Synthetic Cannabinoid (Spice, K2) Addiction

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Often referred to as ‘synthetic marijuana’ or ‘fake weed,’ spice and K2 contains a wide range of laboratory-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of the well-known psychoactive compound in marijuana called THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. The combinations of chemicals in synthetic cannabinoids are changing all the time, leading to different effects and levels of potency between each batch. There are potentially hundreds or even thousands of variations which are then sprayed onto a mix of herbs or tea.

Although originally developed as a legal alternative to cannabis, spice has been illegal in the U.S. since 2013, and in the U.K. since 2016. It is said to be more harmful than its naturally grown cousin, causing more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Synthetic cannabinoids include spice, K2, fake weed, joker, black mamba, kush, kronic, potpourri or skunk, and can be smoked, ingested in a liquid form or inhaled using e-cigarettes.

The Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2)

THC is the mind-altering chemical in cannabis that works by latching onto cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The chemicals in synthetic cannabinoids behave in the same way but can be much more potent and produce wildly different effects which can be unpredictable and dangerous.

The effects you experience after using synthetic cannabinoids like spice and K2 will depend on the combination of chemicals it includes and the concentration of the substance sprayed onto the herbs. Unlike marijuana, which is naturally produced, chemicals are sprayed onto plant matter to create spice. This means producers may unwittingly create highly concentrated hotspots resulting in unpleasant side effects.

The weaker and desirable effects of taking the drug can include feeling happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. However, some immediate and less desirable side effects reported after the use of spice include:

• losing touch with reality
• anxiety or restlessness
• memory impairment
• perception changes
• tremors
• increased heart rate
• slurred speech
• poor coordination

Risks of Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice/K2)

Synthetic cannabinoids are potent and low in cost compared to other mood-altering substances. The chemical ingredients of spice are usually psychoactive which makes them addictive. Easy access to spice and its habit-forming nature means there is a risk of addiction and adverse reactions. When combined with alcohol use of spice can be fatal.

Research carried out on spice use in homeless communities in Manchester found that the drug was described as equally addictive as heroin, if not more so. Participants in the study reported that addiction to spice had taken the place of addictions to heroin or methadone.

Adverse reactions to spice cannot be entirely predicted and may vary with the dose, how the drug is taken, individual vulnerability and if used with other drugs. The use of spice can produce negative effects including:

• reduction of coordination
• personality changes
• emotional ‘blunting’
• dysfunctional social interactions
• learning difficulties
• short-term memory
• problem-solving
• decision-making processes
• hallucinations
• anxiety
• delirium
• paranoia

Further to the above, spice can have immediately devastating effects. More pronounced side effects include (but are not limited to):

• increased heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn leads to chest pains or even a heart attack
• aggression and violence towards self and others
• psychosis lasting for several weeks
• acute kidney dysfunction
• severe psychomotor agitation
• serotonin syndrome
• rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)

Signs of Spice Abuse and Addiction

The main sign that you might be suffering from an addiction is that substance misuse continues despite negative consequences.

Behavioural signs of spice addiction may include the following:

• preoccupation with getting and using spice
• uncharacteristic behaviour
• increased need for sleep
• stopping activities and pleasurable pursuits to use spice
• combining spice with other drugs to achieve greater highs

Download Our Brochure

Find out more about Castle Craig’s world-class addiction treatment programme and our extensive facilities.

Download Here

Spice Withdrawal and Detox

Spice withdrawal may closely resemble cannabis withdrawal. However, since spice contains large concentrations of unknown, toxic chemicals, side effects may be significantly more severe and longer-lasting. Insomnia, panic, agitation, irritability, mood swings, paranoia, and cardiac disturbance are all common withdrawal symptoms of spice misuse.

If you feel that you are struggling with an addiction to spice and would like to get well, a detox may be required.  A structured drug detox is an informed process in a caring, supportive environment where you are monitored 24 hours a day. A detox may include temporary medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and regulate sleep patterns to make you as comfortable as possible.

Treatment for spice addiction

Residential rehab

After detox, an abstinence-based residential rehab programme aims to improve the patient’s psychological health, and helps them to gain a better understanding of their drug addiction, the reasons behind it and how to change their behaviour.

A clinically proven rehab programme will be tailored to you based on your pattern of drug use and current circumstances. This may include specialised therapies such as individual therapy, group therapy, CBT, trauma therapy, grief therapy, anxiety management and mood management. Complementary therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, equine therapy, drumming therapy, mindfulness meditation, and aqua therapy may also be offered.

Outpatient services

If you can’t commit to a residential stay due to personal or professional commitments, outpatient treatment programs may suit you better. Outpatient programs work well if you have a strong support network and don’t require the round-the-clock care of a detox programme that inpatient options provide. Outpatient treatments are characterised by individual counselling and support groups, and you may attend once a week or several times per week depending on your needs.

FAQs