okay, First I'm a brand new member of this Forum and I know this is an ancient, buried and decayed. However, it was on the top of my google list, so I feel obligated to add what I can toward this subject. It's affected the lives of many people around me.
The important thing to take away from OP is the link between INJECTING substances. I know many many addicts, crack heads, dope fiends.... Not many people choose to "Shoot up". It either 1. Freaks them out. 2. They know it's a steep road. 3. They know how easy it is to die, as many of our acquaintances OD from a hot shot, a sketchy dose that had Fentynal laced within it.... etc. (Which is a big reason people smoke Rock instead instead of Shooting powder). I think the OP just wants everyone, and I've read all the posts so I know some good guys on here have gone through the struggle, just like I have. I'm glad you've turned your life around. I did it with AS. I was an IV user and so AS injections were basically a replacement for awhile... until the cravings for the sketchy had passed. Working out and AS, even though it's still not great for your health, it is MUCH MUCH MUCH better than rampant heroin / coke IV usage. **Needle Fixation, or 'the ritual'** (anyone who has quit smoking cigarettes knows that the ritual of smoking can be a lot harder to beat than the withdrawl itself). **Is the difference between "oh hey I'll smoke a bit of H with my buddy, to "oh sure I'll shoot some H with my buddy, can't be any different than AS. EXP. I was stupid and overdosed many times. Lucky AF to be alive and this is what went through my head. I'm glad my "buddy" didn't leave me to die when he was with me, unlike a lot of people that do.
AS FAR AS A GATEWAY DRUG.
I just don't see it. Heroin........... AS........ Shoot up some test / tren, ya you feel like a tank that can punch holes in concrete but you won't die in 7 seconds because some prick wanted to make 60$ and gave you sketchy dope.
****Sorry again for ressurecting the dead, just want people to be safe and know just how deadly a needle can be if used improperly. *****
On a positive note, I've helped a few friends who were big into some bad make the switch to AS and they love it. They can't bring themselves to smoke rock or shoot up because they know it just sets them back. They go from being ostracized to adored by their families. Hell, AS and Bodybuilding can be great things.
Be safe guys~