Table 3 Description of AAS dependence symptoms and prevalence of each symptom among women who used AAS (n = 14)
Symptom | Level | N (%) |
|---|---|---|
Tolerance | ||
A need for markedly increasing amounts of the substance to achieve desired effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance | Absent | 6 (42.9) |
Subthreshold | 5 (35.7) | |
Present | 3 (21.4) | |
Withdrawal | ||
As manifested by either of the following: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome: depressed mood, fatigue, insomnia. AAS are used to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms | Absent | 10 (71.4) |
Subthreshold | 2 (14.3) | |
Present | 2 (14.3) | |
Use longer than planned | ||
The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended | Absent | 6 (42.9) |
Subthreshold | 2 (14.3) | |
Present | 6 (42.9) | |
Unable to stop | ||
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use | Absent | 8 (57.1) |
Subthreshold | 3 (21.4) | |
Present | 3 (21.4) | |
Time spent | ||
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects | Absent | 3 (21.4) |
Subthreshold | 4 (28.6) | |
Present | 7 (50.0) | |
Interferes with work/life | ||
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use | Absent | 7 (50.0) |
Subthreshold | 2 (14.3) | |
Present | 5 (35.7) | |
Physical/mental problems | ||
The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance | Absent | 3 (21.4) |
Subthreshold | 6 (42.9) | |
Present | 5 (35.7) | |