Nyaope Addiction

Definition of Addiction

A Compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence 

Opioid

Medication

Description

Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. Other medical uses include suppression of diarrhea, replacement therapy for opioid use disorder, reversing opioid overdose, and suppressing cough. 

Use: Pain relief

Mode of action: Opioid receptor

Cannabis

Drug

Description

Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. Native to Central and South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various traditional medicines for centuries.

Geographic origin: Central and South Asia

Part(s) of plant: Flower and fruit

What is Nyaope?

Nyaope, is a street drug commonly found in South Africa.

The drug contains a mixture, but is not limited to, low-grade heroin (Opioid), Cannabis products, antiretroviral drugs and other toxic chemicals added as cutting agents. It is a highly physiologically addictive substance that is smoked by users.

Conclusion

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of mood or mind-altering, substances. Nyaope mainly contains Heroin a highly addictive (opioid) and Cannabis a Psycho active substance. When you are addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.

The risk of addiction and how fast a person becomes addicted varies by drug and person. Drugs, such as opioid-based painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others.

As time passes, a person may need larger doses of the drug to get the desired effect. Soon they may need the drug just to feel better. As drug use increases, they may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop using may cause intense withdrawal symptoms.

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Nervousness
• Agitation
• Depression
• Muscle spasms
• Cravings for drugs

Contact Crossroads Recovery Centre today for help.

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

Read more

Approved Medical Aids

What is the Khat drug made of and what does it do to your body

Methcathinone or “Cat” as it is more commonly known in South Africa, is a stimulant that is a made from Methamphetamine and Cathinone. The Khat drug comes in two forms, namely Cathinone which originally comes from a leafy green plant called Catha Edulis. The leaves of the Catha Edulis either chewed or used in teas which have the active ingredient of Cathinone in it.

What is the Cat (Khat) drug?

The artificial form of the cat drug is more potent however, and is known as Methcathinone. When made it is usually consists of readily available cleaning products found in one’s home, and is noticeable by its white/off-white powder form. Both chemicals Cathinone and Methcathinone are harmful and speed up the functioning of the Central Nervous System. Although methcathinone is more potent of cat but have similar symptoms and effects.               

The cat drug is most commonly snorted up the nasal passages, although it can be taken orally by mixing it with a beverage or diluted in water. It is rare but can also be injected intravenously. Methcathinone produces an amphetamine-like effect and has similar effects to Cocaine or Methamphetamine.

Some of the Symptoms of the Khat drug is that it is used in a crash binge pattern. Usually people who are addicted to the cat drug use a lot at a time, go into withdrawal then use more to stop the withdrawal symptoms. This can last up to four to six hours at a time.

Other symptoms of cat include:

• Dilated (Enlarged) Pupils
• Dehydration and Sweating caused by an increase in body temperature
• Weight Loss
• Insomnia (Problems Sleeping)
• Rapid Heart Beat
• Teeth grinding and jaw clenching often resulting in gum being chewed.
• Twitching
• Straws left in and around the persons environment burnt at one end
• Euphoria – feelings of extreme happiness
• Increased confidence – the user begins to talk more and feel good about themselves.
• Sharpened senses – becoming more alert
• Impaired Judgement and Concentration
• Increased Energy
• Rapid Speech
• Aggression
• Restlessness
• Mood Swings
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not really there)
• Psychosis: Feeling out of touch with reality; experiencing delusions, paranoia and hallucinating.
• Panic Attacks and Anxiety due to fear.
• Depression with the risk of suicide.

Methcathinone is a highly addictive drug, similar to crack cocaine. Like crack cocaine, the addiction is difficult to treat. Cat is psychologically highly addictive, individuals lose their ability to feel empathy or sympathy, and they lose self-worth and direction and often become distant and removed.

However, cat addiction can be treated through the correct methods and therapies, as with any addiction it is important to address it holistically and openly.

FAQs and Answers

1. What is the Khat drug made from?

Khat comes from the Catha Edulis plant which contains the stimulant Cathinone. The artificial form, Methcathinone, is created from chemical mixtures that often include household cleaning products.

2. How does the Khat drug affect the body?

Khat speeds up the central nervous system, increasing heart rate, energy and alertness. It can also cause anxiety, insomnia, aggression and severe mood changes.

3. What is the difference between Cathinone and Methcathinone?

Cathinone occurs naturally in the Khat plant, while Methcathinone is a more potent artificial version that produces stronger stimulant effects.

4. How is the Khat drug usually taken?

Most users snort the powder through the nasal passages. Others mix it with drinks and swallow it. It can be injected but this is rare.

5. What are common symptoms of Khat use?

Common symptoms include dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, sweating, weight loss, jaw clenching, twitching, rapid speech and mood swings.

6. Can Khat cause mental health problems?

Yes. Heavy use can trigger anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations and severe depression.

7. Is Khat addictive?

Yes. Both Cathinone and Methcathinone are highly addictive. Many users follow a crash binge pattern that increases dependency.

8. Can Khat addiction be treated?

Yes. Addiction treatment with therapy, medical support and a holistic recovery programme can help individuals regain control and rebuild their lives.

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

Read more

Approved Medical Aids

Is being addicted to sex a disorder?

In July 2018 the World Health Organisation finally acknowledged the fact that Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity is a reality. The WHO has recognized ‘Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder’ – which functions as a term encompassing ‘sex addiction’ and ‘porn addiction’ – as an impulse control disorder.

What is addiction?

