What?

PIEDS are performance and image-enhancing drugs. They are substances typically used to increase the size and definition of muscles, reduce body fat and build strength and endurance. PIEDs can include anabolic steroids.

Who?

PIED use is increasing in Australia and those who use them are very diverse in both their backgrounds and in their motivations for use.
Although previously associated with professional bodybuilders and athletes, research is now finding much more diversity amongst those who use PIEDs.

Each person’s motivations for using PIEDs will be different, and the patterns of use, health risk and health-seeking behaviour will also differ significantly between these groups.

Risks

Because PIEDs are injected intramuscularly (into muscles) there are risks associated with it.

Here is some harm reduction information to follow:

• safer injecting practices are important to follow because people who inject PIEDs are at risk of:
  • developing abscesses
  • accidentally hitting bones, nerves or veins
  • soreness or redness at the injection site
  • blood borne viruses, if injecting equipment is shared.

Accurate Information from Someone Who Knows

All people who use drugs should have access to good information, including harm reduction strategies. Our friend Tim Piakowski is someone who has personal experience of using PIEDS and he has also done extensive research into steroids and steroid use.

He provided us with the following fantastic information:

Research on substances like performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (hereon – steroids), often used to improve athletic performance and build muscle, has shown their potential benefits. But when people want advice on these drugs, they often hit roadblocks in getting help from doctors. So, they turn to their friends and fellow users for advice instead. This shows how important it is for the AAS-using community to look out for each other. Even though there are rules against using these drugs and some doctors don’t know much about them, these informal networks of users are stepping up to provide support and guidance. They’re becoming essential for keeping each other safe and healthy.

When using PIEDs it’s crucial to administer them safely. Typically, steroids are injected into muscles like the glutes or quads to ensure they’re released gradually into the bloodstream. Other common sites include the shoulders, under the shoulder blade (lats), and traps. Several organisations offer valuable resources and support for individuals within the PIED community.

These substances are often cycled, with breaks in between, or used in blast-cruise cycles, where dosages fluctuate. For instance, a beginner cycle might involve weekly injections of testosterone enanthate, followed by a period without any compounds. A blast-cruise cycle may include higher doses of testosterone enanthate initially, followed by maintenance doses. It’s essential to follow these protocols and monitor for any side effects to use PIEDs safely.

If you are struggling with PIED use, trying to stop or just seeking information; please check out the following resources;

Valuable Resources

https://www.anabolicsteroids.org.uk – provides valuable information, forums, and guidance for users seeking advice and support

(https://humanenhancementdrugs.com) – Human Enhancement Drug Network (HEDN) is a noteworthy organisation offering support and resources for individuals using anabolic steroids and other enhancement drugs. Also provides a platform for individuals interested in human enhancement drugs to connect, share experiences, and access relevant resources.

(https://www.theloop.org.au) The Loop Australia is a pioneering organisation focusing on harm reduction and drug safety. The Loop offers drug checking services, educational resources, and harm reduction initiatives aimed at promoting safer drug use practices.

QUIVAA (www.quivaa.org.au)