Dangers of Spice Addiction

Addiction, Spice

May 17 2023

Spice has a non-threatening name, and it is sold openly in stores and online. Many people interpret this to mean that the drug doesn’t pose a significant danger. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Anyone who uses this substance exposes themselves to considerable harm, which can include developing Spice addiction.

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What is the Drug Called Spice?

Spice is a slang term that refers to a category of drugs called synthetic cannabinoids. These substances are also referred to by an array of other terms, including K2, herbal incense, synthetic marijuana, and fake weed.

Spice is categorized as a synthetic cannabinoid because its effects are similar to what a person may experience when they use cannabis (marijuana).

Continuing the connection with marijuana, Spice often appears as dried plant material. However, unlike actual marijuana, the psychoactive substance in Spice doesn’t come from within the plant. In the case of Spice, mind-altering chemicals are sprayed onto the plant matter. The drug may also appear as a liquid that can be ingested via an electronic cigarette or a vape.

Side Effects of the Spice Drug

Since substances that are sold as Spice can contain a variety of chemicals, the effects of this drug can vary considerably from one batch to the next. In general, the more pleasurable effects of Spice can include relaxation, improved mood, and altered perception.

These sensations can be accompanied by a variety of distressing side effects, such as:

Headache
Racing heart rate
Vomiting
Anxiety
Depression
Paranoia
Confusion and disorientation
Delusions
Violent outbursts

Is the Drug Spice Addictive?

As we alluded to at the top of this post, Spice can be purchased legally in from many sources in the United States. This includes gas stations, convenience stores, other physical locations, and from online sellers. It may be labeled as incense, air freshener, or potpourri.

This provides an illusion of safety. But Spice can be addictive.

Spice sellers are able to circumvent the law by adding new chemicals to the drug when current ones are banned. Thus, even though the substance is technically legal, this in no way implies that it is safe to use. Among its many dangers, Spice use can cause a person to develop Spice addiction.

About Spice Addiction

The more you know about the signs and potential dangers of Spice addiction, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself and keep your loved ones safe.

Signs of Addiction to Spice

The following are common signs that someone has become a Spice addict:

Having powerful urges to use Spice
Needing Spice to feel joy, manage stress, or deal with setbacks
Spending large amounts of time acquiring Spice, using the drug, and recovering from its effects
Missing school or work, or failing to meet other responsibilities, because of their Spice use
Lying to friends and family about how much Spice they use or how often they use it
Becoming agitated or angry when they can’t acquire and use Spice
Continuing to use Spice even after they were harmed by prior use
Trying to stop using Spice, but not being able to stay away from the drug

Anyone who exhibits or experiences any symptoms of Spice addiction should consult with their family doctor or schedule an assessment with a reputable treatment program.

The longer a person lives with untreated Spice addiction, the greater their risk becomes for significant harm. If a Spice addict doesn’t get proper care, their future may include the following threats to their physical, emotional, and social well-being:

Conflicts with friends and family members
Problems in school or at work
Inability to find and keep a job
Physical injuries due to behaviors while under the influence of Spice
Onset or worsening of co-occurring mental health disorders
Hallucinations and delusions
Dangerously high blood pressure
Kidney damage
Seizure
Suicidal ideation

Contrary to an unfortunately persistent myth, you don’t have to “hit rock bottom” before you can benefit from treatment for addiction. Once you realize that you have a problem, entering a treatment program can minimize your risk for future harm and help you heal from any damage that you have already incurred as a result of your Spice addiction.

Can Spice Addiction be Treated?

Becoming a Spice addict can push you into a downward spiral of danger and despair. But if you get treatment from a reputable provider, you can escape the darkness of compulsive Spice abuse. With proper care, you can stop using this dangerous drug for good.

There is no single type of Spice addiction treatment that’s right for everyone. When you are seeking help, your goal should be to identify the provider whose services best match your specific needs, preferences, and expectations.

Depending on the nature and severity of your Spice addiction – as well as if you have any co-occurring mental health concerns – your care may include stays in one or more of the following programs:

At Phoenix Rising Recovery, your options also include the specialized programs such as:

Young adult rehab
Gender-specific programming for men and women
Veterans rehab program
First responder program

Within these various programs, you may benefit from different types of therapy and services such as:

Individual and group therapy
Family therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
Neurofeedback therapy
Discharge planning and rehab aftercare support

Begin Treatment for Spice Addiction in California Today

Phoenix Rising Recovery is a premier provider of life-changing care for adults whose lives have been negatively impacted by Spice abuse and addiction. With the personalized guidance and comprehensive support of our skilled treatment professionals, you can stop using Spice and establish a strong foothold in early recovery.