Synthol addiction

Abstract

Synthol use is an under-researched but increasingly common phenomenon in the world of bodybuilding. It is used more and more in bodybuilding competitions and to increase online popularity. Developed muscles symbolize dominance, success, attraction, and various other positive attributes like self-confidence, recognition, and strength. Synthol is injected into the body; its main ingredients are oil, lidocaine, and alcohol. Synthol optically enlarges muscle size, although it does not increase muscle strength. The use of this substance involves significant health and psychological risks. Consequences range from inflammation, abscesses, and tissue necrosis to muscle stiffness, deformation, and restricted movement. Further risks encompass infections, sepsis, vascular damage, and life-threatening complications.  Once in the vascular system, it can cause embolism or thrombosis. In some cases, life-saving surgery may be necessary.  Synthol users’ continual body modification becomes a compulsion. Body image is often distorted, especially in those who struggle with low self-esteem or self-confidence issues. In such cases, the body is not just a physical reality but also a projection of identity and worth.  Individuals with muscle dysmorphia – also known as reverse anorexia or bigorexia – see their muscle mass as insufficient, even if they are actually athletic or muscular. This body image disorder frequently leads to excessive training, the use of dietary supplements, or even dangerous drugs like Synthol. The male body ideal – as shown on social media platforms and popular among fitness enthusiasts – is becoming increasingly unrealistic, characterized by extreme muscle mass, minimal body fat, and ideal form. These expectations place psychological pressure on men who were previously unaffected by body image disorders. The lack of self-acceptance often leads to a loss of control, which they try to compensate for by shaping their bodies. Thus, body shaping becomes not only an aesthetic pursuit but also a psychological means to self-regulation, a type of escape from a lack of self-confidence.