{"id":11482,"date":"2021-06-23T13:36:28","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T13:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/?p=11482"},"modified":"2025-11-27T16:46:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T16:46:46","slug":"know-the-facts-about-the-drug-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/know-the-facts-about-the-drug-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"Know the Facts About the drug Cat"},"content":{"rendered":"<header><div class=\"contained\"><div><div><\/div><div class=\"content\"><h1>Know the Facts About the drug Cat<\/h1><a href=\"#recoveryModal\" class=\"btn submit\" data-toggle=\"modal\">Reach out now, we can help<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header><div id=\"crumbs\" class=\"contained\" data-is-podcasts=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\">Home<\/a>  \/  <\/div><h3 data-date='23 June 2021' class='article-title'>Know the Facts About the drug Cat<\/h3><div class='info'><span>23 June, 2021<\/span><span>Articles, News<\/span><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know the Facts About the Drug Cat and Take the First Step to Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Methcathinone or &ldquo;cat&rdquo;, as it is more commonly known, is a stimulant that is structurally similar to methamphetamine and cathinone. It is clandestinely manufactured from readily available chemicals and is fairly cheap and easy to manufacture in home kitchens. The drug is concocted from a &ldquo;witches  brew&rdquo; of acids, thinners, and over-the-counter asthma medication (ephedrine). It is usually found as a white or off-white crystalline powder, which is most commonly snorted, although it can be taken orally by mixing it with a beverage or diluted in water. It may also be injected intravenously. Methcathinone produces amphetamine-like activity and is a highly addictive drug, similar to crack cocaine.  Similar to other stimulants, methcathinone can amplify the action of the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine.  As is the case with crack cocaine, the addiction is difficult to treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns alignfull stk-block-columns stk-block stk-15ecff4 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"15ecff4\"><style>.stk-15ecff4 {padding-top:80px !important;padding-bottom:80px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-15ecff4-column alignwide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-9cadf98\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"9cadf98\"><style>@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-9cadf98 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(60% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-9cadf98-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-9cadf98-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-0ac1a9c\" id=\"take-the-first-step-towards-recovery-from-cat-addiction\" data-block-id=\"0ac1a9c\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Take the First Step Towards Recovery from Cat Addiction<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-43c5108\" data-block-id=\"43c5108\"><style>.stk-43c5108 {margin-bottom:40px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Seeking support for addiction recovery in the LGBTQ+ community? Connect with our Pretoria Centre for inclusive care and understanding.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-5bb4bec\" data-block-id=\"5bb4bec\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Reach Out for Compassionate Support and Guidance<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-8dbbe12\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"8dbbe12\"><style>.stk-8dbbe12-inner-blocks{justify-content:center !important;}.stk-8dbbe12-container{display:flex !important;}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.stk-8dbbe12 {flex:var(--stk-flex-grow, 1) 1 calc(40% - var(--stk-column-gap, 0px) * 1 \/ 2 ) !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-8dbbe12-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-8dbbe12-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-e3e874a\" data-block-id=\"e3e874a\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-right has-text-align-left-mobile stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-eb7e891\" data-block-id=\"eb7e891\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/pretoria-treatment-centre\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Contact Pretoria Centre<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As of June 2014, cat became controlled as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). Possession incurs a possible sentence of two years imprisonment, a fine or both. Possession with intent to supply or production could each result in a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment, a fine or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Negative side-effects of the drug cat may include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anxiety <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convulsions <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delusions <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hallucinations <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremors <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Long-term effects may include : <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hallucinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxiety followed by depression <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremors and convulsions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anorexia, malnutrition, and weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elevated blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Early withdrawal symptoms of anxiety and profuse sweating can precede convulsions, hallucinations, and severe depression. Withdrawal should be done with the assistance of a medical professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cat is psychologically highly addictive, individuals may lose their ability to feel empathy.  They may also lose their self-worth and direction and often become distant and removed. However an addiction to cat can be treated through the correct methods and therapies, as with any addiction it is important to address it holistically and openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or a loved one needs assistance with an addiction to cat &ndash; 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 Centres provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope, and it&rsquo;s only a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/types-of-addiction\/sex-addiction-rehabilitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sex<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/gambling-addiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gambling<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/drug-rehabilitation\/\">substances<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/alcohol-addiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alcohol<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/food-addiction\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">food<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a> for a free assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs and Answers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What is the drug Cat?<\/strong><br>Cat is the street name for methcathinone, a stimulant related to methamphetamine and cathinone. It usually appears as a white or off white crystalline powder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How is Cat made and why is it dangerous?<\/strong><br>Cat is often made illicitly from easily available chemicals and over the counter medicines. Home manufacture can produce toxic impurities and unpredictable strength, increasing the risk of harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How is Cat typically used?<\/strong><br>It is most commonly snorted, but can also be taken orally, diluted in a drink, or injected. The route of use affects how quickly effects start and the level of risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What short term effects does Cat cause?<\/strong><br>Short term effects include heightened alertness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and in severe cases convulsions or fever.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What are the long term health risks of Cat use?<\/strong><br>Long term risks include persistent hallucinations, severe anxiety and depression, tremors, weight loss and malnutrition, raised blood pressure and an increased risk of death.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Is Cat addictive?<\/strong><br>Yes. Cat produces amphetamine like effects and is highly addictive. Psychological dependence can develop quickly and is often difficult to overcome without support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What are withdrawal symptoms and how should withdrawal be managed?<\/strong><br>Early withdrawal can include severe anxiety and profuse sweating, which may lead to convulsions, hallucinations and deep depression. Withdrawal should be managed by medical professionals to reduce risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How can someone get help for Cat addiction?<\/strong><br>Seek a medical assessment from addiction specialists or local health services. Effective treatment often combines medical supervision, psychological therapies and social support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #767676;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Resources : <\/span><\/strong><br><br> https:\/\/www.news24.com\/health24\/lifestyle\/street-drugs\/psychoactives\/what-is-the-drug-called-cat-20141112<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>https:\/\/www.mobieg.co.za\/addiction\/types-of-drugs\/cat-khat-dependency\/ <\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Know the Facts About the drug Cat Reach out now, we can help Home \/ Know the Facts About the drug Cat 23 June, 2021Articles, News Know the Facts About the Drug Cat and Take the First Step to Recovery Methcathinone or &ldquo;cat&rdquo;, as it is more commonly known, is a stimulant that is structurally [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11486,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,36],"tags":[123,26,127,320,180,59,68,276,27],"class_list":["post-11482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-news","tag-pta-rehab","tag-addiction","tag-cat-drug","tag-cathinone","tag-drug-addiction","tag-gauteng-rehab","tag-jhb-rehab","tag-methcathinone","tag-rehab","entry"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged-80x80.jpg",80,80,true],"medium":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged-300x180.jpg",300,180,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false],"large":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false],"alm-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/bagged.jpg",500,300,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Know the Facts About the drug CatReach out now, we can helpHome \/ Know the Facts About the drug Cat23 June, 2021Articles, News Know the Facts About the Drug Cat and Take the First Step to Recovery Methcathinone or &ldquo;cat&rdquo;, as it is more commonly known, is a stimulant that is structurally similar to methamphetamine and cathinone. It is clandestinely manufactured from readily available chemicals and is fairly cheap and easy to manufacture in home kitchens. The drug is concocted from a &ldquo;witches brew&rdquo; of acids, thinners, and over-the-counter asthma medication (ephedrine). It is usually found as a white or&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/category\/news\/articles\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Articles<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/category\/news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">News<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"admin","url":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/author\/admin\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11482"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11482\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ssdev.co.za\/crossroads-old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}