Pubdate: Sun, 22 May 2005 Source: Cape Argus (South Africa) Copyright: 2005 Cape Argus. Contact: http://capeargus.co.za/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2939 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) TIK ABUSE 'HAS HIT US LIKE A TON OF BRICKS' The increasing abuse of tik means that outpatient treatment programmes are urgently needed, says a community worker specialising in substance abuse campaigns. Sarah Fisher says lack of funds mean people who do not have medical aid must depend on scarce government-run facilities. "There are long queues and there are very few services aimed at the youth. "Outpatient programmes are less disruptive and less costly than residential centres. We need to get them going. This has hit us like a ton of bricks and we weren't prepared. It's desperate, I don't know what to do anymore. All I can do is refer them to community support centres." Fisher used to run the drug awareness programme Bridges, aimed at high school children. But Bridges became a victim of its own success, and was overwhelmed by the need. "About 18 months ago, when tik started making an appearance, it became problematic because people recognised they had problems and asked for help - but fell into this black hole," said Fisher. Bridges has since folded and Fisher is now helping to set up a drug action committee in the Helderberg. "We've got to get away from the thought that tik is only on the Cape Flats. It's everywhere. And while people of all ages use it, the number of young people seeking help is increasing." Rodger Meyer of the Kenilworth Clinic's addiction treatment programme said crystal methamphetamine or tik was perceived as a recreational drug which didn't carry the same stigma as heroin, crack or cocaine. "Youngsters in the drug-using sub-culture in Cape Town don't feel particularly intimidated by using tik. It's quite seductive. It's a stimulant with euphoria-producing effects and the need to repeat the behaviour is quite high. As you're coming down, there's a sense that you want to repeat the experience." "The give-away is always the change in behaviour," said Meyer. Aggression was seen when people had been abusing the substance for some time. Toxic overdoses were possible. "Overdosing induces psychotic behaviour characterised by marked aggression and lowered frustration tolerance," he said. Risks Rodger Meyer says much of the risk of tik is related to the effects of intoxication such as: Lowered inhibitions leading to risky behaviour including high-risk sex. Less responsible behaviour. Loss of interest in schoolwork, family, self-preservation. Resorting to minor crime to finance the habit. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake