MEDIA RELEASE: Tik, Tik, Tik Substance Abuse Increases At An Alarming Rate
DATE: 30 September 2009
EMBARGO: None

Dear Dr Grobler

The alarming rate at which substance abuse, and specifically the use of Methamphetamine (Tik), is growing in South Africa is of major concern, but even more so the fact that the users are becoming younger and younger.

People abuse or overuse substances every day  caffeine, alcohol and nicotine - as a perceived means of relieving stress and to relax, thus perhaps setting a poor example for the youth when they need to cope in times of crisis, or even with the usual stresses associated with normal living.

Tik banishes all insecurities in the subconscious. It provides adolescents - including those immersed in a profound poverty subculture, with what they don't have: power, feeling on top of the world, confidence and heightened sensation-levels.

Says Prof Denise White, Chairman of the South African Medical Association: "We as health professionals are very concerned about the rapid addiction-rate associated with this drug, and the devastating effects it has on the user. Crystal methamphetamine (the chemical name for Tik), amongst other effects, induces psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, and often causes the user to be extremely violent. Physical symptoms of Tik abuse include insomnia, restlessness, irritability, tremors, rapid respiration, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hypertension and decreased lung capacity to name but a few."

People who use Tik over a longer period will also display other physical effects, e.g severe dermatological problems, higher risk of seizures and severe weight loss.

"It is our duty to empower our children with the opportunities to make the right choices, by raising awareness and spreading information about Tik and its devastation effects.

"With the majority of Tik users from poorer communities, we call on the Government to ensure that all public hospitals establish methamphetamine treatment protocols, and have specialised care facilities available," says Prof White.

As with all things in life, charity starts at home  look out for these warning signs in children:

• Aggression
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid speech
• Anxiety
• Psychotic symptoms e.g. hallucinations and delusions
• Insomnia
• Over-confidence
• Headaches
• Drug paraphernalia: light bulbs and glass straws

Issued by the SAMA Corporate Communications Department to the South African media

Corporate Communications Manager
Adri van Eeden
Tel. (012) 481 2042
Fax. (012) 481 2100
adrive@samedical.org