The Coroner’s Court in Cork determined that the tragic death of 18-year-old Luke O’Brien May was linked to abuse of anabolic steroids.

The young student, from Grange, Co Limerick, was in the midsts of his Leaving Certificate when he was hospitalized after becoming increasingly agitated and confused. After his father discovered an empty packet labeled “Stanozolol” at the home, he informed his son’s doctors who then transferred May to Cork University Hospital. The teen was declared dead on June 18, 2017.

According to Assistant State Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster, a post-mortem exam revealed low doses of Stanozolol in May’s blood. According to Dr. Bolster, the cause of death was a swelling of the brain caused by the steroids.

Stanozolol is used to increase muscle, strength and to decrease recovery time. May was a talented athlete who played rugby, hurling, football and basketball. He used the drugs to improve his performance.

Steroids are highly addictive and can cause serious health risks. People who are concerned about the potential misuse of steroids by someone they know can watch out for watch are often tell-tale signs.

That steroids affect the brain is very clear from the serious changes in personality that can afflict users. One of the serious side effects from the use of steroids is “roid rage,” with individuals who might have been of a placid or happy go lucky disposition discovering becoming disturbingly volatile and hostile.

Heightened levels of aggression, explosions of bad temper and the loss of the inhibitors that normally prevent people getting into fights are common symptoms.

People taking steroids also frequently put on excess weight and suffer in terms a loss of self-esteem, which is likely to heighten the feelings of frustration and anger.

Coroner Philip Comyn hopes that the May’s death will raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.