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“You Could Try This Compound, but it Might Send You nuts”: How Steroid Suppliers Perceive the Underground Market and Their ‘Hybrid’ Role within It
,
Steve Vigorous,
Luke Cox ,
James McVeigh
Deviant Behavior, Volume: 46, Issue: 7, Pages: 915 - 926
Swansea University Author:
Luke Cox
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/01639625.2024.2375014
Abstract
Introduction: The illicit manufacture and use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) have increased. The underground market continues to meet consumer demands amidst evolving cultural narratives around most alluring IPEDs. This qualitative study aimed to provide insights into how IPED supp...
| Published in: | Deviant Behavior |
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| ISSN: | 0163-9625 1521-0456 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2024
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69861 |
| Abstract: |
Introduction: The illicit manufacture and use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) have increased. The underground market continues to meet consumer demands amidst evolving cultural narratives around most alluring IPEDs. This qualitative study aimed to provide insights into how IPED suppliers perceive demands within the current market and their roles within it. Methods: We interviewed four IPED suppliers in Australia regarding distribution challenges and market changes. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed, with immediate reflective notes taken after each interview. Inductive line-by-line analysis facilitated identification and development of themes. Results: Cultural narratives were perceived to influence the demand for several drugs (e.g. trenbolone, dihydroboldenone, fluoxymesterone) due to their perceived desirability and elevated status compared to other compounds. Consumers, who appeared to demonstrate knowledge gaps, were sometimes guided in their consumption practices by IPED suppliers, who drifted into a “hybrid” role of coach-supplier. Discussion: IPED suppliers highlighted a perceived demand for specific AAS, driven by cultural narratives. Consequently, IPED suppliers assumed a hybrid role whereby they provide advice to the people who purchase IPEDs at point-of-sale. Urgent action is needed to address cultural narratives and provide education and harm reduction to support people who use IPEDs. |
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| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Issue: |
7 |
| Start Page: |
915 |
| End Page: |
926 |