K2/Spice Addiction Treatment
K2, also known as Spice, is a synthetic marijuana product created from a variety of herbal mixtures that produce similar effects to marijuana. These products typically contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives which provide their mind-altering effects.
Synthetic marijuana products are marketed as “safe” and legal alternatives to marijuana, based on the claim that they contain natural psychoactive ingredients derived from plants. However, the active ingredients are actually synthetic cannabinoid compounds.
These chemicals have high potential for abuse and no benefits for medical use, and the DEA has classified K2 and other synthetic marijuana products as Schedule I controlled substances. This designation makes it illegal to buy, sell or possess these products, but they are still sold and marketed at head shops, gas stations and on the internet, making the product easily accessible.
Who Typically Abuses Spice?
K2/Spice is primarily used by young people, typically high school students. The popularity of synthetic marijuana among school-aged users can be attributed to the easy access and misconception that synthetic marijuana products are natural, therefore making them seem harmless.
Another reason for their popularity is that the chemicals used in this drug are not easily detected in drug tests, allowing users to experience what they believe is a similar high to marijuana without testing positive for the drug.
What Are Some Street Names for Synthetic Marijuana?
Common street names for synthetic marijuana products include:
- K2
- Spice
- Fake weed
- Yucatan fire
- Skunk
- Moon rocks
How Does K2 Affect The Body And Brain?
Many K2/Spice users describe effects similar to the ones produced by marijuana, such as elevated mood, relaxation and altered perception. Users have also reported experiencing psychotic effects such as extreme anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, paranoia and hallucinations. Other potential negative effects include blurred vision, convulsions, tremors, vomiting, high blood pressure and damage to vital organs.
The cannabinoid compounds found in synthetic marijuana act on the same cell receptors as THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC is responsible for the symptoms of addiction of K2.
However, some of the compounds in synthetic marijuana bind more strongly to those receptors, which could induce more powerful and unpredictable effects. The chemical composition of many products being sold as synthetic marijuana is unknown and the use of these products could cause dramatically different effects than expected.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of K2/Spice Abuse
There are many signs and symptoms indicating someone is abusing K2/Spice or other synthetic marijuana products.
Some of the more common signs include:
- Loss of control over synthetic marijuana use
- Preoccupation with synthetic marijuana
- Continued use of synthetic marijuana despite knowledge of its consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence of synthetic marijuana
- Health complications related to substance use
- Denial of substance use problem
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or end-use of synthetic marijuana
- Restlessness
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Sudden, unprovoked angry outbursts and physical aggression
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Irrational behaviors
- Alternating between excessively elevated and depressed moods
- Disorientation
- Isolating oneself to use the substance and disguise actual use
- Deteriorating physical appearance
Treatment For K2/Spice Addiction
Many people continue using synthetic marijuana because they fear going through drug detox and withdrawal. However, it’s a process that you must undergo to fully recover from your addiction. Because the withdrawal experience can be unpredictable and symptoms can potentially be very dangerous, we recommend that you receive professional treatment at a rehab facility such as Zinnia Health.
With the assistance of our medical detox treatment program, you can be assured that your withdrawal experience is as safe, effective and comfortable as possible. We help rid your body of all addictive substances and toxins and help stabilize your physical health.
We are committed to ensuring you are provided with the most effective treatment for your unique situation and needs. We can help you achieve a complete and successful recovery from synthetic marijuana with the help of effective drug addiction treatment approaches and genuine care and support from our dedicated staff.