CENTRES SEE 400% RISE IN TIK ADDICTS

The number of addicts being treated for tik abuse at treatment centres in
Cape Town has risen by more than 400% in the last six months, an
"unprecedented" increase, say researchers.

The figures, to be discussed at a special provincial parliament briefing
today, are the latest findings of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Group
of the Medical Research Council. They were collected over the first six
months of this year.

The SA Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use tracks people attending
20 specialist treatment centres.

It found that 10% of these patients had tik as their primary substance of
abuse in 2004, compared to 2.3% in the second six months of 2003.

Overall, 17.6% of patients had tik as a primary or secondary substance of
abuse in 2004, compared to 7.3% in the last six months of 2003.

Andreas Pluddemann, one of the researchers, said these findings were
"unprecedented" in terms of the sharp increase in the number of patients
seeking treatment for methamphetamine-related problems.

The average age of patients who reported tik as their primary substance of
abuse this year was 20, and 75% were male. Over 55% of the patients were
younger than 20. Patients ranged in age from 13 to 50.

Most of the patients, 83%, were coloured, 13% were white, 3% Indian/Asian
and less than 1% were African.

Tik is also known as "meth", "tuk", "speed" and "crystal", and is the
powerfully addictive stimulant methamphetamine that affects the central
nervous system.

In 2002, when tik first hit city streets, only 0.3% of patients at the
treatment centres listed it as their primary substance of abuse. This grew
steadily - in 2003 it was 2.3%, and by mid-2004, 10%.

The report on tik abuse suggests that strategies to combat the problem
could include laws to govern the sale of precursor chemicals used to make
methamphetamine.

It also suggests that companies that distribute chemicals or equipment used
in clandestine methamphetamine laboratories be investigated.

Tik is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that dissolves
in water or alcohol. The drug can easily be made in clandestine
laboratories from relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients and
can be purchased at a relatively low cost (about R60 a "straw"), says the
MRC report.

Methamphetamine triggers release of epinephrine, norepinephrine and
dopamine in the sympathetic nervous system. Common effects of intoxication
are euphoria, increased energy and self-confidence, insomnia, restlessness,
irritability, heightened sense of sexuality, and tremors.

Users run the risk of overdose characterised by dehydration, hypothermia,
convulsions, renal failure, stroke and heart attack.

Prolonged use can result in severe weight loss/anorexia, severe
dermatological problems, higher risk of seizures and uncontrollable
rage/violent behaviour.

Chronic mental health effects include confusion, impaired concentration and
memory, hallucinations, insomnia, depressive reactions, psychotic
reactions, paranoid reactions and panic disorders.

Long-term use also increases the risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C
due to injection drug use and risky sexual behaviour.