What long term effects might someone experience after stopping performance enhancing drugs?

When someone stops using performance-enhancing drugs, one of the potential long-term effects they may experience is mood swings. These mood fluctuations can be attributed to the physiological and psychological changes that occur when the body adjusts to the absence of these substances. Performance-enhancing drugs often alter the brain's chemistry, particularly affecting neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotions. After discontinuation, individuals may find themselves dealing with feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, or sudden emotional outbursts, which are linked to this abrupt change.

In contrast, the other choices do not typically align with the long-term effects of ceasing the use of performance-enhancing drugs. For instance, increased endurance and muscle gain are generally outcomes of drug use, not a result of stopping. Furthermore, improved cardiovascular health is not a common effect following cessation, as the body may require time to recover from the adverse cardiovascular impacts that certain performance-enhancing drugs can impose while they were being used. Hence, mood swings stand out as a significant long-term consequence of stopping these drugs.