The Dangerous Side-Effects of Tik

Home / Posts tagged "crystal meth" (Page 2)

The Dangerous Side-Effects of Tik

07 July, 2021Articles, News

Tik or, crystal methamphetamine is a synthetic psychostimulant, it can be injected, snorted or smoked. It is commonly referred to as Tik, Crystal, Ice and Glass. This is because it resembles glass/crystal shards. The name “tik” came from the sound the crystal meth makes as it heats up. Tik is classed as a stimulant, it boosts mood, increases alertness, and energy, offering a feeling of euphoria. Crystal meth has become a popular “party drug”, but because of its low cost and intense high it creates dependence which leads to serious addiction issues.

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Scientists first began developing amphetamine-type stimulants, similar to tik, as early as 1885 when a Japanese chemist studying in Germany, managed to isolate and characterise the active ingredient in the Ephedra plant as ephedrine. Ephedra has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine primarily to treat asthma, bronchitis, and hay fever. Methamphetamine remained difficult to reproduce until 1919, when another Japanese chemist, Akira Ogata, streamlined the process by adding phosphorus and iodine to reduce the ephedrine into a crystallized form, thereby creating the world’s first crystal meth.

It is a potent and highly addictive drug that acts on the central nervous system, where it causes the release of dopamine, a substance which acts as a stimulant and euphoric drug. Pharmaceutical methamphetamine is still available legally but it is only rarely prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit, hyper activity disorder (ADHD) and severe obesity. Meth is readily available and its use has spread rapidly across South Africa, especially in the Western Cape, where it is made in illicit laboratories using inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. Recent research reported that 42% of drug users within the Western Cape used crystal meth as their primary, or preferred drug, with a high prevalence use amongst adolescents.

The physical effects of crystal meth are;

Loss of appetite resulting in weight loss
Dilated pupils
Hyperactivity
Accelerated heartbeat
Anxiety
Depression
Sweating
Twitching
Constipation
Rapid breathing
Teeth grinding
Twitching
Numbness
Acne
Dry skin
Pale appearance
Long term users often suffer with sores on the face and what is termed “meth mouth”. Poor dental hygiene, dry mouth and teeth grinding result in accelerated tooth decay and loos of teeth.

Overdose can occur with any quantity of drug used, and the user is always at risk. An overdose wil result in seizures, an increase in body temperature, respiratory failure, coma, and/or death.

The psychological effects of tik/crystal meth can be severe and long lasting, some of these effects are:

Repetitive obsessive behaviour and repetitive non-goal driven activity
Irritability
Over confidence
Insomnia
Aggression
Restlessness
Magnetic resonance studies conducted on users of tik have shown evidence of neurodegeneration
Paranoia

Sustained use of the drug affects the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure. Long-term meth use can cause a decrease in the number of dopamine receptors in the brain, making it difficult for the individual to experience pleasure (a condition known as anhedonia) as well as reduced levels of motivation. It is thus recommended that withdrawal from the drug be conducted under the care of trained medical professionals together with experienced, trained, addiction counsellors.

If you or a loved one need assistance with an addiction to crystal meth – 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 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 is 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.

FAQs and Answers

1. What is Tik and why is it dangerous?
Tik, also known as crystal methamphetamine, is a powerful stimulant that creates a temporary sense of euphoria. It is dangerous because it is highly addictive and can cause severe physical and psychological harm.

2. How is Tik usually consumed?
Tik can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Smoking is the most common method, particularly in South Africa, due to its fast-acting and intense effects.

3. What are the short term effects of Tik use?
Short term effects include rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, increased energy, restlessness, anxiety, loss of appetite, and a temporary feeling of euphoria.

4. What are the long term physical effects of Tik?
Long term use often leads to weight loss, skin problems, severe dental issues known as meth mouth, and sores on the face. Chronic use can cause serious health complications.

5. Can Tik use affect mental health?
Yes, Tik has severe psychological effects including paranoia, aggression, irritability, insomnia, depression, and long lasting damage to brain function.

6. What happens when someone overdoses on Tik?
An overdose can cause seizures, dangerously high body temperature, respiratory failure, coma, or even death. Any amount of Tik use carries a risk of overdose.

