How do 2C drugs make you feel?

2C drugs might make you see and hear things that aren’t there, and make you feel stimulated, or excited. 2C drugs can also make some people feel more empathetic and connected towards others, but in a less pronounced way than in MDMA. Using 2C drugs with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can change the effects.

How can you be safer when using 2C-B/2C-I/2C-E?

Take your drugs to a drug checking clinic. If you aren’t sure if what you have is a 2C drug, it is always a good idea to take it to a drug checking clinic. The drug checking technology cannot always reliably tell the difference between 2C drugs (i.e., whether it is 2C-B or 2C-I), but it will be able to tell you if it is mixed with any other drugs, binder, or filler.

What happens if you have too much of a 2C drug?

2C drugs are novel designer substances and are not often tested for on routine drug screenings. Due to this, there is a lack of research about how long they can be detected in urine, blood, and saliva. Research also suggests that 2C drugs won’t give a false positive for amphetamines on a drug test.

What do comedowns from 2C drugs feel like, and how can you feel better?

Comedowns from 2C drugs are generally mild but some people may experience more severe symptoms. Most 2C comedowns can be managed at home.

What are the long-term effects of using 2C drugs?

Long term effects from 2Cs are relatively rare, though there is still a lack of research available on this family of drugs. However, if you are using large amounts regularly, you may experience some unpleasant side effects. 2C drugs are less likely to be addictive than other drugs but some people may have cravings to use more, especially after a period of using heavily.

How do you manage withdrawal from 2C drugs?

2C drugs are not known to cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms in most people. However, some people may find themselves having cravings to use more after stopping.

How can 2C drugs affect your daily activities?

2C drugs change your perception of the world around you and can affect your day to day activities. The effects of 2C drugs can last from 2-8 hours, and the aftereffects may last for several hours.

If you take 2C drugs, will they show up on a drug test?

2C drugs are novel designer substances and are not often tested for on routine drug screenings. Due to this, there is a lack of research about how long they can be detected in urine, blood, and saliva. Research also suggests that 2C drugs won’t give a false positive for amphetamines on a drug test.

Is 2C-B 2C-I 2C-E illegal?

All 2C drugs come under the are illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act, rather than the Misuse of Drugs Act. However, coming under the Psychoactive Substances Act still means that possessing, selling, importing, buying, or making these drugs is against the law. If someone is using your car or home to do these things, you can also be charged.

Anabolic steroids - The Level

Synthetic drugs that mimic natural hormones in the body. They are often used for muscle growth, to increase athletic ability or change how you look. Anabolic steroids can come as pills or as an injectable liquid.

Key things to know

Anabolic steroids are a group of drugs that are structurally similar to testosterone.

Blood tests can help you identify any health issues from taking anabolic steroids.

▼ Safer using

Get your steroids checked at a drug checking clinic to find out what’s in them.

Use sterile injecting equipment every time.

What to expect

How do anabolic steroids make you feel?

Please note that this page covers anabolic steroids used for performance and image enhancing. It doesn’t specifically discuss the use of hormones for gender-affirming care or hormone imbalances. However, some info on this page may still be useful for these situations.

Anabolic steroids are generally taken over a period of time or ‘cycle’. Many people start to experience the effects after a week, but this can change and increase over the course of months. Your experience will depend on which steroid you take, how much you use and how long you take them for.

One person we talked to described how anabolic steroids made them feel:

“I felt strong and fit on the good days. And only what I could imagine PMS might feel like on the bad days: mood swings, depressed etc. Also, undertones of anxiety, guilt and shame from hiding my use - something I only internally recognised after coming off them.”

Pleasant effects

Unpleasant effects

Increased physical ability

Increased endurance

Building muscle mass

Faster recovery from strenuous exercise

Changes in sex drive

Decreased body fat

Improved mood

Feelings of euphoria

Restlessness

Irritability

Mood swings

Hair loss

High blood pressure

Acne

Achy joints

Changes in sex drive

Difficulty ejaculating or maintaining an erection

Shrunken testicles

Irregular menstruation

Paranoia

Aggressive or violent behavior

Dosage

How much anabolic steroids do people usually take?

The dosing of anabolic steroids depends a lot on the individual person, the steroid they are using and the cycle they are on. It is recommended to do your research before using anabolic steroids to figure out what type and dose will work best for you.

The Body has a table that shows common doses for prescribed steroids, which may be a helpful place to start.

One person we talked to said:

“I really believe personally that the method of starting lower for your first time is better. I didn’t do this. And for some people the excess amount of [testosterone] can really mess with you.”

Safer using

How can you be safer with anabolic steroids?

Get your blood tested regularly
Anabolic steroids can affect the hormone levels in your body, as well as your liver function, cholesterol and many other things. It's recommended that you get a blood test before starting your first steroid cycle. A blood test will help you identify if there are any increased risks to your body if you decide to take steroids. If possible, the blood test should check your hormone levels including LH, FSH and estradiol and other health markers such as lipids and liver function.

Once you have started using steroids, it's a good idea to get a blood test every 3 months or so to monitor if there are any changes. You can self-request and pay for a blood test through Awanui labs or request one through your GP if you feel comfortable doing so. If you start to feel unwell while using anabolic steroids, it's important to get checked up as soon as possible.

