Cat, also spelt “khat,” or “chat,” belongs to the stimulant class of drugs and is derived from an evergreen flowering tree that is indigenous to East Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. In countries such as Ethiopia, Yemen and Somalia, the cat drug is legal. Chewing its leaves is in fact, a deeply entrenched part of the culture within some of these countries, with a reported large number of students using cat to concentrate for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately as we know in the recovery field today, cat, like other stimulants is addictive and when abused, can have devastating effects on one’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
There is simply no “one size fits all” solution to drug adduction treatment. Years of experience in dealing with people from different backgrounds, socioeconomic groups and nationalities has given the treatment team at Crossroads Recovery Centres, invaluable insights into how to listen to and meet the needs of different clients. Everyone who enters the treatment process, needs to be met halfway. Counsellors, life coaches and wellness practitioners who work in the recovery field, are always willing to help, but drug addicts need to want help and most importantly, they need to put in the necessary action to get that help and be guided by the professionals.
Cat Drug Treatment Programmes
Treatment programmes for the cat drug are generally not differentiated from treatment for other drugs. A recovery programme will include group therapy, individual counselling sessions, life skills workshops, exercise and wellness programmes and an introduction to the relevant 12-step fellowship where necessary. Each client will be assessed and supported on a case by case basis in order to introduce them to life in recovery in a way that brings with it a sense of hope, positivity and belonging.
During the treatment process, recovering addicts will be informed about the disease of addiction and in the case of cat drug users, recovering addicts benefit greatly from leaning more about the drug – its effects on the body and mind and what is required to achieve long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.
Sources:
