Cat Drug Addiction : Be Careful When Crossing “Cat”

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of behaviour that can be considered as anything other than manic to lethargic, depressed, irritable and socially withdrawn in the initial stages of their treatment.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