Cat Drug Addiction : Be Careful When Crossing “Cat”

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Cat Drug Addiction : Be Careful When Crossing “Cat”

28 May, 2021Articles, News

Recovery is a tailor-made process designed to be most effective to the person in question looking for relief from their addiction. The core of the program of recovery, as far as 12 step facilitation treatment for addiction goes, remains the same. However, the major difference in most 12 step programs is their first step. Though the core of the program is not substance-specific- the way, an individual identifies with some of the concepts revolving around admitting powerlessness over their addiction is. For that reason, there are often specialized approaches that are applied to those who suffer from specific addictions. To clarify this, the example of treatment for “Cat” drug addiction will be discussed further in this article.

Clued Up about Cat

“Cat” is the term used to refer to a substance that is scientifically known as methcathinone; this is a psychostimulant drug with properties and effects on the mind and body consistent with that of both amphetamines and methamphetamines. In general terminology, this drug has similar effects to that of crystal meth, a common street drug- as well as Adderall, which is often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The effects that someone on Cat experiences is euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, agitation and many more. The physical effects of this drug are minimal when compared to the psychological effects. For that reason, the part of an individual’s being that is the most affected by this substance is their psyche.

Out of Your’ System

Those seeking treatment for “cat” drug addiction often display a wide variety of withdrawal symptoms, some of which seem almost paradoxical to the way they were whilst under the influence of the substance they are taking. They go from being hyperactive, erratic, aggressive and seemingly incapable of behaviour that can be considered as anything other than manic to lethargic, depressed, irritable and socially withdrawn in the initial stages of their treatment.

This is often the key indicator that the substance has begun to exit their bodies; most people withdrawing from “cat” are not given any detox medication unless deemed necessary as the physical withdrawal symptoms from it are very mild. Physical withdrawal from “Cat” often lasts approximately three days as the human body burns through this substance quite quickly.

The crux of cat

Having undergone the physical detoxification process of “cat” abuse, the primary aspect of the treatment process for this substance begins. Due to the excessive amounts of dopamine that “cat” releases into the brain, an individual who is being treated for it seems to think and behave erratically as they begin the psychological withdrawal process from this substance. Individuals in this stage may seem enthusiastic in attitude but also disorganized in thought as well as in the way they communicate. This deceptive charisma can be mistaken for progress if the individual’s behaviour is not thoroughly observed, as that is where the evidence to indicate a problem often lies.

This attitude often blindsides many recovering from “cat” drug addiction—the dangers associated with grandiose, excessiveness as well as a disregard for it. The dopamine in their brain renders them feeling all is right, even when doing wrong. In order to perpetuate an avoidance of negative feedback and emotional discomfort and distress, individuals on “cat” insist on maintaining a permanent state of euphoria, which can render them much more vulnerable to relapse or extreme avoidance to confrontation and challenging feedback. For this reason, getting individuals off “cat” is considerably easier than holding them to the process that will keep them off it. Treatment for any addiction is often long, tedious and challenging.

The Ultimate Come Down

Re-establishing balance is the primary aim of any drug addiction treatment process, and ongoing recovery is designed to help perpetuate this. Those in treatment for this substance often seem to be on the run from this sense of balance brought on by the healing process. They do so by indulging in excessiveness in various forms and in so doing engage in anything that encourages their bodies to continue to produce dopamine in amounts that are aimed at matching that derived from the use of “Cat”.

In order to properly help those receiving treatment for an addiction to “cat”, a specialized approach is required in which the tailoring of the treatment process is ongoing based on a desire to accommodate methods to counteract hyperstimulation. If performed over extended periods of time and with the help of experienced addiction counsellors, it becomes possible to help individuals receiving treatment for an addiction to this substance to recover. This approach places more emphasis on the counsellor’s ability to practice key counselling micro-skills in order to adequately facilitate treatment by counteracting a “cat” addicts inclination towards manic behaviour and actively addressing their psychological addiction to the substance.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with Cat drug addiction – know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one, but getting yourself or your loved one the best possible care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope, and it’s only a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

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  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
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  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
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  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
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  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
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Methcathinone or “The Cat Drug”

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Home / Posts tagged "cat addict"

Methcathinone or “The Cat Drug”

15 January, 2021Articles, News

Methcathinone, or the “cat drug” is a popular psychoactive drug in South Africa, commonly used as a cheaper alternative to cocaine. It is closely related to methamphetamine. It is most commonly snorted but can be ingested and injected. On the streets it is known as the “cat drug”. The most common form found, is a white or off-white powder. It can also be found in a white, rock-like form which can easily be crushed. A section of cat can be bought for as little as R 50 or between R200 – R 250 for a gram.

