Types of Addictions
Understanding the various types of addiction is a crucial step towards seeking help. At our fully registered alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre, we support individuals affected by a wide range of addictive substances. From commonly used legal substances like alcohol and prescription medication to highly dangerous street drugs such as Cocaine and Crystal Meth, each addiction presents its own unique signs, effects, and risks. Explore the types of addiction we treat and how we can help.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is the most commonly abused psychoactive substance in our society. Although alcohol is a depressant, its initial effect is an apparent stimulation. Experiencing a feeling of well-being and reducing inhibitions. For more helpful insights, read about alcoholism and ways to stop enabling an alcoholic.
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Heroin, Smack, H, Brown
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that produces a rush of intense euphoria and pleasure. In its pure form, it’s a fine white powder, but it’s more often grey, brown, or black due to additives used for dilution. These colour changes indicate dangerous chemical impurities and increased health risks.
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Marijuana, Dagga, Weed, Cannabis, Pot
Marijuana alters perception, making normal experiences feel dreamlike or amusing. Users often report time distortion, heightened sensory awareness, and enhanced appreciation of music and colour. These psychoactive effects are caused by THC, the main compound in cannabis, which affects the brain and nervous system during use.
Methamphetamines, Crystal Meth, Ice, Tik
Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant that creates a false sense of energy and confidence. Typically sold in crystal form, it’s often cut with household substances, altering its appearance. These additives make the drug more dangerous and contribute to its varied colour and crystal-like texture.
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Cat, Methcathinone, Bathtub Speed
Methcathinone, commonly known as CAT, is a synthetic stimulant derived from cathinone, a natural compound found in the khat plant. It produces intense euphoria and increased alertness. This highly addictive substance is often abused recreationally, posing serious mental and physical health risks to users.
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Crack Cocaine, Snow Coke, Rocks
Crack cocaine is a potent, smokable form of cocaine that delivers intense euphoria, increased alertness, and reduced fatigue. Typically appearing as hard off-white or pink rocks, it’s a purer, fast-acting stimulant that can lead to powerful cravings, psychological dependence, and long-term health complications.
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GHB, G, Liquid E
GHB is a powerful depressant that produces calming, euphoric effects. Users may feel happiness, relaxation, or increased sexual arousal. In larger doses, it can cause memory loss and heavy sedation. GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) is sometimes misused as a ‘date-rape’ drug due to its strong sedative properties.
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Mandrax, Buttons, White Pipe
Mandrax is a synthetic sedative that depresses the central nervous system, making users feel calm and carefree. It comes in tablet form, varying in size and colour. Mandrax contains methaqualone and diphenhydramine, both known for their strong sedative-hypnotic and antihistamine effects.
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Benzodiazepines
Xanax, Valium, Ativan
Benzodiazepines are prescription sedatives often used for calming effects. Some users compare the sensation to alcohol, including increased talkativeness. These drugs are highly addictive and can lead to various symptoms, including physical, psychological, and behavioural. Making misuse of benzodiazepines dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
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Nyaope, Whoonga, Sugars, Ungah, Pinch
Whoonga is a highly addictive street drug said to hook users after the first hit. It creates deep relaxation, euphoria, and contentment. This dangerous mix includes low-grade heroin, marijuana, antiretrovirals, and toxic additives like rat poison, increasing both health risks and dependency with continued use.
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Cocaine, Coke, Blow, Snow, Bump
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that boosts alertness, confidence, and euphoria, often giving users a false sense of invincibility. Typically found as a fine white powder, it varies in colour from clear white to off-white or yellowish, depending on purity and common additives used in processing.
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Ecstasy, E, Molly, MDMA, Disco Biscuits
Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It boosts confidence, energy, empathy, and emotional closeness. Users feel heightened senses, euphoria, and wellbeing. Common in party settings, ecstasy can cause addiction and dangerous short- and long-term effects.
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