Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as Spice, K2 or Scooby Snax, has been manufactured and marketed as a safe alternative to marijuana for several years now.
The very fact that Spice labels read “Not For Human Consumption” should be an obvious indication that this substance is not at all safe and very harmful to anyone that consumes it. Nevertheless, many people still find themselves addicted to the drug.
What is Spice and How Can It Affect Someone?
Spice or synthetic cannabinoids, is a mixture of dried plant matter combined with any number of synthetically created chemicals meant to imitate similar effects that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) creates, the active ingredient in marijuana.
While this substance is mostly marketed as a safe substitute for marijuana, most fail to realize the potentially dangerous effects these chemicals have on the human brain. Because each batch of Spice is different from the next, it is difficult to determine exactly what it will do to each separate individual.
Although symptoms may not be identical for each person, researchers have found similar instances in many cases. Some negative effects caused by Spice include:
- Excessive sweating
- Increased heart rate & blood pressure
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Psychosis (also dubbed “spiceophrenia”)
- Overdose
- Death (most fatalities reported have been related to violent behavior or suicide)
Since officials have made the chemicals in Spice illegal, manufactures have attempted to bypass the system by changing the components and formulas used to create the drug. Also, the mislabeling, which implies that this substance is incense, makes it easy to stock in gas stations, novelty shops and on the internet.
Furthermore, along with the easy access to synthetic cannabinoids, the difficulty to detect such substances in a standard drug screening and misleading information play a part in their use among young people.
Treatment Is Available For Synthetic Marijuana Abuse
In the last several years, Clearbrook has seen what Spice can do to an individual, both mentally and physically. With years of experience, Clearbrook’s medical staff has been able to create proper treatement for synthetic marijuana abuse.
If you are struggling with a Spice addiction and are experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to contact us today for immediate assistance. Our Admissions Specialists are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have. Know that you are not alone in this process.
