Ep 5. I'm on Steroids

In the True Life season 8 episode 5, titled "I'm on Steroids," viewers are introduced to a group of individuals who are taking performance-enhancing drugs to improve their physical appearance and athletic abilities. These individuals come from different backgrounds and have different reasons for using steroids, ranging from bodybuilding and powerlifting to sports and modeling. As the episode unfolds, audiences get a glimpse into the complex world of performance-enhancing drugs and the impact they have on the users' lives.

The show starts by introducing viewers to the characters of the episode, including a bodybuilder who has been using steroids for several years to bulk up his muscles and improve his strength. He explains how he started taking steroids after struggling to make progress in the gym and how the drugs have helped him achieve his goals. The audience also meets a young woman who is trying to break into the modeling industry and believes that using steroids is the only way to get the lean body type that is in demand. She talks about the pressure she feels to look a certain way and how using steroids has helped her reach her desired physique.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the different types of steroids available, how they are used, and the potential health risks associated with their use. The characters share their experiences with using steroids and the toll it has taken on their bodies. They talk about the side effects they have experienced, such as acne, mood swings, and hair loss, and how they have had to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate their steroid use.

The show also explores the social stigma surrounding steroids, with many of the characters feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their use. The bodybuilder, for example, faces criticism from his family who disapprove of his steroid use. He opens up about the internal conflict he feels between his passion for bodybuilding and the judgment he faces from those close to him. The young woman trying to break into the modeling industry also talks about feeling judged and misunderstood by her peers, who view her steroid use as cheating.

As the episode draws to a close, the characters reflect on their experiences with using steroids. While many acknowledge the risks and downsides, they also speak about the positive impact steroids have had on their lives and their sense of self. The bodybuilder, for example, says he feels more confident and accomplished because of his physique, while the young woman believes she has a better chance of pursuing her modeling goals because of her appearance.

Overall, the True Life season 8 episode 5 offers a deep dive into the world of performance-enhancing drugs and the complex motivations behind using them. It sheds light on the risks and consequences associated with steroid use while also showcasing the benefits that users experience. The episode prompts viewers to consider their own perceptions of steroids and the societal pressures that may drive individuals to use them.