Cat Drug Addiction : Be Careful When Crossing “Cat”

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Cat Drug Addiction : Be Careful When Crossing “Cat”

28 May, 2021Articles, News

Recovery is a tailor-made process designed to be most effective to the person in question looking for relief from their addiction. The core of the program of recovery, as far as 12 step facilitation treatment for addiction goes, remains the same. However, the major difference in most 12 step programs is their first step. Though the core of the program is not substance-specific- the way, an individual identifies with some of the concepts revolving around admitting powerlessness over their addiction is. For that reason, there are often specialized approaches that are applied to those who suffer from specific addictions. To clarify this, the example of treatment for “Cat” drug addiction will be discussed further in this article.

Clued Up about Cat

“Cat” is the term used to refer to a substance that is scientifically known as methcathinone; this is a psychostimulant drug with properties and effects on the mind and body consistent with that of both amphetamines and methamphetamines. In general terminology, this drug has similar effects to that of crystal meth, a common street drug- as well as Adderall, which is often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The effects that someone on Cat experiences is euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, agitation and many more. The physical effects of this drug are minimal when compared to the psychological effects. For that reason, the part of an individual’s being that is the most affected by this substance is their psyche.

Out of Your’ System

Those seeking treatment for “cat” drug addiction often display a wide variety of withdrawal symptoms, some of which seem almost paradoxical to the way they were whilst under the influence of the substance they are taking. They go from being hyperactive, erratic, aggressive and seemingly incapable of behaviour that can be considered as anything other than manic to lethargic, depressed, irritable and socially withdrawn in the initial stages of their treatment.

This is often the key indicator that the substance has begun to exit their bodies; most people withdrawing from “cat” are not given any detox medication unless deemed necessary as the physical withdrawal symptoms from it are very mild. Physical withdrawal from “Cat” often lasts approximately three days as the human body burns through this substance quite quickly.

The crux of cat

Having undergone the physical detoxification process of “cat” abuse, the primary aspect of the treatment process for this substance begins. Due to the excessive amounts of dopamine that “cat” releases into the brain, an individual who is being treated for it seems to think and behave erratically as they begin the psychological withdrawal process from this substance. Individuals in this stage may seem enthusiastic in attitude but also disorganized in thought as well as in the way they communicate. This deceptive charisma can be mistaken for progress if the individual’s behaviour is not thoroughly observed, as that is where the evidence to indicate a problem often lies.

This attitude often blindsides many recovering from “cat” drug addiction—the dangers associated with grandiose, excessiveness as well as a disregard for it. The dopamine in their brain renders them feeling all is right, even when doing wrong. In order to perpetuate an avoidance of negative feedback and emotional discomfort and distress, individuals on “cat” insist on maintaining a permanent state of euphoria, which can render them much more vulnerable to relapse or extreme avoidance to confrontation and challenging feedback. For this reason, getting individuals off “cat” is considerably easier than holding them to the process that will keep them off it. Treatment for any addiction is often long, tedious and challenging.

The Ultimate Come Down

Re-establishing balance is the primary aim of any drug addiction treatment process, and ongoing recovery is designed to help perpetuate this. Those in treatment for this substance often seem to be on the run from this sense of balance brought on by the healing process. They do so by indulging in excessiveness in various forms and in so doing engage in anything that encourages their bodies to continue to produce dopamine in amounts that are aimed at matching that derived from the use of “Cat”.

In order to properly help those receiving treatment for an addiction to “cat”, a specialized approach is required in which the tailoring of the treatment process is ongoing based on a desire to accommodate methods to counteract hyperstimulation. If performed over extended periods of time and with the help of experienced addiction counsellors, it becomes possible to help individuals receiving treatment for an addiction to this substance to recover. This approach places more emphasis on the counsellor’s ability to practice key counselling micro-skills in order to adequately facilitate treatment by counteracting a “cat” addicts inclination towards manic behaviour and actively addressing their psychological addiction to the substance.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with Cat drug addiction – know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one, but getting yourself or your loved one the best possible care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope, and it’s only a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.

www.crossroadsrecovery.co.za

074 89 51043 JHB

012 450 5033 PTA

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  • 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 is Drug Addiction?

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Home / Posts tagged "Drug Addiction" (Page 2)

What is Drug Addiction?

16 September, 2020Articles, News

What is Addiction?

Drug addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behaviour. When you are addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, opioid painkillers, and other legal substances.

