American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Assessment Practice Test

The term "androgenic" specifically refers to the masculinizing effects of steroids, particularly androgens like testosterone. These effects are characterized by promoting male physical characteristics, such as increased body hair, a deeper voice, and various other traits associated with male development. In the context of anabolic steroids, the androgenic component denotes how these substances can influence features typically associated with male physiology.

The other terms focus on different aspects of steroid effects. For instance, muscle-building effects relate to the anabolic properties of steroids, which enhance muscle growth and strength. Cognitive enhancement and psychoactive effects are not directly related to the definition of androgenic; the former pertains more to mental function improvements, while the latter involves changes in mood or behavior, often linked to substances that affect the central nervous system. Thus, the definition of "androgenic" is centered specifically on those features that contribute to masculinization rather than the other effects attributed to steroids.