Tik Abuse and Tik Addiction Information

Tik abuse has been growing throughout South Africa and the highly addictive drug can set addicts back years emotionally and physically. Studies have shown that most tik addicts that smoke it everyday are teenagers younger than 19 years old and between Grades 8-11. Cape Town has the worst problem with the number of addicts growing almost 10 fold within a one year period.

The drug tik is scientifically known as methamphetamine and street names given to this highly addictive drug include meth, ice, crystal, tina, glass and speed. The substance is a white, odourless crystal powder that dissolves quickly in alcohol or water and is a powerful stimulant that affects a persons central nervous system. Generally in South Africa the crystal substance is is placed in a light bulb, heated with a lighter and the fumes are inhaled by the user.

At the time of writing this article there are estimated to be up to 12,000 tik users throughout Cape Town alone with a large portion of those needing treatment for addiction coming out of Mitchells Plain. The problem with the statistics is that they are recorded and taken from those that have or are seeking help for tik addiction, the reality is that there are a lot more people addicted to this drug that feel they do not need help or that will never go for help.

During treatment for tik addiction addicts have described the drug as giving them a sense of power and great confidence. An extremely enjoyable rush after smoking it is followed by a high which lasts for many hours and users can stay awake for hours or even days feeling full of energy and extremely active. It is believed that methamphetamine releases high levels of the chemical dopamine into a persons brain which heightens feelings of pleasure. The drug puts people in a state of mind that banishes any little insecurities they may have normally and causes them to feel very powerful and alive.

An addicts body quickly gets used to tolerating levels of tik and as the user takes more and more of the drug so they need even more of it in higher doses to feel the same effects. A chronic abuser can burst into fits of rage, violence, confusion, moods, insomnia and anxiety just to name a few symptoms. Blood pressure and heart rate increases in an addict which can possibly result in damage to the brain and blood vessels that is irreversible. Respiratory problems and an irregular heartbeat are also amongst the symptoms of taking tik.

There are signs that someone may be abusing the drug tik so if you are a parent, a close friend or employer of a person you suspect may be taking tik then look for signs such as aggression, weight loss, rapid speech, regular headaches, over confidence, anxiety, no appetite, insomnia, dilated pupils and extreme mood swings. If two or three of these mentioned signs are noticeable in someone lately that did not behave the same way previously it may be an indication that they are abusing a drug such as tik but treat the situation sensibly and gently with respect for that person.