For more info, check out this very detailed Reddit thread about anabolic steroids and bloodwork monitoring.

One person who uses anabolic steroids suggested:

“Don't extend your cycle longer than you plan. And get blood work done as often as you can afford, at least once a month.”

Keep an eye on your blood pressure
Anabolic steroid use increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. This is a particular concern for people who already have high blood pressure or have a family history of hypertension. Monitor your blood pressure regularly - either by a medical professional or by using an at home blood pressure monitor. Some pharmacies and gyms may also have access to blood pressure monitor machines.

The Heart Association has more info on what blood pressure readings mean.

Take care if injecting anabolic steroids
If you are using an injectable steroid, it's important to learn about safer injecting techniques. Steroids should not be injected into the veins as this can cause serious damage. Steroids are injected intramuscularly (into your muscle), usually into the thigh or buttocks. It is important to rotate your injecting sites to avoid damage to one area.

You’ll need to make sure you have the right needles and syringes to draw up and inject the steroid. You can visit your local needle exchange for injecting supplies and harm reduction advice on injecting steroids. For more detailed info, see the Needle Exchange booklet on injecting anabolic steroids.

Use a new, sterile needle and syringe every time to reduce risk of blood borne viruses, infections, and damage around the injection site. If your steroid comes in a vial with a rubber stopper, use a new, sterile needle every time you pierce the rubber to draw up the liquid. Ensure you use the proper size drawing up needle so you don’t core the rubber, which can contaminate the vial.

Be aware of aromatization
Aromatization happens when there is too much testosterone in your body. The brain tells the body to convert this excess testosterone into estrogen. For people assigned male at birth, this can cause gynecomastia (or ‘gyno’), where the breast tissue grows. Gyno can start as small bumps under the nipples and can be sensitive or sore.

Aromatization can also cause erectile dysfunction and prostate issues and can sometimes cause long term health issues.

If you are experiencing symptoms of aromatization such as sore nipples, bloating, acne or growth in breast tissue, consider taking a break from using steroids. It is also a good idea to get a blood test done. Some people use aromatase inhibitors to reduce the chance of experiencing these issues - it is best if this is done with support from a medical professional.

Don’t overdo it!
Some people think that ‘more is more’ when it comes to anabolic steroids, but taking a lower dose and taking time off between cycles can reduce your risk of experiencing complications.

Try to maintain a stable dose and plan your cycles so you can have proper breaks in between, especially if you plan on using anabolic steroids over a longer period of time.

Be cautious with black market steroids
Many people get their steroids from the black market. Black market steroids do not have to follow medicine standards rules and may not be the drug they’re sold as. They may be stronger or weaker than advertised and could contain contaminants. Drug checking can help you find out what’s in pills or powders, but may not be able to test some anabolic steroids, particularly those that come mixed with oil.

As it can be difficult to test what is in black market steroids, it is a good idea to take extra precautions. Start with a lower amount for your first few cycles and stop if you notice any concerning effects. Use a wheel filter before injecting anabolic steroids to reduce the risk of injecting contaminants. Your local Needle Exchange can teach you how to use a wheel filter and help you decide which filter is best for your steroid.

One person we talked to said:

“[Visit] needle exchanges for a consistent supply of clean needles. Unless you get it from a pharmacy, safely filter all gear into a new sterile vile, even if it's "pharma quality" - it's still most likely brewed in a non-pharma lab. And TEST YOUR DRUGS.”

If you’ve had too much 

What happens if you overdose on anabolic steroids?

It is very uncommon for someone to overdose on anabolic steroids from taking too much at one time. Harm from anabolic steroids is often the result of regular use over time. Rarely, a person can experience anabolic steroid toxicity which can cause a variety of mental and physical side effects.

If you feel anxious, irritable or have mild soreness in your chest area, or at your injection site, call a doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116).

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of infection at your injection site so you can get this treated before the infection worsens or spreads. For more information, see the National Harm Reduction Coalition’s safety manual for injection drug use.

Call 111 if you have:

chest pains
an irregular heartbeat
pain in your side or lower back
difficulty urinating
jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
swelling in any part of your body
high fevers or seizures.

These are signs of a medical emergency. Call 111.

One person shared their experience:

“I advise learning more about needle safety. Although a few years ago I only did two 8-week cycles a year apart, I now have permanent lumps in both my thighs.”

Comedowns

What do comedowns from anabolic steroids feel like, and how can you feel better?

If you are on a cycle of anabolic steroids, it’s unlikely you will experience comedowns like you would with other drugs such as MDMA and methamphetamine.

However, if you take a break or stop using steroids you may feel agitated, tired or unmotivated, have low mood, experience changes in sex drive, have difficulty concentrating or trouble sleeping. The length and severity of these effects depends on a lot of factors, including the dose you take, how long you have been using steroids for and your individual body.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, try to:

Get plenty of rest and sleep.
Remember to eat and drink plenty of water.
Get moving to release feel-good brain chemicals.
Reach out and talk with friends and whānau for support.
Relax and do things that you enjoy to take your mind off not feeling well.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and other drugs.
Practise mindfulness and deep breathing and try writing down your thoughts and feelings.

