What Is Spice?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) counted 20 spice deaths between 2011 and 2015. In early 2015, the number of spice-related calls to poison control centers increased 330%. What is spice and why is it so dangerous? There are a few things that you need to know.

If you’re worried about being addicted to spice, call us at 866.605.0532 for treatment. We can help with our substance abuse treatment programs.

What Is Spice?

A synthetic form of marijuana, spice consists of plant material doused or sprayed with psychoactive chemicals. Those chemicals produce similar effects as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the primary ingredient in marijuana. Spice is often marketed as an alternative to marijuana, and it has often been sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and head shops.

Spice may have originated as a legal alternative to marijuana. In fact, it was at one time available over the counter. Realizing its danger, the DEA has outlawed many of the original spice formulas in recent years. New formulas have been developed as others were outlawed, resulting in more than 150 variations to date.

Dangers of Spice

The effects of spice can be unpredictable and dangerous. The chemical that is sprayed on the herbs and spices can vary, so the effects of the drug can also vary. Some people who use spice report feeling relaxed and happy. Others have reported feeling paranoid, anxious, and distressed.

Spice can also cause heart problems, including heart attacks, and it has been linked to seizures. In addition, because the chemical sprayed on the herbs and spices can vary, it is difficult to know what is in spice and how strong the drug is. This makes it difficult to predict how someone will react to the drug.

The THC in marijuana only partially reacts to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Spice, on the other hand, fully reacts with cannabinoid receptors, making the effects far more dangerous. A person under the influence of spice may experience:

• Shaking
• Extreme paranoia
• A loss of balance and coordination
• Numbness in the limbs
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unconsciousness

Those with a personality disorder or mental illness often notice more profound effects from spice. Widespread use of spice has even thought to be a contributing factor to an increase in violence among homeless people in some areas.

What Is Spice Addiction?

Spice is addictive because it mimics the effects of marijuana. It binds to the same receptors in the brain, which can lead to addiction. Additionally, spice is often laced with other chemicals that can make it even more addictive.

Many people believe marijuana is safe, and therefore assume that any synthetic form of it is harmless as well. However, an addiction can occur due to long term or repeated use. If someone you know has a spice addiction, he or she may experience intense cravings or use it in increasing amounts.

A spice addict might also create this drug in a home laboratory. As such, you might notice someone stockpiling ingredients like roach spray or solvents along with plant matter such as dried tea leaves.

Others will devote hours of their time to locating spice. This can involve frequenting head shops or endless scouring for sources on the Internet.

If you or someone you know is suffering with an addiction to spice, it is important to get help. There are many rehab centers that can provide treatment for spice addiction.

What Is Spice Addiction Treatment?

Spice treatment can help you beat your addiction and get your life back on track again. At Beaches Recovery, we offer the following addiction services:

• Detox Services
• Drug and alcohol addiction treatment
• Women’s drug addiction rehab program
• Men’s drug addiction rehab program
• Student addiction treatment
• Sober living
• Outpatient rehab

Seek Help Today

A spice or marijuana addiction does not have to control your life. To overcome your addiction, visit our quality drug rehab. Contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 to take the first step toward recovery.