K2 Spice Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

What You Need to Know About K2

With marijuana’s rise in popularity but continued battle for legality, many people interested in cannabis have turned their attention toward another drug called K2, also known as spice. It is a synthetic version of marijuana that produces similar effects, but its variants are largely still considered legal. For this reason, it has often been dubbed with the nickname “fake weed.” Unfortunately, despite its legal status, spice is more dangerous and addictive than natural marijuana because of the additional chemicals in it. For this reason, spice overdose and addiction has been a steadily increasing problem across the country.

A spice addiction can easily destroy a person’s life if left untreated. While some versions of the drug are legal, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration does not approve of any form and many states are working toward making the drug illegal within their borders.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a spice addiction, it is crucial to act quickly and contact a qualified treatment center today. Call Brookdale to begin the admissions process at 855-575-1292.

What is K2 / Spice?

Synthetic marijuana is made by starting with dried or shredded plants or herbs and pairing them with different chemicals that, when combined, will create a cannabinoid effect. There is no set process or collection of chemicals to do this, and without proper regulation, the ingredients may be outright dangerous to a person’s health even before being mixed. Different chemicals that may be in spice range from ammonia and alcohol to hydrochloric acid and rat poison.

For this reason, it is also difficult to measure the effects of spice, since each batch can vary in chemicals and potency. The symptoms between two batches may be similar in one case, and then drastically different in the next. This is a serious problem for users since they can never truly know the risks associated with taking a particular dose. An amount that may cause moderate effects one day, could cause an overdose when used from a different batch.

Spice has an appearance similar to marijuana, although the two drugs are completely different. The methods for using spice are also similar to marijuana, where most individuals smoke it. Other means of use include snorting and intravenous use, while these methods are not as common. In all cases, spice is significantly more potent than marijuana, making the risk of overdose much more significant.

As the high from spice wears off, an individual can expect to feel a heavy drop in mood as their body rebounds, even if it is one of their first times using. This rebound effect is more pronounced at later stages and withdrawal symptoms can develop if a dependence has been formed.

Common Nicknames for K2 / Spice

When trading in illicit variants of spice or in cities and states where the drug has been completely illegalized, users and drug dealers use an array of street names to help avoid detection by police, family members, and anyone else that might be a threat to the transaction. Some of these nicknames are related to the feelings intended to be produced by the drug, but most seem to have no correlation in order to further hinder suspicions.

A list of the most common street names includes:

Additionally, the name “legal marijuana” is often used to refer to both legal and illegal variants of spice since it can be difficult to differentiate.

How Addictive is K2 / Spice?

Spice is relatively new compared to many other drugs, and as such, research on the drug’s effects are still largely in development compared to substances such as heroin. Despite this, it is clear that spice presents a high risk of addiction.

The reason for this is because the chemicals in spice target the same receptors in the brain that THC (the most notable ingredient of marijuana) does to prompt a high triggering a rush of the body’s natural pleasure chemicals. With repeated use, a person’s body becomes accustomed to these feelings, the increased amounts of endorphins and soon learns to crave them. In later stages, the body may even lose its ability to function normally without spice in its system. When this happens, the person has developed a dependence.

Shortly before the dependence forms, the user will first develop a tolerance to the drug. A tolerance means that the body has adjusted enough to the effects of the drug that it will need ever increasing amounts of it each time to achieve the same level of high that it did before. This increases the chance of addiction and ensures that a dependence will soon form while also spiking the odds of an overdose occurring.

In these later stages, it is extremely difficult and potentially dangerous for an individual to quit spice on their own. Giving them a safe chance at escaping addiction will require the aid of a properly equipped rehab center.

Symptoms of Spice Addiction

The intended symptoms of spice are simply the pleasurable high and relaxed mood that comes with the release of endorphins throughout the body. However, just like marijuana, spice has a large list of additional symptoms that many users may not consider before using it. Knowing these can be a valuable resource for family members that suspect a loved one of a spice addiction.

Common short-term effects of using spice include:

As use continues, the symptoms of spice grow more severe and may become permanent. Common long-term effects include:

While the symptoms on their own should be worrisome, it is important to keep in mind that during an overdose, spice can kill a user even if they have not used the drug for long. If someone has overdosed on spice, it is imperative to contact emergency medical help immediately to give them the best chance at surviving.

More About K2

Although spice is still a relatively new drug and not as widespread as other options, there is enough information on it that is worth noting to better understand its risks and impact on society. A few notable statistics on spice are:

• A 2018 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 1.6% of eighth graders, 2.9% of tenth graders, and 3.5% of twelfth graders admitted to abusing spice

• Men are nearly twice as likely to abuse spice than women

• As of 2019, spice is currently legal in 40 states, although some cities within these states have outlawed it

• At one point in 2017 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there were 102 spice overdose cases across a three-day period

Treatment and Therapy for K2 / Spice Addiction

When a person is admitted to a rehab center like Brookdale Recovery, they can expect the help of caring, supportive, and licensed professionals that are trained in the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction.

For most patients, the process of treatment begins with the very crucial step of detoxification. During this phase of care, the medical staff will create conducive detox protocols to help cleanse the body of all harmful and addictive substances. It is imperative to seek the help of professionals during detox, as withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable, uncomfortable, and potentially harmful. Physicians and nursing staff will also work closely with the patient to address additional medical concerns if they were to develop.

Once the patient has successfully completed detox, they will begin the transition to residential treatment. During this stage of care, the patient will participate in an array of therapeutic programming, including one-on-one therapy, group counseling, holistic treatment, family therapy, relapse prevention, recreational therapy, and other modalities necessary for ongoing success. Residential treatment is essential in the recovery process, because it allows the individual to begin addressing the underlying causes of their disease, as well as learn healthy coping mechanisms to combat future cravings and potential obstacles after treatment.

Before leaving treatment, the patient will have a carefully constructed aftercare plan that has been tailored to fit their specific needs. This can include ongoing treatment, outpatient therapy, family therapy, local support groups such as AA and NA, and referrals to co-occurring disorder therapy.

Getting Help With Spice Addiction Today

If you suspect yourself or a loved one of an addiction, do not wait to seek the help of licensed and experienced professionals. At Brookdale Recovery, our trusted team will work tirelessly to provide you with the necessary tools for a life without drugs and alcohol.

A life…recovered is possible and it all begins with that first call! From the moment you walk through the doors at Brookdale, you will realize you are not alone in this process. Call today at 855-575-1292.