Understanding anabolic steroids street names can help parents, coaches, teachers, and athletes recognize when steroids are being discussed. Slang terms such as “roids,” “juice,” and “gear” are widely used in gyms, locker rooms, and online, and they can make steroid use sound casual or harmless.
This article lists the street names recognized by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), explains what common terms mean, and covers why the slang matters for health and safety.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are testosterone and synthetic compounds related to it. They are used medically to treat conditions such as low testosterone, and non-medically to build muscle and improve athletic performance or appearance. Our guide to the key facts about steroids explains how they work and their main risks.
What are common street names for anabolic steroids?
The DEA lists the following street names for anabolic steroids (DEA):
Arnolds
Gear
Gym Candy
Juice
Pumpers
Roids
Stackers
Weight Gainers
Weight Trainers
People who use steroids are sometimes called “juicers,” and using steroids is sometimes described as “juicing” or being “on gear.”
What do the most common terms mean?
Roids and juice
“Roids” is simply short for steroids, and it is one of the most widely recognized terms. “Juice” is a general slang term for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
Gear
“Gear” is common in bodybuilding communities. Like “juice,” it is a general term, and it makes steroids sound like ordinary training equipment.
Gym candy
“Gym candy” makes steroids sound like a harmless treat, which can downplay their risks, particularly to young people.
Arnolds
“Arnolds” is widely understood as a reference to bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, reflecting the association between steroids and bodybuilding.
Stackers and pumpers
“Stackers” refers to “stacking,” the practice of using two or more steroids at the same time. “Pumpers” refers to the muscle-building effects people seek from steroids.
Weight gainers and weight trainers
These terms link steroids to weight training and muscle gain, and they can be mistaken for references to ordinary supplements or training.
Shortened compound names
People also often use shortened names for specific compounds, such as “test” for testosterone, “deca” for nandrolone decanoate, and “tren” for trenbolone. Hearing these names in conversation is another sign that steroids are being discussed.
Why do steroids have street names?
Street names make conversations about steroids less obvious and can make their use sound normal or low-risk. Terms such as “gym candy” and “gear” in particular frame steroids as part of a training routine rather than as drugs with significant health effects.
Recognizing the slang matters because steroid use is not limited to professional athletes. In 2024, the Monitoring the Future survey found that 1.4% of US eighth graders and 1.2% of tenth and twelfth graders reported using steroids (DEA). For teenagers, steroid use carries additional risks, including permanently stunted growth.
Why products sold under street names are risky
Steroids bought outside the regulated pharmaceutical supply often do not contain what their labels say. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of black-market steroid products estimated that about 36% were counterfeit, and an additional 37% were of substandard quality, for example containing different amounts of the active ingredient than stated (Magnolini et al., 2022).
In the United States, anabolic steroids are Schedule III controlled substances, and possessing them without a valid prescription is a federal offense. Our article on steroid industry regulation explains the laws in more detail.
What to do if you are concerned about someone
If you hear steroid slang from a teenager or someone you care about, a calm, open conversation is usually more effective than confrontation. Focus on health rather than punishment, and listen to their reasons, which often include pressure to look a certain way or perform better in sport.
Steroid use can lead to dependence, and stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, including low mood, as explained in our article on withdrawal from anabolic steroids. A doctor can provide confidential advice and support.
In the United States, the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers free, confidential information and treatment referrals, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The bottom line
Common anabolic steroids street names recognized by the DEA include Arnolds, gear, gym candy, juice, pumpers, roids, stackers, weight gainers, and weight trainers. Many of these terms make steroids sound harmless or like ordinary gym equipment.
Recognizing the slang can help parents, coaches, and athletes notice when steroids are being discussed. Products sold under these names are frequently counterfeit or mislabeled, steroids are controlled substances in the United States, and anyone concerned about steroid use, their own or someone else’s, can seek confidential help from a doctor or a helpline.
References
Drug Enforcement Administration. Anabolic steroids (drug and chemical information) and steroids drug fact sheet. DEA Diversion Control Division and DEA.gov. Accessed November 2026. Magnolini R, Falcato L, Cremonesi A, et al. Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market: a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):1371
