ISSUE NO. 19
February 2026
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Letters

We Need to Talk About Steroids

By
Ahmed

Ahmed writes from a prison in VIC.

Samuel Girven via Unsplash

Hello About Time.

Thanks for publishing my article in Issue 14. Reading through it, I came across another article that got my attention: ‘The Dark Side of Gains’ by Ronin Cruise.

I would like to agree – why is steroid use not discussed in any drug programs?

I was also a steroid user in my life, starting at the age of 15 or so, seeing all those big boys and being around older friends doing roids. I wanted to be like them, plus I was being bullied all the time.

It is true; it was about gains and looking good but also for me it was to look intimidating, so as I progressed from a skinny bloke to a guy that was buffed, it made me more confident – talking, walking the streets and standing up for myself.

It was also the mentality I had about women: “If a man can take care of himself then he can take care of me and they feel safe around big boys like that.”

So yes, there are positives about steroids but negatives as well and it doesn’t help if someone has anger issues and uses other drugs. I’ve had a few run-ins with road rage and incidents around town, including a run-in with cops one nice summer night with my girlfriend.

It was good to see the bullies from my past back away while all jacked, but in reality, it creates more bullies that want to try you.

When I get out I’m going to be hitting the gym but not sure if I’ll be taking steroids.

It all comes down to willpower, money and attitude, mentality.

Anyway, great paper, keep it rolling.

Hello About Time.

Thanks for publishing my article in Issue 14. Reading through it, I came across another article that got my attention: ‘The Dark Side of Gains’ by Ronin Cruise.

I would like to agree – why is steroid use not discussed in any drug programs?

I was also a steroid user in my life, starting at the age of 15 or so, seeing all those big boys and being around older friends doing roids. I wanted to be like them, plus I was being bullied all the time.

It is true; it was about gains and looking good but also for me it was to look intimidating, so as I progressed from a skinny bloke to a guy that was buffed, it made me more confident – talking, walking the streets and standing up for myself.

It was also the mentality I had about women: “If a man can take care of himself then he can take care of me and they feel safe around big boys like that.”

So yes, there are positives about steroids but negatives as well and it doesn’t help if someone has anger issues and uses other drugs. I’ve had a few run-ins with road rage and incidents around town, including a run-in with cops one nice summer night with my girlfriend.

It was good to see the bullies from my past back away while all jacked, but in reality, it creates more bullies that want to try you.

When I get out I’m going to be hitting the gym but not sure if I’ll be taking steroids.

It all comes down to willpower, money and attitude, mentality.

Anyway, great paper, keep it rolling.

An Idea to Reduce Drugs and Violence in Prison

By Melissa

I have been in the system a long time. I believe that we as prisoners should be heard a lot more.

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Here at MCC we are limited to weight bags and medicine balls. We cannot purchase creatine or protein powders, training gloves or any other essential items that other prisoners at other centres can purchase.

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I just want to get back to my home state WA so I can do my time with my family support where I’m happy and have all my supports.

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Discovering Buddhism in Prison

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Buddhism teaches that pain is a part of being human, not a failure. Thoughts are not who you are, change is always possible because nothing is permanent. There is beauty in the idea that peace isn’t something you chase, it’s something you uncover when you stop clinging.

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Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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