What action is the Welsh Government taking to warn people about the dangers of taking steroids to improve their image or performance?
We are undertaking a number of actions to warn people about the dangers of taking steroids and these are highlighted in our Substance Misuse Delivery Plan (2016-18).
On the 19th January we held a national symposium, in partnership with Sport Wales, Public Health Wales and other partners, which focused on Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs). The symposium highlighted the effects IPEDs can have on individuals, families and communities and looked at how agencies can work together to tackle this issue.
In conjunction with Public Health Wales, a website (www.ipedinfo.co.uk) has been developed which provides evidence based information and harm reduction advice for those using or considering use of IPEDs. We have also developed a ‘Steroids and Image Enhancing Drug Toolkit’ for use with young people aged 11-16 in educational and youth service settings.
We will continue to design harm reduction information and advice surrounding IPEDs and these will be distributed via targeted outlets to ensure individuals both using and those at risk of using IPEDs are fully aware of the risks and harms. We will also be producing a guide for parents and young people on alcohol, volatile substances and drugs which will include information on IPEDs.