7. Is it possible to recover from Tik addiction?
Yes, recovery is possible with professional treatment and support. Medical detox, counselling, and rehabilitation programmes can help individuals regain control of their lives.

8. Where can someone get help for Tik addiction in South Africa?
Treatment and recovery support are available at centres such as Crossroads Recovery Centre in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Professional help is crucial for safe withdrawal and long term recovery.

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Tik Addiction- how to identify it.

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Home / Posts tagged "crystal meth" (Page 2)

Tik Addiction- how to identify it.

21 May, 2021Articles, News

Crystal methamphetamine is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in South Africa. It is often known by its street name “tik”. Tik is a manmade stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Users report a sense of euphoria shortly after using the drug. Tik can be smoked in a glass pipe, injected or snorted. The drug takes the form of a white crystal-like substance that looks similar to glass, or in the form of smaller blue-white rocks.

When using tik a person may have trouble sleeping, this effect may last for days, this is because of the stimulant aspects of the drug. Tik causes spikes in energy levels because of the production of dopamine and adrenaline while under the influence. People using tik also report feeling more confident and self-assured while taking the drug. This side-effect leads people to put themselves in dangerous situations as the person using tik becomes unable to recognise the dangerousness and seriousness of a given situation.

Tik is a seriously addictive drug, with many users reporting an intense desire to seek out the drug compulsively even after the first high. In addition to being habit-forming, as using progresses, a tolerance builds up within the user’s system- meaning that people seek out larger doses of tik in order to obtain the same high. The increased amount of tik being consumed, puts users at a higher risk of developing adverse effects, addiction and an increased likelihood of overdosing on it.

Though tik does not have severe withdrawal symptoms, users suffer from a serious “comedown”, which can be compared to a hangover after indulging in large quantities of alcohol. This “comedown” is particularly intense, resulting in physical symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, headaches, decreased appetite, insomnia and fatigue. In addition to the physical symptoms of withdrawal, users of tik also experience mental and emotional consequences such as hopelessness, sadness, depression and anxiety. This leads to an escalating cycle of compulsively seeking out the drug.

If you are seeking help for yourself or possibly wondering if you are in fact addicted to tik, acknowledging this cycle is key. Those who are addicted to tik will find themselves trapped within cycles of use, come down and drug-seeking, unable to separate themselves from it. Another big indicator of addiction to tikis managing to go through the comedown, and being able to maintain abstinence for a length of time but eventually picking up again, completely forgetting the difficulties they had experienced with the drug previously. The compulsive need to seek out and use tik, despite the negative consequences in ones personal, professional and social life, as well as ignoring health consequences are indicators of tik addiction.

If you find yourself reading this blog and you are concerned about the well-being of someone, the easiest way to determine if they are actively abusing tik is to look for external warning signs. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

Are they maintaining their overall personal health? This includes personal hygiene, sleep patterns and seeking medical help when they are unwell.
Is their performance at work and school suffering?
Have their habits and patterns changed? Have they made new friends and are they leaving home and going out at odd hours?
Have their eating habits changed? This would be particularly notable if they avoid food and go on binges from time to time. Rapid weight loss can also be an indicator of addiction.
Are they financially struggling where previously they were coping? Have items in the home suddenly gone missing? These can be items as large and notable as televisions or as understated as an old pair of shoes.
Are they frequently complaining of physical ailments? Lack of sleep, headaches, muscle pains. Do these symptoms persist despite the passage of time, do they avoid seeking medical attention?
Are they prone to rapid mood changes? Are they aggressive? Are they paranoid or verbalising conspiracy theories about the people around them?
Have they been isolating from people close to them such as their spouse, family, friends or children? Do they spend time alone or with new acquaintances?
Have you seen substances around the house that resemble tik? Have you seen drug paraphernalia such as pipes, straws, injections or plastic bankies?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions your loved one may be suffering an addiction to tik, or perhaps other substances. The next step should be a confrontation, this is tricky and often individuals are not equipped with the knowledge to do this with skill and tact.

At Crossroads Recovery Centre we can help. Please call +27 74 895 1043 (Johannesburg) or +27 72 631 9095/ +27 82 653 331 (Pretoria). If it is not the use of tik, it could potentially be another substance, and some form of intervention could be needed. 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.