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it, but over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose self-control and can lead to harmful behaviours.

Addiction vs. Abuse

Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality, however, usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.

Addiction is when you can’t stop. You cannot stop even when it puts your health in danger, nor when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

Effect on Your Brain

Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat experiences that make you feel good. This means that you are motivated to do them again and again.
The drugs that may be addictive, target your brain’s reward system. They flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine triggers a feeling of intense pleasure. This leads you to keep taking the drug to chase that same feeling of pleasure or high.

Over time, your brain gets used to the extra dopamine. You might need to take more of the drug to get the same good feeling. Other things you enjoyed, such as food and hanging out with family, may give you less pleasure. When you use drugs for a long time, it can cause changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well.

They can hurt your:
– Judgment
– Decision making
– Memory
– Ability to learn

Together, these brain changes can drive you to seek out and take drugs in ways that are beyond your control.

Who’s Most Likely to Become Addicted?

Each person’s body and the brain is different. People also react differently to drugs. Some love the feeling the first time they try it and want more. Others hate it and never try again.

Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, but it can happen to anyone and at any age. Some things may raise your chances of addiction, including:
– Family history. Your genes are responsible for about half of your odds. If your parents or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’re more likely to as well. Women and men are equally likely to become addicted.
– Early drug use. Children’s brains are still growing, and drug use can change that. Taking drugs at an early age may make you more prone to addiction when you get older.
– Mental disorders. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention, or worry constantly, you have a higher chance of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better.
– Troubled relationships. If you grew up with family troubles and aren’t close to your parents or siblings, it may raise your chances of addiction.

Signs of Addiction

  • You may have one or more of these warning signs:
    • An urge to use the drug every day, or many times a day.
    • You take more drugs than you want to, and for longer than you thought you would.
    • You always have the drug with you, and you buy it even if you can’t afford it.
    • You keep using drugs even if it causes you trouble at work or makes you lash out at family and friends.
    • You spend more time alone.
    • You don’t take care of yourself nor care about your physical appearance.
    • You steal, lie, or do dangerous things such as driving whilst high or have unsafe sex.
    • You spend most of your time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug.
    • You feel sick when you try to quit.

When to Get Help

If your drug use is out of control or causing problems, talk to your doctor.
Getting better from drug addiction can take time. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stop using drugs and stay drug-free.

Your treatment may include counselling, medicine, or both. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best plan for you.

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  • 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
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What is Tik and is it Addictive?

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Home / Posts tagged "Drug Addiction" (Page 2)

What is Tik and is it Addictive?

14 May, 2020Articles, News

“Tik” is the South African street name for crystal methamphetamine or crystal meth, for short. Other names for “tik” include “ice” or “glass.” It is a drug that is sold in small pieces of drinking straws, and comes in the form of fine powder or larger crystals which can be broken down into usable pieces. Typically, tik is smoked, but it can also be taken orally, ingested or injected.

Tik is highly addictive and falls into the class of drugs known as stimulants or “uppers”. It has a profound effect on the central nervous system and on how the brain processes information. The effects of using tik include an intense “high,” that feels like hyper-alertness, hyperactivity and an overwhelming feeling of confidence. The effect of the drug generally lasts for six to eight hours, but what many users attest to, is that over time, the effects seem to last for shorter periods of time. Subsequently, the user needs to use increasing amounts of tik in order to achieve a feeling of normality.  

Tik is a man-made drug. The formula has evolved over time but the effects of using it have remained fundamentally the same. In World War Two, tik or crystal meth was given to soldiers in order to help them stay awake. Later, in the 1950s, crystal meth was prescribed as a dieting aid and to treat depression. Today, it is a highly addictive, highly illegal drug that is available throughout the world.

The long-term effects of tik are known to be particularly devastating. Tik causes a severe loss of appetite resulting in noticeable loss of weight. Tik users are also known to pick obsessively at their skin and hair, which can and often does, lead to infection. Other effects include jerky, erratic movements such as involuntary facial and muscular movements.

Tik addicts who are admitted to a treatment facility, will likely undergo a detox process where they will be monitored by a medical doctor or nurse to ensure that they remain physically and mentally stable. After detox, the rehabilitation process includes group and individual therapy, life-skills workshops, exercise programs and a number of other therapeutic methods.

If you or a loved one is in search of help for addiction, know that help is readily available. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll support you in your journey.

Sources:

Drugfreeworld.org

Webmd.com

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  • 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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