Modelling "Tik" abuse in the presence of drug-supply chains

Methamphetamine (MA), commonly known by the street name “tik” in South Africa, is a highly addictive stimulant whose production and abuse has increased dramatically in South Africa (4). Since its advent in 1893, in Japan, the abuse of “tik” remains a major global health and social problem (2). Its popularity stems from energy-promoting and performance-enhancing properties. It also gives users appetite suppression and it is this very property that drug-supply chains have taken advantage of by luring young women, who would not be typical drug users, into taking "tik" as a weight-loss remedy. In South Africa, “tik” is sold in drinking straws, with prices being charged per straw. The bitter white powder is usually placed in the glass enclosure of an incandescent light bulb, heated with a lighter and the fumes inhaled (1).