Names of Drugs

Names of drugs being bought, sold and taken in South Africa by children, teenagers and responsible adults are referred to by both street and medical based titles. For example, the chemical methamphetamine is part of the amphetamine group of substances and is commonly known throughout the country as the drug Tik which is having a huge negative impact on certain sectors of society in our country. Marijuana, which is hugely common around the world and usually smoked the same as a cigarette is often referred to as weed, ganja, dope, or grass and the effects of smoking it can lead to respiratory problems and memory loss among users.

Other commonly used names of drugs are crack cocaine, ecstasy which is a so called “club drug”, heroin and acid. Substances which are not always seen as drugs but can be and are highly addictive for many users around the world are nicotine and alcohol or even, believe it or not, coca cola. The long term effects of using almost anything in excess are bound to be harmful to the user whether they are classed as a hard drug substance or not. Users who feel they are addicted to any kind of substance need to seek professional help and get onto some kind of decent rehabilitation program as quickly as possible.

The problem with most substances is that the body adapts, tolerates and gets used to taking it. In other words a drug such as Tik will give the user effects such as a feeling of self worth and acceptance in society which is a feeling many insecure people are craving. This sensation of feeling accepted after using this dangerous drug may not be felt as strongly the second time a user takes it and more and more gets taken by the user in an attempt to feel that first feeling again which never happens. Parents need to keep a close eye on the behavioural patterns of children and teenagers and educate themselves on the different names of drugs being bought and sold in South Africa.