Methcathinone is a fairly new drug on the market; it has recently increased in popularity and has become one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in South Africa.
This illegal substance is known amongst it’s users as CAT, but is also referred to as Methedrone, khat, Methcathone, Drone, M-Kat, Ghetto Coke, meow-meow and Star Speed to name a few.
CAT is a synthetic form of the naturally-occurring stimulant drug, Cathinone, meaning that CAT attempts to imitate the high of the natural stimulant which is taken from the plant indigenous to the horn of Africa and the Southern Arabian Peninsula the "khat" plant, Cathula edulis.
Read the rest of entry »
Alcohol and drug dependency is a sad and ever-growing reality in South Africa.
Accessibility to illegal substances is at an all-time high, with children being exposed to all types of addiction (direct or indirect) from a very young age. Much evidence exists that substance dependency behaviour and its effects are passed down from generation to generation.
The range of drugs available to the average person on the street is alarming; the cost of drugs isn’t much of a problem as there are plenty of drugs available that are more affordable, with longer-lasting effects and with unsurprisingly far worse negative side-effects.
Although a lot of information is available there is little regard of the real impact of substance abuse on our lives. We often get questions to do with identifying what drugs are “bad” or “worse for you” and this is a true indication of how mislead our society truly is.
Much of modern media trivialises the harmful effects of drugs and thereby contributes to an environment where drug abuse is condoned and even encouraged.
The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The test correctly classifies 95% of people into either alcoholics or non-alcoholics. It was tested on 2000 people before being published.
It is extremely reliable when it comes to assessing alcohol addiction.
Estrangement from society is one of the biggest factors that individuals that struggle with substance abuse face when trying to integrate back into an ordinary or somewhat normal lifestyle post their addiction and rehabilitation treatment.
After an individual accepts and candidly admits their addiction to a substance they are often faced with reactions of distrust and scepticism from their loved ones and their community, these responses are expected as there is a primarily negative stigma attached to the disease of addiction.
Marijuana is often referred to as a soft drug and the popular view is that it is harmless and definitely better for you than alcohol and cigarettes.
Marijuana has many names: Dope, Weed, Cannabis, Zol, Dagga, Spliff, Blunt, Ganja and Mary Jane. It is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide.
Considering the calming and relaxing effect the substance has on its users, it is understandable that many marijuana users believe that the drug is enlightening and even beneficial.
“Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviours.” – American Society of Addiction Medicine Board, April 19, 2011.
In this article we at Step Away Treatment Centre aim to bust a few myths and pop a few fantasies that are often mistaken for truths.
Rehabilitation centres are regularly faced with cases that involve individuals who unknowingly or ignorantly fell into addiction.
We are given the ability through social media to help educate and enlighten the public about drug and alcohol addiction and rehabilitation, our aim is to aid individuals in making accurately calculated choices and ensuring that all the necessary information about alcohol and drug addiction is available for anyone to use.
It may not take too long to become an addict, but recovery takes a lifetime.
Rehab definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted and especially for the ones who incorrectly assume it will be an easy walk in the park.
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation involves an immense amount of self-discipline and dedication to break the habit.
We can help.
Information on substance abuse, the different types of substance abuse drugs and the effects they have on their user is not always easily available.
Contact Us
Get the latest updates in your email box automatically.
Your nickname:
Email address:
Subscribe