Crack Cocaine – “The Rock Drug”.

“Rock “or “Crack” is cocaine that has been purified and looks like an off-white rock or nugget, it can have a candle wax-like appearance and purer forms resemble hard plastic in a crystal form. This form of cocaine is usually smoked using a glass pipe and gauze (fine wire mesh), it produces a short intense feeling of euphoria that lasts between 5 to 10 minutes. 

 Effects of Crack/Rock Cocaine:

• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Increased temperature
• Increase in blood pressure
• Constricted blood vessels
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Intense Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Weight loss

 The intense high from “the rock drug”, as it has become known colloquially, is produced by a rush of dopamine in the brain. As a result when the high wears off it feels like an intense drop or decline, which causes the irritability, anxiety and feelings of depression.  The user needs more crack/rock to avoid these feelings in order to maintain the high. This causes a psychological addiction to the substance, manifesting in an obsession for more. As the addiction progresses the user develops a tolerance and needs more of the drug to get to the necessary “high”. It’s not unusual for users to smoke non-stop for 3-5 days. Eventually the user needs to smoke more in order to feel normal. The consequences of such, sustained, long-term “rock” usage include:

• Cardiac Arrest
• Stroke
• Lung Infections/complications

Here are some signs to look out for

• Unexplained or extended disappearances
• Large sums of money disappearing
• Burned or cracked lips (smoking from a hot pipe)
• Burned fingers
• Uncharacteristic behaviour
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Paranoia or suspicion
• Delusions
• Isolation
• Aggressive/violent behavior

Crack cocaine is highly potent and highly addictive. The user will put their next fix above everything else. If there are any concerns over “rock” use, it is important to intervene sooner rather than later. The concerns should not be taken lightly. The brain becomes dependent on the drug and cannot function without it.  Recreational use often rapidly turns into addiction. Addiction is characterised by compulsive use, despite negative consequences. If someone cannot stop themselves from taking cocaine in the face of harsh consequences, there is a good chance that they are addicted. Please be aware that permanent abstinence from cocaine should always be undertaken with professional help and support.

If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to crack cocaine or other substances,  sex, gambling,  alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

• Photograph by Joel Saget

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
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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.
  Johan B
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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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Are Tik and Crystal Meth the same thing?

Tik and Crystal Meth Info – Start Recovery Now

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. It is commonly known as speed, meth and chalk. In its smoked form it is often referred to as ice, crystal, crank and glass, and in South Africa it is known as Tik.  The differences between crystal meth and other forms of meth are the strength and appearance of the drugs.  While they both refer to the same substance, crystal meth refers to the drug in a more potent, distilled form. The most important difference between Tik and other forms of meth is its strength and purity.

The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

Tik’s effects are intense and can last for a long period of time. When the drug wears off it leaves the user feeling agitated and with a depressed mood. It is at this point that the person wants to use again to avoid the feeling of “coming down” from the drug. Tik is either sold in a crystal form or sometimes it is crushed to form a powder. 

Using fast-acting, stronger methods such as snorting can promote binges, where a person repeatedly takes doses as the effect starts to wear off. Injecting or smoking meth has been linked with an increased risk of addiction. In contrast, someone who has swallowed a pill and doesn’t feel the effects quickly may take an extra dose, increasing the risk of overdose.

There is no safe way to use meth, but each type of meth and method of use carries its own risks. Meth is linked with serious long-term consequences, like poor oral health, psychiatric problems and overdose.

There are few drugs more addictive than Tik. What’s worse is that it doesn’t take long for psychological and physical dependence to set in. Relapse rates with Tik are very high because it’s difficult to work through the severity of the physical withdrawal symptoms and to get over the psychological cravings.

In-patient rehabilitation is necessary to treat Tik addiction because addicts need to be physically removed from the enabling environment, and they need the enforced structure and holistic therapy to break the destructive behavior patterns and ways of thinking that keep them in the addiction cycle.

FAQs and Answers

1. Are Tik and crystal meth the same thing?
   Yes. Tik is the common South African name for methamphetamine. Crystal meth refers to the same drug in a more purified, often stronger, crystalline form.
2. What is crystal meth?
   Crystal meth is a potent form of methamphetamine that appears as clear or bluish crystals or glass like shards. It is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
3. How is Tik commonly used and sold?
   Tik can be smoked, injected, snorted or swallowed. It is sold as crystals or as a crushed powder and may be made in clandestine laboratories from inexpensive ingredients.
4. Why is Tik so addictive?
   Tik produces intense, fast acting euphoria and raises dopamine levels sharply. The strong short lived high followed by a severe come down fuels repeated use and rapid psychological dependence.
5. What are the main health risks of Tik use?
   Short term risks include agitation, paranoia and overdose. Long term harms include severe dental problems, psychiatric disorders, cognitive decline and cardiovascular damage.
6. Can Tik use cause overdose?
   Yes. Higher purity, frequent dosing, mixing with other substances or injecting increase overdose risk. There is no safe level of methamphetamine use.
7. How is Tik addiction treated?
   Effective treatment often includes an in patient rehabilitation programme to remove the person from an enabling environment, combined with medical support, counselling and relapse prevention therapy.
8. How long do withdrawal symptoms last?
   Acute withdrawal typically peaks in the first week and may last several weeks. Psychological cravings and low mood can persist for months, so ongoing support is important.

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

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What are the effects of Cat on the brain?

Before we look at the effects of Cat on the brain, let us begin by giving a brief overview of what is it and where if comes from. Methcathinone or Cat, is an addictive psychoactive substance, and abuse of this drug is rapidly increasing in South Africa. Cat use is mostly associated with the club and rave scenes. There is no medical or pharmaceutical use for this substance’ and it is mainly produced in illicit ‘Cat labs’, for recreational purposes. According to reports there has been an increase in the use of Cat since 2010. It is often used as a substitute for other stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy. Cat is not to be confused with the Khat plant, the leaves of which are chewed as a central nervous system stimulant.

