“Spice”, also called “K2”, is a semisynthetic mixture of ground plant matter and chemicals often smoked by people looking to become intoxicated. It can also be referred to as legal weed because some of the chemicals found within it are similar to those found in marijuana, however the effects of using spice are often very different from a typical marijuana high, and general much stronger.
Because it has no medical benefits, and a high potential to be abused, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), has made many of the chemicals found in standard spice mixtures as illegal, and as a result, those who manufacture the drug often use different, sometimes unknown chemicals that are not specifically illegal to continue to make and sell the product. Because of this, the effects of spice are often inconsistent and generally very unstable and dangerous, severe health problems, or even death.
The most common way for users to take the drug is by rolling it up in a thin piece of paper, like a cigarette or joint, although some may drink it as a tea or buy the liquid form to put in e-cigarettes.
Due to the inconsistent nature of spice, it is difficult to foresee the effects of taking the drug, but the most common ones are euphoria, feelings of relaxation, altered perception, increased heart rate, hypertension, hallucinations, paranoia, vomiting, aggression, severe anxiety, and panic attacks. There may be other side effects of taking spice, depending on what is actually in the chemical mixture being consumed. Unlike marijuana, it is possible to overdose on spice, and in some cases death may follow.
Spice may be addictive, and cause withdrawal symptoms for daily users who stop taking the drug. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, sweating, tremors, drug cravings, hallucinations, paranoia, psychosis, mood changes, and suicidal ideation.
If you are addicted to spice, and are seeking help, there is a solution. Many people who have suffered from addiction have found freedom by working the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to address their compulsion to use drugs and alcohol to the detriment of all else. Statistically speaking, Alcoholics Anonymous is the most successful way to treat drug addiction and alcoholism. The program is often described as being simple, but not easy. As it states in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, “Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us.”
Addiction to spice can be difficult, and it may be challenging to find help, but we are here! Reach out to us and we can help you or your loved one. Life doesn’t have to feel like a trap. There is freedom to be found in spirituality; the kind that you can scarcely imagine. To seek help is the way of strength.