If any of these symptoms intensify or don't go away, then call a Doctor or Healthline 0800 611 116. They can talk you through the next steps

If your symptoms worsen or you or someone around, you:

Has chest pain
Has a seizure
Loses consciousness
Has a high fever
Has severe pain anywhere in the body
Experiences severe vomiting

Call 111. These are signs that something more serious is going on. You or the people around you should act quickly.

"This time [stopping anabolic steroids] all I got was feeling tired, getting fat easier, weakness for the first 3-4 weeks, and low sex drive." - Reddit user

Long-term effects

What are the long-term effects of using anabolic steroids?

Taking anabolic steroids over a long period of time can impact your body and brain. The effects of regular use range from mild to severe depending on how high a dose you take, how long you have used anabolic steroids for and your individual body.

Long term use of anabolic steroids can affect your heart. These drugs raise your blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure. In very severe cases, anabolic steroid use can cause blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Anabolic steroids can also affect other parts of your body such as your liver and kidney function. Rarely, this can result in liver or kidney failure, which is life-threatening. Monitoring your liver and kidney function regularly through blood tests can help you identify issues early on. Consider getting your blood tested while using anabolic steroids, and for some time after you have stopped or taken a break. If any issues are identified, they can be treated early.

The most common long-term effects from anabolic steroids are changes to your hormonal systems. For people assigned male at birth (AMAB) a condition called anabolic-androgenic steroid induced hypogonadism can develop.

Symptoms of hypogonadism include low testosterone levels, decreased sperm production and erectile dysfunction. For some people, this can also cause low sperm count or infertility. Some people need to be on testosterone replacement therapy to reduce the effects of hypogonadism. Other effects of anabolic steroids on the hormone system such as male-pattern baldness and gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue) can be permanent, even after stopping anabolic steroid use or going on testosterone replacement therapy.

For people assigned female at birth (AFAB) long term anabolic steroid use can cause hair loss, body hair growth, deepened voice, irregular menstrual cycles and decreased fertility. Sometimes these effects are reversible after stopping anabolic steroid use and sometimes they are permanent. If anabolic steroids are used by someone who is pregnant with a female fetus, it can cause the development of male characteristics. This process is called ‘virilization’ and can cause complications after the baby is born.

Long term use of anabolic steroids can impact a person’s mental health. This can include anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. It can also result in increased irritability and aggression. When a person stops taking steroids, some of these symptoms can get worse. If experiencing any of these symptoms, you can get support from a medical professional.

Cutting down

How do you manage withdrawal from anabolic steroids?

See the Making Changes page for more information on how to manage withdrawal from drugs.

If you’ve been using anabolic steroids over a long period of time, it can be difficult to cut down or stop. For some people, the effects of stopping anabolic steroids can start quite quickly, for other people, they may start to appear after days, weeks or months. Some people taper down their anabolic steroids slowly over time, which can reduce unpleasant side effects.

Depending on how large a dose you take, how long you have used anabolic steroids for and your individual body, the effects of stopping anabolic steroids can vary from person to person. Shortly after stopping anabolic steroid use, you might:

Feel tired and lethargic
Feel irritable or agitated
Experience low mood or mood swings
Have diminished libido or erectile dysfunction
Get headaches
Have nausea
Experience muscle aches and pains

You can try: 

Consider counselling or support groups if feelings of anxiety and depression are getting worse. 
Lean on a support network of friends, family and professionals. 
Stick to a routine – waking up, eating well, keeping active and rewarding yourself with things that bring you joy. 
Practise mindfulness by writing down your feelings, doing breathing exercises or meditating.

If you experience heart palpitations, tremors, or have violent or suicidal thoughts, call a doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116).

Chest pains, seizures, violence and suicide attempts need urgent medical care. Call 111.

Working and driving

How can anabolic steroids affect your daily activities? 

Anabolic steroids are not likely to affect your ability to go about your daily activities, including working and driving.

However, research has shown that regular anabolic steroid use can cause problems for some people when driving. This is because anabolic steroids have the potential to increase agitation and aggression. This can cause some people to make riskier decisions when driving- in particular, driving aggressively. Check in with yourself before driving to make sure you are in a safe space mentally to make good decisions on the road.

If you take anabolic steroids will they show up on a drug test?

Anabolic steroids are unlikely to be tested for in a standard panel drug test. However, professional athletes may be tested when competing in their chosen sport.

While many drugs normally cannot be detected after a week in blood or urine, anabolic steroids are likely to be detectable for a few weeks. Saliva testing is not common for anabolic steroids but would likely be detectable for 1-2 days. Anabolic steroids can be detected for many months in hair.

The law

Are anabolic steroids illegal?

Anabolic steroids are controlled under the Medicines Act. This means that if you don’t have a prescription, possessing or buying them is against the law. It is also illegal to import, sell or make anabolic steroids under the Medicines Act.

To find out more about the law around legal and controlled drugs, including anabolic steroids, see our Drugs and the Law page.