Methcathinone is a derivative of cathinone (a substance that occurs naturally). It was first synthesized in the United States in 1928 although it was only patented in 1957. It was used to treat depression in the Soviet Union during the 30’s and 40’s. It has also been tested as a drug for weight-loss, however, the side-effects and the addictive nature of it, outweighed the benefits. 

Cat is a stimulant, that is the effect it has on the brain which causes a person to feel high. Cat increases the level of dopamine, the neurotransmitter which makes you feel good. It also stimulates the release of the stress hormone norepinephrine, which makes you more alert.

In the body, Cat can increase blood pressure and heart rate, as many other stimulants do. Using Cat a lot or over a long period of time can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and heart problems. It can also cause problems with your stomach and digestive tract, such as constipation, ulcers, pain, and tumours.

The effects of Cat on the brain and body, can last from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Users may feel depressed and irritable, and have trouble eating and sleeping once it wears off.

Negative Effects of Cat include : 

Aggression

Suicidal Ideation

Anxiety

Paranoia

Manic Behaviours

Insomnia

Depression

Increased Heart Rate

Nausea or Vomiting

Anorexia Weight Loss

Dental Problems

Pulmonary Issues

People who abuse Cat typically do so for increased energy, mental alertness, or physical stimulation. These effects do occur, and they can also include a mild euphoria, sensory perception changes, boosted confidence, lowered inhibitions, and increased talkativeness.
Cat’s negative effects on the brain include aggression or violence toward oneself or others, suicidal ideation, anxiety and restlessness, paranoia, manic behaviours, lowered inhibitions leading to dangerous choices, insomnia, and emotional changes during withdrawal like depression or anhedonia (an inability to take pleasure in anything).
If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to Cat, or other substances or  sex, gambling,  alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment. 

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB012 450 5033PTA

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

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Is Dextroamphetamine available in South Africa?

Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is prescribed by doctors and psychiatrists for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It is known by the names Dexedrine, DextroStat, Metamina, ProCentra and Zenzedi.  Dextroamphetamine is also the active ingredient in Adderall. Although Dexedrine and Adderall are similar drugs, they are not the same thing. Adderall, although widely known in other countries, is not available in South Africa. Dextroamphetamine is  moderately to highly addictive and can cause physical dependency on the medication. 

Dexedrine and Ritalin (sometimes branded as Concerta)  are both prescription-only medications. Dexedrine is comprised of dextroamphetamine, whereas Ritalin is comprised of methylphenidate. Ritalin is what is more commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in South Africa.  Though dextroamphetamine is not yet commercially available in South Africa, it is only a matter of time before this internationally known medication appears on the black market and starts having an impact on persons with addictive tendencies. A study quoted in the South African Journal of  Psychiatry in 2016, surveyed 818 undergraduate students at a South African university.  17.2% of students had used Ritalin in the past and only 2.3% had a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, indicating that abuse of these prescription medications is prevalent in South Africa.  Dextroamphetamine has been prescribed in other countries as it is known to have has fewer side-effects than some of the other available medications. 

Dextroamphetamine can be used as a cognitive enhancer, an athletic aid and is used recreationally as a euphoriant and aphrodisiac.

Dextroamphetamine is most commonly abused by students when put under high-pressure situations in University and high school.  It improves focused attention. More often than not, addiction and dependence on this medication occur as a result of using it to enhance an individuals academic performance.  Over time, a person can become more and more dependent on this substance, finding it impossible to focus on work without it. This inability to perform without the use of the medication eventually leads to over use and abuse. 

Abuse of  dextroamphetamine (or Ritalin/Concerta) results in similar effects on the body as abuse of other amphetamines. Very common symptoms include weight loss as a result of the appetite suppression.  Teeth grinding and facial tics are also common when a person is actively on the medication. More serious physical symptoms can include seizures and heart attacks. 

Loss of sleep and its associated risks are not uncommon in individuals abusing this medication, which in turn can cause dependence of other drugs and medications, such are marijuana, opioids, sleeping aids and benzodiazepines, in an effort to induce sleep when over use of dextroamphetamine makes sleep near impossible. This creates a vicious cycle of dependence. 

Over use of the medication, has in some cases been known to lead to amphetamine psychosis, paranoia and delusions of grandeur. 

Like many medications, dextroamphetamine can result in an overdose if taken incorrectly. Signs of overdose include: abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, mental confusion and agitation, muscle pain, rapid breathing and elevated body temperature. Dilated pupils are also associated with the use and abuse of this medication. 

When seeking treatment or help for abuse of dextroamphetamine (or similar medications), it is important to remember that rapid withdrawal can pose a serious risk to an individuals health and mental functioning. As people develop a physical dependence on this drug withdrawal symptoms will be present. These include: aggression, confusion, depression, fatigue, hunger and over-eating, irritability, oversleeping and seizures. 

Should you or a loved one experience any symptoms when a medication is suddenly stopped it is imperative that you seek out medical assistance. Detoxing from dextroamphetamine (or similar medications) should only be done with the assistance of a medical professional. Detoxing is merely the start of the process though. The next step is sustained abstinence and along with that working on why the abuse of the substance occurred in the first place, and working to move forwards in your life with improved mental, emotional, occupational and spiritual aspects in your life. With the assistance of therapeutic interventions and support groups long term recovery from dextroamphetamine abuse (or similar medications such as Ritalin/Concerta), is accessible to anyone who suffers from an addiction. 

If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to prescription medication or other substances or to alcohol, food  sex,  or gambling,  please contact us for a free assessment. 

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB012 450 5033PTA

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