Category: Substance abuse and addictions

by Addictions and Recovery.org
February 17, 2014

Post-acute withdrawal occurs because your brain chemistry is gradually returning to normal. As your brain improves the levels of your brain chemicals fluctuate as they approach the new equilibrium causing post-acute withdrawal symptoms.

by Addictions and Recovery.org
February 17, 2014

It’s easy to become dependant on tranquilizers. People sometimes become dependent on tranquilizers inadvertently. You can become dependent on them if you take tranquilizers for more than a few months. For example, if you followed your doctor’s orders and never abused your prescription, you could still experience significant withdrawal symptoms if you stop them suddenly.

by Addictions and Recovery.org
February 17, 2014

No drug takes you down faster or harder than crack. There are two forms of cocaine, the powdered form that you snort, and crack that you smoke.

by News24
11 April 2014

Nyaope is now officially an illegal drug. It is a highly addictive, dangerous and destructive street drug, unique to South Africa. It reared its ugly head in and around Durban in 2010, and has since spread like wildfire around the country.

by John Lanagan
February 4th, 2014

Christians in Alcoholics Anonymous are standing in agreement with a belief system that lifts up strange gods. In Alcoholics Anonymous, all gods are considered equal and are called “the higher power,” thus relegating Christ our King to commonality as if He were simply one nameless deity among many.

 by Voice-Out

Cannabis or dagga, as it’s known in South Africa, is synthesised from the leaves and flowering tops of a plant known as Cannabis sativa. It contains simulative, depressant and hallucinogenic properties.  Cannabis is the drug for which most substance abuse treatment is demanded in Africa and globally remains the most widely-used illicit drug. Dagga is the second most commonly abused substance in South Africa, after alcohol.

by Voice-Out

 ‘….The crimes you’ll commit for my narcotic charms, will be worth the pleasure you’ll feel in your arms (your lungs, and your nose). You’ll lie to your mother; you’ll steal from your dad. When you see their tears, you should feel sad. But you’ll forget your morals and how you were raised. I’ll be your conscience; I’ll teach you my ways. I take kids from parents, and parents from kids. I turn people from God, and separate friends. I’ll take everything from you, your looks and your pride; I’ll be with you always − right by your side. You’ll give up everything − your family, your home, your friends, your money, then you’ll be alone. I’ll take and take, till you have nothing more to give. When I’m finished with you, you’ll be lucky to live. If you try me be warned − this is no game. If given the chance, I’ll drive you insane. I’ll ravish your body, I’ll control your mind, I’ll own you completely; your soul will be mine….’ ‘My Name Is TIK’ (Poem written by a Tik addict)

by Voice-Out

Heroin users in Europe have been known to turn to Krokodil – the ‘poor man’s heroin’, but generally people don’t last long on it. It’s estimated they will die within two years of the addiction beginning.

by Kevin P Daly, MD

People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society pays a significant cost. It reared its ugly head in and around Durban in 2010, and has since spread like wildfire around the country.

by Anthony

Overdoses of drugs or chemicals can be either accidental or intentional. Drug overdoses occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose. However, some people may be more sensitive to certain medications so that the high end of the therapeutic range of a drug may be toxic for them.