What makes k2 addictive

Some of these substances may have been around for years but have reentered the market in altered chemical forms, or due to renewed popularity. Synthetic cannabinoid products are often labeled "not for human consumption. However, the only parts of these products that are natural are the dried plant materials.

Chemical tests show that the active, mind-altering ingredients are cannabinoid compounds made in laboratories. Manufacturers sell these products in colorful foil packages and plastic bottles to attract consumers. They market these products under a wide variety of specific brand names.

For several years, synthetic cannabinoid mixtures have been easy to buy in drug paraphernalia shops, novelty stores, gas stations, and over the internet. Because the chemicals used in them have no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse, authorities have made it illegal to sell, buy, or possess some of these chemicals.

However, manufacturers try to sidestep these laws by changing the chemical formulas in their mixtures. Easy access and the belief that synthetic cannabinoid products are natural and therefore harmless, have likely contributed to their use among young people. Another reason for their continued use is that standard drug tests cannot easily detect many of the chemicals used in these products.

The most common way to use synthetic cannabinoids is to smoke the dried plant material. Its psychoactive effects were first said to parallel those of marijuana, while in actuality, Spice can be much more potent and dangerous than its sister drug. K2 and Spice products are most prevalent among adolescents and young adults. In fact, among high school seniors, it is the second most commonly abused illicit drug next to marijuana, and is twice as likely to be abused by young men.

Its rising popularity is likely a result of its accessibility; the drug is technically still legal and available through various online outlets. Young users, therefore, have found that Spice is both easy to get and easy to get away with. It is not easily detectable in standard drug tests, yet the active chemical makeup of Spice proves it to carry a very high risk for abuse and addiction.

Spice is a designer drug, meaning that its synthetic components are constantly being altered. If one cannabinoid in K2-Spice products is made illegal, manufacturers are able to substitute it with another chemical and evade legal restrictions. There are over synthetic cannabinoids known that can be used in Spice, yet only 50 are currently outlawed in the U. Still, the DEA is watching its spread.

Detox is a very important part of recovery from K2 or Spice addiction. Before a person can overcome their addiction to synthetic marijuana, they must first achieve a state of sobriety. Synthetic marijuana withdrawal can be very difficult, as the physical effects of spice withdrawal are often very uncomfortable. In some cases, people may not experience withdrawal symptoms for days after the last dose.

According to the NIDA, long-term treatment of 90 days or longer is associated with more positive treatment outcomes, so a 30 or day program is less likely to result in long-term or lifelong sobriety. If someone is severely addicted, a synthetic marijuana addiction treatment program can help.

Groups meet in a safe, clinical setting several times a week. Transitional housing programs can also be combined with additional synthetic marijuana recovery support services such as employment and education assistance, personal monitoring, and peer-led sobriety programming. A client may also choose to enroll in an Intensive Outpatient Program IOP while living in a transitional home for additional support. Sober living homes provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals in recovery from synthetic marijuana addiction to learn how to live responsibly and be accountable for their own actions.

This is achieved by paying their own rent, preparing their own meals, adhering to the rules of their sober living community, and building healthy relationships with like-minded peers in recovery. All of these things will help them maintain their sobriety for years to come. The cost of sober living programs will vary based on the type of living situation offered, support services, and location.

Sober living program payment is collected on a monthly basis, like rent would be. Aftercare programs are specifically designed for alumni who have already completed a drug and alcohol rehab program and would like continued support in their sobriety.

Aftercare groups meet once a week in an outpatient setting and meetings serve as a sobriety check-in for continued accountability. If you are a spice addict, help is available. Because of its various harms, responding to Synthetic Marijuana addiction with the proper treatment is crucial.

According to the DEA, most of the chemicals used in Synthetic Marijuana are manufactured in Asia with no regulations or standards. They are then smuggled to the US, where they are sprinkled on plant material and packaged. Some of these chemicals are legal, though there have been more and more illegal compounds found in Synthetic Marijuana. Also, the FDA noted that over 75 other compounds have been identified that are not currently controlled.

These chemicals range greatly in safety and are not all recommended for consumption. Learn More. Sold in gas stations, head shops, and online, this drug is often considered a safe and legal alternative to Marijuana despite significant evidence to the contrary. The packaging, names, and ingredients of Synthetic Marijuana are inconsistent and vary based on the seller. Because of this, the drug is a moving target for both health officials and police officers hoping to cut down on its negative effects.

Spice and K2 are the most common names for the drug. Because Synthetic Marijuana is not officially intended to be smoked or ingested, using it in any form is considered abuse. The effects of Synthetic Marijuana are similar to those of Marijuana. They include an altered perception of reality and feelings of relaxation and elevated mood.

These chemicals have not been approved for human consumption, and there is no way to know what adverse reactions a user may have. Minor side effects of Synthetic Marijuana are similar to those of real Marijuana. However, there have been many accounts of severe side effects from Synthetic Marijuana — up to and including death. Additionally, if Synthetic Marijuana is combined with real Marijuana, the 2 substances may interfere with each other and cause an unpleasant and potentially dangerous experience for the user.

Make a Call Continued abuse of Synthetic Marijuana can lead to a psychological and physical addiction to it. There are 11 signs of addiction outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Someone struggling with a Synthetic Marijuana addiction may want to stop using it but continue anyway, or use it even in dangerous circumstances.