Addiction is a thought process: as long as there is pleasure-seeking, there is addiction. Take pornography addiction as an example; when one consumes pornography, one takes great pleasure from it; the image and sound of the pornography trigger the sexual sensations, which is pleasure-seeking. The mind keeps replaying the images and sounds to trigger sexual sensations.

At first, the mind takes great pleasure – satisfaction, fulfilment, and all the rest of it, but this “replaying” due to the pleasure becomes a loop. The mind is inevitably in conflict when a loop or pattern form because the mind is always dynamic and resisting any pattern. This conflict brings about the mental challenges manifested in all kinds of symptoms described in words, but the symptoms are the wrong focus and can be a distraction that keeps one from dealing with the issue.

What is sexual addiction?

Sexual addiction can best be understood in two parts. These are “sex” and “addiction.”

1. The first of these, sex, includes the cognitive, emotional, relational, and physical expression of sexuality. It is not limited to the act of sexual intercourse but includes all variations of sexual expression, thoughts, emotional components, and relationship dynamics.
2. The second component is addiction. Addiction pathology is similar, in many ways, regardless of the object of the addiction. In this case, sex is the object. Addiction is a form of pathological avoidance of reality.

It is an issue of escape. Perhaps you have spoken to someone who is addicted and experienced the frustration of attempting to get them to see and acknowledge reality. It’s like they are living in another world. Addiction, oftentimes, originates as a means of escaping loneliness, hurt, sadness and fear. Addicts are committed to their avoidance. They will expend considerable effort to maintain this system, despite its destructive impact on both them and others. The sexually addicted individual utilizes sex as a means of destructive escape. Sex is no longer a part of a healthy, marital relationship, as God designed it to be. Instead, the addict becomes obsessively focused on increasing the arousal and intensity of sexual behaviors, at the expense of intimacy. Sex addicts compulsively seek out and obtain sexual gratification in harmful ways. They may utilize pornography, prostitution, anonymous encounters, swinging groups, voyeurism, and compulsive masturbation, to name a few.

Self-assessment:

• Do you keep secrets about your sexual behavior or romantic fantasies from those important to you? Do you lead a double life?

• Have your desires driven you to have sex in places or with people you would not normally choose?

• Do you need greater variety, increased frequency, or more extreme sexual activities to achieve the same level of excitement or relief?

• Does your use of pornography occupy large amounts of time and/or jeopardize your significant relationships or employment?

• Do your relationships become distorted with sexual preoccupation? Does each new relationship have the same destructive pattern which prompted you to leave the last one?

• Do you frequently want to get away from a partner after having sex? Do you feel remorse, shame, or guilt after a sexual encounter?

• Have your sexual practices caused you legal problems? Could your sexual practices cause you legal problems?

• Does your pursuit of sex or sexual fantasy conflict with your moral standards or interfere with your personal spiritual journey?

• Do your sexual activities involve coercion, violence, or the threat of disease?

• Has your sexual behaviour or pursuit of sexual relationships ever left you feeling hopeless, alienated from others, or suicidal?

• Does your preoccupation with sexual fantasies cause problems in any area of your life – even when you do not act out your fantasies?

• Do you compulsively avoid sexual activity due to fear of sex or intimacy?

Does your sexual avoidance consume you mentally? If you answered “Yes” to more than one of these questions, we encourage you to seek help.

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

Read more

Approved Medical Aids

Can Tik (Crystal Meth) addiction be cured?

Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the mind, body and behaviour. People can become addicted to a substance or behaviours and get to the point where they will do anything to obtain more. Most people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Addiction is a serious matter, it effects the individual who is addicted as well as those around him. There is an urge to use substances or act out on behaviours, without any consideration of consequences.

What is Tik (Crystal Meth) addiction?

People struggling with addiction often face the challenge of severe denial, they are unable to see that a substance or behaviour are the root of their problems. Often they look at the symptoms of their addiction such as feelings of depression, anxiety, problems in their relationships or work. They blame and justify their actions, unable to see that the solution to their problem is to stop the substance or behaviour. They look for solutions to treat the feelings(medication), change jobs, change living situations or leave relationships.

Tik (Crystal Meth) is a highly addictive drug that has gained popularity in most parts of South Africa. Tik produces an intense high. It gives the user the illusion of confidence and productivity, the user is convinced that the drug is helping them cope and manage with life. Once the addiction grabs a hold of them it is very hard for them to see the unmanageability and consequences of the drug use.

What can be done?

The first step in overcoming a Crystal Meth addiction is acknowledging that there is a problem. Often it is difficult to get the addict to acknowledge that there is a problem, an intervention usually helps in putting enough pressure on the addict to take the steps to get help.

Once the addict acknowledges there is a problem and is willing to get help. An abstinence based recovery approach has to be taken. The best starting point for this is in-patient treatment. In-patient treatment provides a safe, structured environment for recovery to begin. The withdrawal symptom of Tik are usually all psychological some of the symptoms are:

• Psychosis
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings
• Depression

The Tik user must undergo a medically supervised detox to assist in getting over these types of withdrawal symptoms. The body and mind need time to adjust to not having the substance. Once the Crystal Meth user stops using the substance and overcomes the withdrawals they can focus on adapting to a life in recovery. The aim here is for the individual to never use the drug again.

Recovery from Tik addiction is possible it requires commitment, structure, routine and support. There are may support groups out there such as Narcotics anonymous, these groups follow the 12 Steps and offer support and purpose for anyone struggling with a substance addiction. There is hope for those that want a life in recovery.

Contact Crossroads Recovery Centre for help with 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.
  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

Read more

Approved Medical Aids