Understanding the growing risks associated with performance-enhancing substances.

Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) are substances used to alter physical appearance, increase muscle mass, enhance physical performance or achieve other perceived body-related benefits.

Although often associated with bodybuilding and fitness environments, IPED use can affect individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and can present significant physical, psychological and behavioural risks.

Some individuals using these substances may not identify themselves as drug users or recognise the potential consequences associated with their use. This can create additional challenges for professionals seeking to identify concerns and provide appropriate support.

KIKIT’s IPED Awareness Training helps frontline professionals understand commonly used performance-enhancing substances, associated health concerns and the importance of informed, non-judgemental harm reduction.

What does the training cover?

• Introduction to IPEDs: Understanding what Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs are, why individuals use them and the social, psychological and cultural factors that can influence use.
• Common substances: An introduction to anabolic-androgenic steroids, testosterone used outside medical supervision, growth hormone, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and other substances associated with physique or performance enhancement.
• Motivations for use: Exploring body image concerns, perceived physical inadequacy, sporting performance, muscle development and appearance-related pressures.
• Physical health risks: Understanding potential cardiovascular, hormonal, reproductive, liver and other health complications associated with IPED use.
• Psychological effects: Exploring possible effects on mood, aggression, anxiety, depression, dependence and body image.
• Injecting-related risks: Understanding infection risks, blood-borne viruses, unsafe injecting practices and complications arising from contaminated products or shared equipment.
• Unregulated substances: Recognising the risks associated with counterfeit, incorrectly labelled or contaminated products and substances purchased through unregulated sources.
• Recognising possible IPED use: Understanding potential indicators and how to approach conversations without making assumptions about an individual’s behaviour or appearance.
• Harm reduction principles: Exploring relevant health monitoring, safer engagement, blood-borne virus prevention and appropriate professional advice or referrals.
• Professional engagement: Developing confidence in supporting individuals who may be reluctant to discuss their IPED use or seek conventional drug treatment.
• Referral and support pathways: Understanding when individuals may require GP assessment, specialist medical support, mental health intervention or substance misuse services.

Who should attend?

This training is relevant to health and social care professionals, community workers, youth and adult support services, substance misuse practitioners, safeguarding professionals, fitness-related organisations working with vulnerable adults and other frontline services.

Learning outcomes

Participants will gain a stronger understanding of IPED use, the health risks associated with performance-enhancing substances and the barriers that can prevent individuals from seeking support.

They will also develop greater confidence in recognising potential concerns, discussing sensitive issues professionally and identifying appropriate referral pathways.