Everything you need to know about Methamphetamines:

Learn about the warning signs, symptoms and side effects of Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction.

The use of Methamphetamine (also known as crystal, meth, speed, crank and ice) has increased, particularly in the West. It is a strong stimulant that produces a sensation of pleasure, increases alertness and decreases appetite. Methods of use include injecting, snorting, smoking, or eating. It’s toxic effects are similar to that of cocaine: heart attacks, stroke and dangerously high blood pressure. Withdrawal effects include severe depression, stomach cramps, and increased appetite. Other long-term effects include heart damage, paranoia, weight loss, hallucinations, and destruction of teeth.

What is tik?

Tik is the street name in South Africa for crystal methamphetamine. Because of its potency (compared to other forms of methamphetamine) and widespread availability, it has a serious, negative reputation in South Africa. It began as the drug of choice in poorer communities due to its low price, but has since spread to other levels of society.

The effects of Tik are stronger and longer-lasting than other forms of meth, but the crash is also far more intense. Tik is a stimulant because it increases and drives activity between the brain and the central nervous system.

Pleasant Side Effects

Enhanced self-esteem, confidence Feelings of gratitude, Heightened sense of contentment and satisfaction, Euphoria and elation, Energy and physical drive, Power

Unpleasant Side Effects

Heart palpitations, Anxiety Panic attacks, Perspiration, Headaches, Hallucinations, Aggression, Cramps

Long Term Side Effects

Malnutrition Depression Mental disorders – tik psychosis Meth mouth – rotten and broken teeth caused by poor oral hygiene and constant grinding. Insomnia Seizures, Organ failure, Heart attack, Brain damage, Coma, Death

TIK Addiction

Tik is one of the most addictive drugs. Psychological and physical dependence set in rapidly. Relapse rates are high because of the severity of dealing with the intense physical withdrawal symptoms and overcoming the psychological cravings.

In-patient rehabilitation is necessary to treat tik addiction because addicts need to be physically removed from the enabling environment, and they need the enforced structure and holistic therapy to break the destructive behaviour patterns and ways of thinking that keep them in the addiction cycle.

Drug Rehab Cape Town Services

Individual counselling for drug addictions has proven to be one of the most effective ways to combat addictions and for clients to sustain their lasting sobriety and meaningful personal growth. Many people think that substances are the core of the addiction problem. However, substances are very often a temporary solution or coping mechanism used by the person to cope with deeper issues that exist in their emotional wellbeing. These emotional layers form over time and may need to be addressed through more focused talk therapy or addiction counselling.

The simple fact is that most people will be introduced to habit forming substances in some way or another over their lifetime. It is thus vital to understand the common types of substances that you may encounter. Drugs which are most commonly abused in South Africa include the following.

The approach at is founded on a multi-disciplinary and fully integrative methods of addiction treatment that goes far beyond the traditional models or treatment to include focus on the personal growth and healing of the entire individual.

Substance use disorder can simply be defined as a recurring pattern of harmful substance use for mood-altering purposes. A common misconception is that people who use alcohol or drugs lack morals or willpower and that they can stop using these substances by simply choosing to, whereas this is rarely the case.

By interacting with clients on their own terms, we are able to meet people where they are and create a plan that will take them to where they want to go in their personal growth and recovery journey.