What is Tik?

What is Tik?

Tik is the street name given to crystal methamphetamine; this is what makes Tik so highly addictive and dangerous. Tik is a stimulant that increases alertness, attention and energy. Tik users become addicted or dependent as the effect is an intense “rush” and a feeling of self-confidence and euphoria. This hyperactivity can last for hours, when the effect of tik wears off it often leaves the tik user feeling irritable, tired along with a sense of depression or glum mood which drives the tik user to use it again to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of coming down.

What does Tik look like?

Tik is an odourless substance found either in crystals or a finer powder form usually white or brownish in colour and is sold in small bags or straws. Tik can either be snorted, smoked or injected. Tik is most commonly smoked. Tik is popular as it’s cheap and easily found on the streets.

What are the effects of Tik?

• Increased alertness
• An intense feeling of happiness or euphoria
• Increased sense of activity or energy
• Increased feelings of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sex drive
• Increased sense of contentment or satisfaction.

What is the ‘coming down’ effects of Tik?

• An intense feeling of anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Aggression and agitation
• Heart palpitations and sweating
• Intense feelings of depression

What are the long-term effects of Tik use?

• Decreased appetite results in significant weight loss
• Mood swings, irritability and depression
• Difficulty sleeping  (insomnia)and loss of energy
• Loss of interest in hobbies or social interactions (isolation)
• Stomach and muscle cramps
• Damage to the nervous system results in  tremors in the hands, arms head and legs
• Excessive itching of the skin
• “Meth Mouth” deterioration and decay of gum and teeth

What is Tik addiction?

Tik addiction develops when the need to continue using is increased as the artificial sense of happiness and euphoria is gone as a result of the sudden onset of withdrawals as a result of the “come down” from the high.

The difficulty of physical withdrawal and psychological cravings lasts long after the tik user has stopped using,  months later the user could still suffer from cravings for tik, leaving the tik user trapped in a cycle of using, coming down and seeking tik again. This compulsive need to use despite the consequences is an indication that addiction may present,

What are the signs of Tik abuse and addiction?

• Personal health is deteriorating
• Work or studying performance is suffering
• Loss of appetite and  erratic eating patterns avoiding food and then binge eating
• Decrease in social interactions and or isolation
• Erratic sleep patterns and sleep deprivation
• Drastic mood swings or changes
• Financial instability or constant lack of finances

When a tik abuser or addict has reached this stage where finding and using tik is their primary activity, there is a need for treatment where detox from the physical withdrawals is indicated and then the treatment for the disease of addiction will assist and aid the tik addict to confront their tik addiction and provide the addict with the tools to find recovery in order to live a sober and clean life free from tik addiction.

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.
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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.
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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!
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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."
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