Methamphetamine = Tik
Tik or methamphetamine use in South Africa, specifically the Western Cape, has increased dramatically. The admission of patients seeking treatment for Tik abuse has increased by 49% since 2002. When compared to other provinces, the Western Cape has the highest rate of methamphetamine abuse, with 35% of drug users stating it is their primary drug of choice.
It is a cheap street drug which has been believed to be introduced into communities through gang involvement within the Western Cape .Unemployment and poverty, specifically in the Cape Flats, may have contributed to the sharp increase in criminal activities that include a highly organized illegal drug economy involving the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine. For a population of 1 million individuals in the Cape Flats, a prevalence of 20% implies that the population of methamphetamine users will be approximately 200 000. Continued use of drugs usually results in criminal, health and social problems, and drastic physical changes of the abuser. |
- Substance abuse in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: insights through mathematical modelling
The effects of Tik on your body:
It has been estimated that 15% of individuals who try methamphetamine will be life time users. Tik may be ingested in the following ways:
Once ingested, Tik has a profound effect on the central nervous system. Users describe this feeling as a sudden rush of pleasure lasting for several minutes, followed by a euphoric high that lasts between 6 and 12 hours. The drug releases a surge of dopamine causing an intense rush of pleasure or prolonged sense of euphoria.
The immediate state of euphoria is dependent on the method of ingestion, with users reporting the greatest "highs" when injecting the drug. |
In addition to affecting cognitive abilities, these changes in brain chemistry can lead to disturbing, even violent behavior. Tik, as with all stimulants, causes the brain to release high doses of adrenaline (the body's "fight or flight" mechanism) inducing anxiety, wakefulness and intensely focused attention, known as "tweaking." When users are tweaking, they exhibit hyperactive and obsessive behavior.
Repeated use actually changes the Tik user's brain chemistry, destroying the brain's pleasure centers and making it increasingly impossible to experience further sensations of pleasure. Although studies have shown that the affected tissues may be able to regenerate, the process can take years, and the repair may never be complete.
Repeated use actually changes the Tik user's brain chemistry, destroying the brain's pleasure centers and making it increasingly impossible to experience further sensations of pleasure. Although studies have shown that the affected tissues may be able to regenerate, the process can take years, and the repair may never be complete.
- How Meth destroys the body. Frontline News
The signs of Tik abuse
In need of HELP?
Dept of Social Services………….....……..…… 021 370-4800
SANCA…………………………………..............…….021 397-2196
Cape Town Drug Counseling Centre….…..021 447-8026
Narcanon………………………………............…….021 975-6591
Narcotics Anonymous…………….....….………088 130-0327
SANCA…………………………………..............…….021 397-2196
Cape Town Drug Counseling Centre….…..021 447-8026
Narcanon………………………………............…….021 975-6591
Narcotics Anonymous…………….....….………088 130-0327
An Injury and Prevention Awareness Project brought to you by Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital Trauma & Emergency Centre.