities to drug addiction. CONCLUSIONS – The symptoms of eating disorders and the use of doping agents are prevalent in this sample of male and female drug addicts in treatment. Drug treatment facilities should be aware of this and take the appropriate actions regarding attention, screening and treatment. KEYWORDS – Doping agents, anabolic-androgenic steroids, eating disorder symptoms, EDI-2, drug addicts, drug addiction treatment, gender