Synthetic weed – also known as “Spice,” “K2,” “Black Mamba,” or “Crazy Clown” – is a manmade and chemically modified herbal substance that’s more potent than cannabis. Unlike natural marijuana, synthetic weed is manufactured in clandestine laboratories by combining numerous chemicals to create a more intense and potent version of the natural thing. Considering the higher doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in weed, long-term users might find themselves in need of synthetic marijuana addiction treatment to recover and stop altogether.
Effects of Synthetic Weed
Synthetic marijuana affects the body similarly to natural marijuana but at a more intense and long-term rate. It can produce an altered perception of reality while producing feelings of realization and elevated mood. However, the side effects of synthetic weed can quickly go South, as batches of the drug usually contain significantly larger quantities of THC than natural cannabis.
For this reason, symptoms like altered perception occur more intensely. Other common side effects of K2 include:
- Hyperactivity
- Talkativeness
- Lethargy
- Mood swings
- Violent outbursts
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- High blood pressure
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Altered perception of time and surroundings
- Delusions
- Rapid heart rate or heart palpitations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
Long-term synthetic marijuana use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well. These symptoms can develop into additional health problems that aren’t all reversible. Like a vicious cycle, these side effects can grow worse and worse, and many users attempt to self-medicate by continuing to use Spice. As a result, both physical dependence and addiction may develop.
Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab offers synthetic marijuana addiction treatment that incorporates various modalities to provide patients with physical and mental support during recovery. Starting with medical detox, our K2 Spice addiction treatment program begins with addressing withdrawal symptoms, which are common among addicts.
Medically-supervised detox incorporates 24-hour care and medication assistance (as needed) to mitigate uncomfortable withdrawals. Not only does this ensure the client’s safety versus quitting cold turkey, but it also increases their chances of moving forward with treatment and sustaining their sobriety in the long term.
Addiction to Synthetic Weed: Signs to Look Out For
Since there are a large variety of chemical compounds that are used to make fake weed, the way in which symptoms occur may vary. Additionally, because this drug is often made in clandestine labs, potency and dosage also vary, which can impact the rate and severity at which side effects occur.
- Hyperactivity
- Lethargy
- Angry outbursts
- Physical aggression
- Muscle spasms
- Being unusually sleepy
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Elevated moods
- Depressive episodes
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Psychosis
In many cases, as drug use persists, the person’s friend groups and habits change. They may spend more time with people who also use drugs, and you may notice a lack of interest in doing things they’d usually do. They might also isolate themselves from loved ones. If your loved one displays any of these signs, our K2 addiction treatment can help.
K2 Addiction Treatment
Synthetic drugs often contain various chemicals, which are usually unknown to the user. Due to the secretive way these drugs are produced, doses and potency are unpredictable, and the risks are high. Long-term Spice use can also lead to addiction, a disorder in which an individual is unable to control their use of a particular drug.
Drug addiction can have physical, mental, financial, and social consequences, eventually taking over a person’s entire life. If you or someone you care about is caught in addiction, don’t wait to get help. Our Northeast addictions treatment center provides a safe and effective synthetic weed treatment program that can make long-term sobriety a possibility.
Recovery is possible for everyone. For more information about our treatment for synthetic weed addiction or any of our other Massachusetts drug rehab programs, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today.
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