Considered to be one of the most addictive and destructive illicit substances Crystal Methamphetamine, or Tik as it is more commonly known, is better avoided at all costs. It can destroy families and lives and many South Africans can attest to this.

A powerful stimulant that acts on the central nervous system Tik is the drug of choice in poorer communities because it’s generally easy to get and one of the cheapest available, but it is by no means restricted to these communities and wealthier addicts running low on funds may well turn to this as well.

The high is intense and quite long-lasting (hence its popularity) but the side effects and the ‘down’ after usage are dire. Agitation, depression and feelings that make the user want to get high again as soon as possible are responsible for many users becoming so addicted to it!

Usually smoked in a glass pipe (or light bulb with the filament removed), it looks like a crystal in its solid form but also can be crushed into a powder.

Symptoms of addiction 

Some of the more common symptoms of addiction to or the abuse of Crystal Meth that family members or friends should look out for are:

• Anxiety
• Aggressive behaviour
• Cramps
• Heart palpitations
• Severe headaches
• Hallucinations
• Panic attacks
• Sweating profusely

The dreadful consequences of Crystal Meth abuse

The long-term side effects of Tik abuse are pretty scary with malnutrition, depression, insomnia and ‘Meth mouth’ (the rotting and breaking of teeth from constant grinding and poor oral hygiene) being just the milder ones.

The more severe consequences of Tik abuse are mental disorders and brain damage, seizures, organ failure and heart attacks – ultimately leading to going into a coma or even death.

Breaking Tik addiction through faith-based rehabilitation

One of the major issues with Tik addiction is that even those who seek rehabilitation tend to relapse because of the severity of the withdrawal process. Addicts need to be physically removed from their environment and introduced into a supportive loving community that can give them the ongoing support they need.

This is exactly what our faith-based rehabilitation at Transformation Life Centre does and part of our outreach program has been to take some of these addicts off the streets to rehabilitate them. Drug and alcohol abuse knows no class distinction, however, and is as destructive to the rich as it is to the poor.

We welcome everyone, and our experienced counsellors work with each patient as the unique individuals we know them to be. We focus on the root of emotional issues and the result is an individual free from drug or alcohol addiction, ready to live a totally transformed life.

As a family member, friend or suffering addict yourself, feel free to reach out to us for advice and support. We are there for you. Stay clean – and stay safe!