Effects of the “cat drug”:

  • Intense euphoria
  • Confidence
  • Rapid speech
  • Dilated pupils
  • Loss of appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Paranoia
  • Increased alertness
  • Delusions
  • Potential for drug induced psychosis

The main problem with withdrawal from “cat drug” is the psychological component, which is more intense compared to any physical symptoms when coming off cat. Withdrawal syptoms can include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Agitation
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue
  • Hyper- Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Persisting psychosis
  • Delusions
  • Suspicion/Paranoia

Crossroads Recovery centres regulary treat cat addiction. It is very rare that medical intervention is needed for someone who is coming off cat. Most of the physical symptoms can be treated by geting enough sleep, eating properly and abstinence. With treatment the mental obsession, depression and anxiety will lift over time. Treatment at Crossroads Recovery Centres is focused on change in behaviour and adopting new coping mechanisms.

The road to recovery from cat abuse is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s just a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

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Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
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Your Questions About Cat, Answered.

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Home / Posts tagged "cat addict"

Your Questions About Cat, Answered.

27 July, 2020Articles, News

How long does cat stay in the system?

Methcathinone , or “Cat” is classed as a stimulant. The most common side effects include increased respiration, elevated blood pressure and a heightened sense of awareness. Once it is used, the effects peak after about 15 to 30 minutes and can last for up to 3 hours. As in the case of other drugs, cat users find that over time, with increased usage, larger quantities of the drug are needed in order to maintain a “high”. It can be detected in your system from between 30 hours to 5 days.

Is cat addictive?

Questions around whether a drug is addictive or not, are often difficult to answer. For an addict who has the disease of addiction, coupled perhaps with a genetic predisposition towards addictive behaviour and a set of specific circumstances, any substance and indeed, behaviour, can be addictive. Cat, is a physically addictive substance. It has been compared to crack cocaine in terms of its addictiveness.

What are the long-term effects of cat?

There are a range of specific symptoms that become prevalent in addicts who use cat over a long period of time. These symptoms include changes in sleeping habits, irritability, lack of appetite and weight loss. There are many documented cases of cat users who have become severely depressed. Professionals have pointed to evidence that the use of this drug over a prolonged period can cause underlying mental health conditions to worsen. Methcathinone abuse has also been documented as a significant cause of parkinsonism among young patients in the Eastern European countries. There is evidence to link it to other movement disorders and neurological disorders. Experts tend to agree that not enough research has been done in terms of the long term effects of sustained cat usage.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction in any form, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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Home / Posts tagged "cat addict"

What is Cat?

24 April, 2020Articles, News

Methcathinone (also known as mephedrone) is classed as a stimulant. It was first synthesised in the USA in 1928, but only patented by Parke-Davis in 1957. During the 1930’s and 1940’s it was used as an antidepressant in the USSR. The original pharmaceutical function was as an antidepressant and weight-loss drug. It was banned in the USSR after World War II. A common street name for methcathinone is ‘Cat’. It is produced in illicit ‘cat labs’, for recreational purposes and part of its popularity is because it is fairly easy to produce and does not require sophisticated equipment to produce it. Cat is not to be confused with the Khat plant, the leaves of which are chewed as a central nervous system stimulant. It is often used as a substitute for other stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy. Unlike cocaine, the ‘high’ effect can last up to six hours, making it a very popular recreational drug – in fact it is often referred to as “the poor mans’ coke” . It is generally snorted or inhaled but it can also be used intravenously. According to reports there has been an increase in usage within South Africa since 2010. Side-effects include increased blood pressure, an accelerated heart rate as well as a sudden increase in alertness due to the fact that it stimulates the stress hormone, norepinephrine. Other effects include :

Intense feelings of euphoria
Increased energy
Increased confidence
Loss of appetite
Dilated pupils
Feelings of love or empathy towards others
Sociability and talkativeness

Adverse effects may include:

Nausea
Damage to the nasal cavities
Nosebleeds
Involuntary teeth grinding
Hallucinations
Blurred vision
Loss of appetite
Mental confusion
Muddled speech
Liver, kidney, lung and cardiovascular damage with prolonged use
The loss of the ability to make rational decisions
Depression
Anxiety
Memory loss
Insomnia
Amphetamine psychosis
Paranoid delusions
Suspicion
Violent behaviour

Studies have linked the use of cat to higher risks of stroke and heart failure. It is particularly dangerous to those who suffer from existing heart problems. Overdose can occur with any quantity of drug used, and the user is always at risk.

Withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of cocaine, lasting from two to three weeks or longer depending on the extent of use. Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Headaches
Agitation
Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
Increased appetite
Agitation and aggression

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction to cat, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043
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Stories of Recovery

  • The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
    Oliver VG
    Read more
  • On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
    Johan B
    Read more
  • I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
    Carla S
    Read more
  • "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
    Angelique J
    Read more
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