“Spice” is a type of herbal mixture that produces an effect which is similar to marijuana. It is on the market as a safe, legal alternative to cannabis, but it is anything but safe. The synthetic marijuana is popular with high school students and is easily accessible by young people in this age group.
This drug contains dried plant materials and chemical additives. The chemicals used in the mixture have placed Spice on the list of Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, since they have no medical benefit and “have a high potential for abuse.”
Street Names for Spice
Spice is also known by the following street names:
- K2
- Fake weed
- Skunk
- Spice gold
- Moon rocks
- Yucatan fire
The drug is sold in head shops and convenience stores. In most cases, it is provided in small foil packs but may be offered in small glass jars. The spice may be labeled as incense or potpourri.
Effects of Spice Use
The effects of using spice vary, depending on the person and the exact type of drug used to make up the compound, but may include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Aggressive behavior
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Elevated heart rate
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Rigidity
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Spice addiction is a very real possibility with repeated use. Drug abuse should always be taken seriously, and the designer drugs added to spice are not a harmless, natural substance. If you suspect that your teen has become dependent on spice, he or she needs professional help.
Find a Recovery Program for Spice Addiction
To break free from the cycle of addiction, your loved one’s best chance for success is to go to an inpatient substance abuse treatment center. In this supportive environment, he or she can learn how to live a sober life. Each client gets an individualized treatment plan, which may include attending 12-step program meetings, seeing an addictions counselor, attending group therapy sessions, or meeting with a therapist.
Other parts of the program may involve going on outings, participating in exercise classes, or spending time in reflection. All of these are important parts of the healing process and moving into long-term recovery.
There’s no “right time” to get treatment for addiction – take action now. Your loved one’s life depends on it!