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of behaviour that can be considered as anything other than manic to lethargic, depressed, irritable and socially withdrawn in the initial stages of their treatment.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.

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Tik Addiction- how to identify it.

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Home / Posts tagged "recovery" (Page 11)

Tik Addiction- how to identify it.

21 May, 2021Articles, News

Crystal methamphetamine is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in South Africa. It is often known by its street name “tik”. Tik is a manmade stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Users report a sense of euphoria shortly after using the drug. Tik can be smoked in a glass pipe, injected or snorted. The drug takes the form of a white crystal-like substance that looks similar to glass, or in the form of smaller blue-white rocks.

When using tik a person may have trouble sleeping, this effect may last for days, this is because of the stimulant aspects of the drug. Tik causes spikes in energy levels because of the production of dopamine and adrenaline while under the influence. People using tik also report feeling more confident and self-assured while taking the drug. This side-effect leads people to put themselves in dangerous situations as the person using tik becomes unable to recognise the dangerousness and seriousness of a given situation.

Tik is a seriously addictive drug, with many users reporting an intense desire to seek out the drug compulsively even after the first high. In addition to being habit-forming, as using progresses, a tolerance builds up within the user’s system- meaning that people seek out larger doses of tik in order to obtain the same high. The increased amount of tik being consumed, puts users at a higher risk of developing adverse effects, addiction and an increased likelihood of overdosing on it.

Though tik does not have severe withdrawal symptoms, users suffer from a serious “comedown”, which can be compared to a hangover after indulging in large quantities of alcohol. This “comedown” is particularly intense, resulting in physical symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, headaches, decreased appetite, insomnia and fatigue. In addition to the physical symptoms of withdrawal, users of tik also experience mental and emotional consequences such as hopelessness, sadness, depression and anxiety. This leads to an escalating cycle of compulsively seeking out the drug.

If you are seeking help for yourself or possibly wondering if you are in fact addicted to tik, acknowledging this cycle is key. Those who are addicted to tik will find themselves trapped within cycles of use, come down and drug-seeking, unable to separate themselves from it. Another big indicator of addiction to tikis managing to go through the comedown, and being able to maintain abstinence for a length of time but eventually picking up again, completely forgetting the difficulties they had experienced with the drug previously. The compulsive need to seek out and use tik, despite the negative consequences in ones personal, professional and social life, as well as ignoring health consequences are indicators of tik addiction.

If you find yourself reading this blog and you are concerned about the well-being of someone, the easiest way to determine if they are actively abusing tik is to look for external warning signs. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

Are they maintaining their overall personal health? This includes personal hygiene, sleep patterns and seeking medical help when they are unwell.
Is their performance at work and school suffering?
Have their habits and patterns changed? Have they made new friends and are they leaving home and going out at odd hours?
Have their eating habits changed? This would be particularly notable if they avoid food and go on binges from time to time. Rapid weight loss can also be an indicator of addiction.
Are they financially struggling where previously they were coping? Have items in the home suddenly gone missing? These can be items as large and notable as televisions or as understated as an old pair of shoes.
Are they frequently complaining of physical ailments? Lack of sleep, headaches, muscle pains. Do these symptoms persist despite the passage of time, do they avoid seeking medical attention?
Are they prone to rapid mood changes? Are they aggressive? Are they paranoid or verbalising conspiracy theories about the people around them?
Have they been isolating from people close to them such as their spouse, family, friends or children? Do they spend time alone or with new acquaintances?
Have you seen substances around the house that resemble tik? Have you seen drug paraphernalia such as pipes, straws, injections or plastic bankies?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions your loved one may be suffering an addiction to tik, or perhaps other substances. The next step should be a confrontation, this is tricky and often individuals are not equipped with the knowledge to do this with skill and tact.

At Crossroads Recovery Centre we can help. Please call +27 74 895 1043 (Johannesburg) or +27 72 631 9095/ +27 82 653 331 (Pretoria). If it is not the use of tik, it could potentially be another substance, and some form of intervention could be needed. 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.