Also commonly known as K2 and Spice, synthetic marijuana is a synthetic chemical compound designed to mimic the effects of normal marijuana or cannabis. This compound is usually created by spraying a combination of oils or solids onto a mixture of dried herbs and spices. While it was originally marketed as being a safer alternative to marijuana, the effects of Spice have proven to be the furthest thing from safe. Fortunately, long-term users who have developed a dependence on synthetic marijuana can begin their physical recovery with our Spice withdrawal treatment.
Synthetic Marijuana’s Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the most dangerous aspects of synthetic marijuana is that the formulas vary. Once law enforcement seizes and bans one formulation, another one is made and distributed in its place. What’s more, while there’s a consensus on how K2 affects the body, no one truly understands the scope of its impact because of the different variations available.
Moreover, a major question among users is whether Spice is addictive. Although many users believe that this drug is a safe alternative to others, it is addictive and can produce physical and psychological dependence.
When a person develops a pattern of synthetic marijuana abuse, especially one that lasts for long periods, they’re likely to develop a physical dependence on the drug. Physical dependence is marked by the occurrence of synthetic marijuana withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Diarrhea
- Engaging in violent temper tantrums
- Excessive lethargy
- Experiencing flu-like symptoms
- Extreme feelings of hunger but unable to keep food down
- Hot or cold flashes
- Intense cravings
- Isolating oneself
- Nausea and/or vomiting
As is the case with all forms of synthetic weed, K2 can be addictive. If a person becomes physically tolerant of and dependent on Spice, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. Spice (K2) detox can begin right after the person’s last use of the drug. The onset and duration of symptoms usually vary depending on how long and how much K2 the person was using.
Withdrawal from K2 is at its worst in the beginning stages because the body isn’t used to being without the drug. Our Spice withdrawal treatment is designed to flush the drug out of the person’s system on a schedule to prevent severe symptoms or complications from occurring.
How Long Does K2 Withdrawal Last?
K2 withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to up to a week, depending on how much is used. The longer or more heavily a person uses any drug, the more severely they’ll experience withdrawal and the longer-lasting their symptoms. Additionally, users who try to stop taking Spice without medical support are more likely to fail, as in severe cases, withdrawal symptoms can last much longer than a week.
Spice withdrawal can begin as quickly as the first day but usually takes about 48 hours to begin. At the end of the second day, psychological symptoms usually begin to take place. By the fourth day, symptoms like severe anxiety, strong cravings, sweating, tremors, nightmares, nausea, and vomiting may occur. When users undergo medically supervised detox with a facility like our Pennsylvania rehab, K2 detox symptoms usually clear up much quicker and are more manageable for the user, making relapse and incompletion of treatment less likely to occur.
How to Detox From K2
Those struggling with addiction may not realize the severity of their substance use until it’s too late. It’s essential to realize the short and long-term emotional, physical, and psychological impact of synthetic marijuana and when to seek professional help.
For those battling an addiction to synthetic weed, our treatment for Spice withdrawal offers the medical care necessary for a safe recovery. Patients in our detox programs are placed on a tapering schedule in which doses of the drug are gradually reduced to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms from occurring suddenly.
Patients may also receive detox medications, otherwise referred to as medicated-assisted treatment, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of complications. Because all of our detox in PA is led by medical staff, we can ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for all clients looking to quit drugs and alcohol.
Following detox, patients can move into the therapeutic aspect of our synthetic marijuana addiction treatment, during which they may participate in individual and group therapy programs with our licensed professionals. From individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions to family therapy, our facility offers all of the resources necessary to help clients achieve long-term sobriety.
For more information about our addiction treatment in Pennsylvania and how to get started, contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today.
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