Performance and image-enhancing drug use in military veterans

Abstract: The use of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) among active military personnel and veterans presents a public health concern and has a potential impact on combat readiness for those still serving. As PIEDs are becoming more easily accessible through online markets, a deeper understanding of PIEDs use in military personnel and veterans is necessary. Information will help to understand what underpins their use, and interventions that aim to reduce the impact on individuals’ health, wellbeing, social circumstances, public perception and, in serving personnel, any wider military performance. Two studies were conducted for this report: a systematic review of the literature on PIEDs use in current or former personnel, followed by a qualitative study of veterans who were taking PIEDs.