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What is the Drug Tik Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth Addiction ?

( Tina, meth, glass, cristy, quartz, tik, ice cream, crank )
It is a powerfully addictive stimulant that affects many areas of the central nervous system. It is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that readily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug can easily be made in clandestine laboratories from relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients and can be purchased at a relatively low cost (about R30/‘straw’). Modes of administration It can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested or injected intravenously. In South Africa it is typically smoked by placing the powder/crystal in a light bulb, from which the metal threading has been removed. A lighter is used to heat the bulb and the fumes are smoked. Consequences of methamphetamine use Acute intoxication and/or overdose Methamphetamine triggers release of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine in the sympathetic nervous system. Common effects of intoxication are euphoria, increased energy and self-confidence, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, heightened sense of sexuality, and tremors. Respiratory effects include increased espirations, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hypertension and decreased lung capacity. Cardiovascular effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, achycardia (abnormally rapid heart beat) and/or arrhythmias. Users run the risk of overdose characterised by dehydration, hypothermia, convulsions, renal failure, stroke and myocardial infarction.


For the drug addict / Tik drug addict or crystal meth abuser.

Some street names for Methamphetamine are tik, tuk, crystal meth, tuk-tuk, crystal, straws, globes, crystal meths, krank, ice, Tina, meth, glass, cristy, quartz, ice cream or crank,

Long-term/chronic Prolonged use in crystal methh addiction can result in severe weight loss/anorexia, severe dermatological problems, higher risk of seizures and uncontrollable rage/violent behaviour. Tik drug addicts show signs of chronic mental health effects including confusion, impaired concentration and memory, hallucinations, insomnia, depressive reactions, psychotic reactions, paranoid reactions, and panic disorders. Long term crystal meth addiction or Tik drug use also increases the risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C due to injection drug use and sexual risk behaviour.

Epidemiology of methamphetamine use in Cape Town:
The following statistics were collected via the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use on patients presenting with methamphetamine problems in Cape Town since 2002.

Table 1 shows the proportions of patients who had methamphetamine as a primary or secondary substance of abuse for each respective 6-month period since January 2002 (where 2002a refers to January – June 2002, 2002b to July – December 2002, etc.). The ‘Total patients’ row refers to the total number of patients treated at over 20-specialist treatment centres for ANY substance (including alcohol,


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