The document discusses the drug "TIK" or crystal meth, describing what it is, how it is used, its short and long term effects on the body and mind, statistics on its use in South Africa particularly among youth, and warning signs that someone may be using it. TIK is an illegal and highly addictive stimulant that causes both an immediate euphoric high and long term health issues like psychosis, brain damage, and increased risk of diseases if used regularly.

1. Dr David van den BerghPreviously:Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital, CPT 2006 Khayelitsha Site B CHC, CPT 2006Presently:Private General Practitioner

2. “Tik-Talk”Introduction: TIK is the latest buzzword in drug circlesBecoming increasingly popular amongst school childrenFar more is being done to clamp down on dealing TIK than on any other drug in South Africa (Helen Zille)

3. What is “TIK” and where does the name come from?Methamphetamine Man made stimulant (“designer drugs”) Extremely addictiveNB Was marketed as a way of losing weight, making it popular especially under GIRLSOther Names:Crystal / Crystal METH / Straws / Globes / Ice TIK / “TUK-TUK” = Sound when smoked…

4. Forms:Fine powderORColourless crystals of various sizes (looks like ice / glass…)Commonly mixed with: Talcum powder Baking powder Starch Sugar Quinine … How is it used:Smoked (MOST Common)… Snorted / Orally / InjectionSold in “straws”: R40 – R80 a straw

5. But is TIK illegal?

6. YESTIK use is illegal

7. What happens to people who use TIK?Immediately / Acute:Extremely pleasurable RUSH / “FLUSH” followed by a HIGH (Euphoria = DOPAMINE) which can last for several hours (depending on the drugs quality and quantity). NB The reason for addiction / abuse.Takes days for the body to recover fully.Jaw clenchingIncreased / irregular heart rate and blood pressure -> Blood vessel damage -> StrokesDilated pupils (Big eyes)Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)Diarrhea / Nausea / VomitingExtremely active and energetic -> Awake for hours or days / inability to sleepIncreased libido (sexual drive)Loss of appetite (seldom get hungry) and go for long periods without foodAnxiety / extreme restlessnessUnpleasant sensations (Needles / Insects crawling under the skin = fornication)Shaking / Tremors / JitterinessConvulsions / Fits

8. What happens to people who use TIK?When it wears off:LOWExhaustionDepressionNB Many people use sleeping tablets / mandrax / dagga to help come down from the high… to sleep->

9. What happens to people who use TIK?Later / Chronically:OD (Poisonous additives, the user never knowing exactly what he / she is using)Tolerance…Out of Control Rages / Violence / Anxiety / Confusion / Mood disturbances / InsomniaComa StrokeDeathPsychosis = Hallucinations = seeing / hearing things that are not there = Paranoid delusions = examples… = Violence (reasons = paranoia… money to get more… homicide / suicide) = Flight of ideas (jumping from one topic to the next)

11. NB This is the reason for psychiatric treatment and hospital admission (ex Lentegeur). Because it was difficult to counsel psychotic patients, their psychosis must be dealt with before they could begin rehabilitation.NB People unable to afford private treatment face a scarcity of available facilities that can treat psychotic patients. Average cost of R25000 for 3 weeks in private hospitals…NB Prolonged use not only changes behaviors, but literally changes the brain in fundamental and long lasting ways (permanent brain damage)NB Anyone given enough TIK will eventually become psychoticNB Increased risk of of HIV / STDs… promiscuous sex without protection because of lack of inhibition

12. How do we test for TIK use?Urine testing within 4 days of usingLogic = MONDAYS…

13. How do we treat TIK addiction?NB No substitute drug and detox not possibleTreat Symptomatically (Elevated Body Temp / Fits…

14. Why such a huge response?Manufactured at home… easyHighly addictive. Over 6 months of use 95 % of those who use are addicted.Neurotoxic / causes definite brain damage

15. Statistics from the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC):

16. Attractive to very young first-time users with the greatest increase in users to be < 20 years old. Some even as young as 10. Crescent Clinic’s Chemical Dependency Unit is treating children as young as 13. Range of drug users from 10 to 54.The largest age group with TIK as their primary drug of choice:15 – 19 >20 – 24 > 25 – 29 > 10 – 14

17. Statistics from the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC):

18. Look out for these warning signs with friends / Is someone you know in trouble?Dilated pupilsJaw clenchingRapid speechAnxietyAggression Loss of appetite and weight lossInsomniaHearing voices / Seeing things that aren’t thereParanoiaMore… glass straws, bulbs…

19. Interesting Fact : FERGIEBlack Eyed PeasShe admits in the new issue of Time Magazine, feeling high in the past meant using crystal meth."It was the hardest boyfriend I ever had to break up with“.

20. Don’t use TIK! Dr David van den Bergh