Peer Pressure and Anabolic Steroids: A Cautionary Tale from the Fitness World

In a candid revelation, Gus Cooke, a 36-year-old powerlifting coach from Brisbane, shared the profound impact of nearly a decade-long anabolic steroid use, driven by peer pressure and a relentless pursuit of performance enhancement. This narrative, published on July 6, 2025, in the Daily Mail Australia, explores the darker side of steroid use within the fitness community and calls for improved education and support systems for athletes.

Anabolic steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone, have long been a contentious subject in sports and fitness. Although illegal in Australia without a medical prescription, their use has surged, particularly among young men seeking to improve their physical appearance and performance. According to the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey, non-medical anabolic steroid use tripled between 2001 and 2019, underscoring a growing trend that raises significant health concerns.

Cooke's journey began in his early twenties, influenced by the competitive nature of bodybuilding and powerlifting. "When I initially started taking them, I didn't really want to, but it was a bit of peer pressure," Cooke stated. He reflected on how the culture within the sport normalized steroid use to enhance performance and maintain competitive edge. This addictive pursuit of victory, he noted, often leads athletes down a perilous path.

Following his last competition in 2023, Cooke decided to abandon steroid use, a decision that initiated a cascade of health issues. "If you've been on them for a long time, you're going to have neurochemistry changes. It starts to impact your mental health," Cooke explained. The aftermath of his steroid cessation included rapid muscle loss and a significant drop in natural testosterone production, necessitating a switch to Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

Experts have noted the psychological ramifications of long-term steroid use. Dr. Tim Piatkowski, a lead researcher at Griffith University, emphasized that the stigmatization and criminalization of steroids often push users into underground networks, where misinformation and unsafe practices proliferate. "Information is key in minimizing unintended consequences," Dr. Piatkowski stated, referencing a groundbreaking study indicating that over 80% of participants in a recent steroid testing trial modified their use after receiving feedback on the substances they were taking.

The intersection of social media and body image ideals has further complicated the conversation around steroids. Research published in 2024 by the American Psychological Association suggests a correlation between social media usage and negative body image, which can drive individuals toward anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Cooke highlighted how social media influencers often either glamorize steroid use or fail to disclose their drug use, creating unrealistic expectations for their followers.

As a coach, Cooke now advocates for a more nuanced approach to performance enhancement. "There needs to be both infrastructure to keep the market accountable and infrastructure for athletes to feel safe, to get help," he argues. His experiences underline the importance of fostering an environment where athletes can access education and resources to make informed decisions about their health.

The implications of Cooke's story resonate beyond the fitness community, prompting discussions on public health policies and the need for a supportive framework for athletes grappling with the pressures of performance enhancement. As the fitness industry continues evolving, addressing the underlying issues of steroid use is crucial in safeguarding the health and well-being of athletes.

In conclusion, while the allure of anabolic steroids may persist in competitive sports, fostering an honest dialogue about their risks and promoting safer practices can lead to healthier outcomes for future generations of athletes.