Many people initially used spice, also known as K2, as a legal substitute for marijuana. That changed on March 1, 2011, however, when the DEA moved to make K2 and spice products illegal. Some consider spice or K2 to be safe, but it is not. Spice uses chemicals such as JWH-018, JWH-073 and HU-210, which are not considered safe for human consumption. The effects of these chemicals are far more powerful and habit-forming than marijuana, and many users find themselves addicted to spice before long. Fortunately, there are proven methods of K2/spice addiction treatment, and spice and K2 detox and rehabilitation are possible for those who seek help.
What kind of Drug is K2/Spice?
Spice and K2 products are generally marketed as “herbal incense” and contain herbs such as flowers and tobacco, which are laced with the chemicals that make the drug so potent and dangerous. The chemicals work in much the same way as marijuana, triggering cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Unlike marijuana, K2 and spice have not been tested for human consumption, which makes them unsafe and the true nature of the effects unknown. What is known is that the chemicals in spice and K2 bind much more forcefully to cannabinoid receptors than THC in marijuana does, making them more habit-forming and causing an increase in negative effects.
Many people assume that K2 and spice products are safe to use, but they are mistaken. If you think someone you know is addicted to spice, it is very important that you encourage him or her to enter into a spice addiction treatment program.
Warning Signs of Abuse
There are various signs of addiction that indicate someone has been using K2 or spice. These include:
- Severe agitation
- Red eyes
- Vomiting
- Elevated heart rate and/or blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Psychotic episodes
The Detoxification Process
The first step in treating spice addiction is for the user to accept that he or she is addicted to spice or K2. For outside observers, such as parents and friends, this addiction may be readily apparent; however, convincing spice users that they have a problem and getting them to accept it requires much patience and a caring attitude. This is especially true considering that spice and K2 used to be legal , which many people falsely interpret to mean that these substances are safer than drugs that have been illegal for decades.
Once the person has recognized his or her problem, the next step is to choose a method of treatment. Although many people do not consider spice to be a hard drug, it is highly addictive, so the best method of spice and K2 detox is in a treatment center. Although many treatment centers are equipped to deal with spice addiction, research is also important to determine the best facility. For more information about the best K2/spice addiction treatment centers, please call .
What are the Symptoms of Withdrawal?
When someone who has been using spice or K2 regularly suddenly stops using the drug, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms. These are primarily psychological in nature and include:
- Cravings for K2 or spice
- Nightmares
- Sweating
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Racing heartbeat
- Headache
Options Available for Treatment
“Although there are many methods of spice and K2 addiction treatment, the optimal method is to stay in a rehabilitation center.”Although there are many methods of spice and K2 addiction treatment, the optimal method is to stay in a rehabilitation center. The best rehab centers will recommend that patients remain in the program for at least 90 days. A stay of this length ensures that the addict will not only go through the withdrawal process, which can take up to a few weeks, but also experiences the full therapeutic process. An effective K2/spice detox program deals with the entire withdrawal process, which can be mitigated with prescription drugs that treat the side effects of withdrawal.
Effective K2/spice addiction treatment may also include support groups, therapy and a 12-step program. The core 12-step program has been proven over time to successfully treat alcoholism as well as other drug addictions. This is because the program enables people to recover as a group, helping each other through the rehab process while addressing the root causes of their problems. With these tools, it is possible for even the most severe K2 and spice addicts to reach recovery and long-term sobriety, as long as they put in the effort and have the support they need. It is important not to do this alone, which is why effective treatment starts at K2/spice addiction treatment centers.
How to Maintain and Ensure Sobriety
Although many people believe that spice and K2 products are safe and legal alternative to marijuana, the cold hard truth says the opposite. Spice is a highly addictive and dangerous drug, and addicts often need professional help to quit using it. The recovery process should begin at a K2/spice addiction treatment center, which has the appropriate tools and resources to help addicts through the detox and recovery process. This, however, is not where recovery ends. When the addict leaves the detox and rehab center, he or she needs the continued support of family and friends to ensure complete recovery from K2 addiction. With this in mind, it is very possible for even the worst K2 addicts to achieve and maintain sobriety.
