Cat is one of South Africa’s more recent “drug” it is a cheap stimulant alternative to cocaine or ecstasy, and is commonly found in the club/party scene in South Africa. Cat and has a number of psychoactive, stimulant properties as it is derived from Methcathinone. Cat is relatively easy to manufacture, and tolerance can develop relatively quickly. Methcathinone is a substance that is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of the cathinone active component that is found in the khat plant. On the other hand, the negative effects and addictive qualities of methcathinone are however significantly more pronounced than those that are connected to the use of khat.

Similar to the effects that many other stimulants have on the body, Cat can raise blood pressure and speed up the heart rate. If you use cat frequently or for an extended period of time, you run the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and heart problems. Constipation, ulcers, pain, and even tumors are all potential side effects of this condition, which affects both the stomach and the digestive tract.

Overtime both physical and psychological dependence may occur that in many cases can require professional help and guidance.

Cat addiction begins like most addictions, in a progressive process. The initial thrill and excitement of stimulants like Cat and cocaine fit into the context of the social or party cultures, however, for people that often get addicted to stimulants there are often deeper-seated emotions that the drug serves as a replacement.

Stimulants like CAT and cocaine often provide users a “high” or a sense of connection that temporarily restores and amplifies self-esteem and validation orientated feelings in the state of euphoria. However Cat withdrawl can trigger anxiety and profuse sweating as two of the early withdrawal symptoms that may occur before more serious symptoms such as convulsions, hallucinations, and severe depression. It is important to seek the assistance of a trained medical professional during the withdrawal process.

How it affects you

The effects of CAT intoxication are similar to those of produced by amphetamines, crack, and cocaine.

These effects last 4-6 hours and can include

1. Feelings of euphoria
2. Increased alertness
3. Increased heart rate
4. Rapid breathing
5. Dilated pupils

Negative effects of Cat can include

1. Anxiety
2. Convulsions
3. Delusions
4. Fever
5. Hallucinations
6. Headaches
7. Insomnia
8. Irregular heart rate
9. Muscle twitching
10. Paranoia
11. Restlessness
12. Tremors

Long-term effects of using Cat

1. Paranoia
2. Hallucinations
3. Anxiety followed by depression
4. Tremors and convulsions
5. Anorexia, malnutrition, and weight loss
6. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
7. Stomach pains
8. Nausea
9. Nose bleeds and eventual
10. Destruction of nasal tissue
11. Elevated blood pressure
12. Elevated heart rate
13. Body aches
14. Permanent brain damage
15. Death

Withdrawal symptoms from Cat

Withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of cocaine, lasting from two to three weeks or longer depending on the extent of use. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Agitation
• Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
• Increased appetite
• Agitation and aggression from extreme psychological cravings for the drug

Longterm Cat addiction

Active Cat addiction begins to erode many aspects of your life. Personal relationships become strained, and so-called “friendships” become increasingly entangled in the use cycle. The psychological impact of being addicted to Cat is extremely upsetting and disruptive, both internally and externally, because it causes you to become an entirely different person than you were before you started using the substance.

What to expect in recovery

Recovery means getting a foothold on all aspects of your life and starting over with a clean slate. It takes time to notice and appreciate the  number of positive changes in your life:

• Your moods will lighten and become more regular  
• Your ability to cope with high-pressure situations will enhance
• Interactions with people will become better

There is no doubt that recovery is a challenging journey but the benefits of living life without being dependent on a substance far outweighs being stuck in a cycle active addiction. If you or someone you care about has a problem with CAT, we are experienced in treating recovery from this addiction. Contact us by calling the number at the top of the page.