At Naufar we assess and treat people who have issues with addiction to different substances. The common substances that we see are:

Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is common in many cultures and is considered a social lubricant. However, individuals can lose control over the amount they drink and this can have serious consequences for peoples’ health, families, relationships, work, and self-esteem. Alcohol can be harmful to health through damaging organs like the liver, as well as withdrawal symptoms or dependence. It may also aggravate pre-existing illnesses and interfere with treatments.

Opioids (such as heroin)
All opioids have the potential to lead to dependence (addiction). Individuals who use heroin have higher rates of morbidity and mortality than the general population. This means that they are more likely to have physical and mental health problems. People taking opioids have a high risk of dying from an overdose.

Stimulants
Include drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. It is common for those who use stimulants to experience strong psychological dependence. Stimulants can have many effects on the body; they can put strain on the heart, causing raised blood pressure or an irregular or faster heartbeat. Stimulants can cause damage to the cardiovascular system, the brain, liver and kidneys. Stimulants can also have significant effects on a person’s mental health. They often disrupt sleep and can induce aggressive or violent behaviours. Stimulants can induce psychosis, panic, hallucinations and negatively impact an individual’s mood. The effects may be more prominent in someone who already has an underlying mental health condition.

Cannabinoids – such as cannabis can have short and longer-term effects. They can affect short-term memory, concentration and motivation and can make the user feel anxious. They can also increase the risk of a psychotic illness like schizophrenia. Physical health concerns include increased heart rate, which can affect blood pressure, and is especially risky for those with underlying heart conditions.

Inhalants – such as solvents and aerosols primarily affect the central nervous system and slow down brain activity. Short-term effects can include dizziness, slurred speech and a lack of coordination. Inhalants are chemical vapors that alter the mind when breathed in. These extremely poisonous chemicals can cause death by triggering a rapid, irregular heartbeat. This is called sudden sniffing death syndrome. They can also cause death by suffocation. Inhalants can also cause long-term health problems such as liver and kidney damage, delayed behavioural development and brain damage.

Hallucinogens – alter a person’s awareness of their surroundings as well as their thoughts and feelings. They can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature. Mental health concerns can include paranoia and even psychosis.

Prescription Drugs – people can become addicted to prescribed medications like pregabalin and sleep medications. The risk and consequences can vary widely and can lead to physical, psychological and social consequences for individuals and families. Signs of problematic use may be taking higher doses than prescribed, frequently running out of prescribed medication and/or seeking medication from different prescribers.

Tobacco – Tobacco contains nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction, which is why so many people who use tobacco find it difficult to quit. There are also many other potentially harmful chemicals found in tobacco or created by burning it. Tobacco smoking can lead to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It increases the risk of heart disease, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. Smoking has also been linked to other cancers, leukaemia, cataracts, Type 2 Diabetes, and pneumonia. All of these risks apply to use of any smoked product, including hookah tobacco. Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of cancer, especially mouth cancers.