Spice Addiction

Written by:

Nicki Hari

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

What initially emerged as a ‘legal high‘ that mimicked the effects of cannabis, Spice quickly became a source of widespread turmoil in communities across the UK. Despite the government’s ban in 2016, the substance continues to pose challenges both on the streets and within UK prisons. This page aims to highlight the addictive nature of Spice, as well as provide information on how to get treated if you’re suffering from a Spice addiction.

What is Spice?

Spice refers to a synthetic version of cannabis. It is a mixture of manufactured chemicals that mimic the effect of THC, the naturally occurring active substance in marijuana. These synthetic cannabinoids are sprayed onto a plant material and sold under various brand names, including Spice or K2. They are known for their unpredictable and sometimes severe effects, and their legal status varies by jurisdiction.

In the UK, Spice is a Class B drug, with possession potentially landing a person with a maximum of a 5-year prison sentence, a fine or even both.

What other street names does Spice have?

Due to the way synthetic cannabinoids were/are sold under different brand names, most of the street names for Spice vary based on what type of brand users choose to consume. Here are some of the most known street names of Spice:

1. Spice
2. Annihilation
3. X
4. Bombay Blue Extreme
5. Devil’s Weed
6. K2
7. Mary Joy
8. Black Mamba
9. Amsterdam Gold
10. Clockwork Orange
11. Exodus Damnation
12. Blue Cheese
13. Tai High Hawaiian Haze

For the remainder of this page, we will refer to these synthetic cannabinoids as Spice.

How does Spice work on the brain?

Synthetic cannabinoids are engineered to act like THC, the key ingredient in cannabis that produces the ‘high’. However, the way they interact with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2, crucial parts of the endocannabinoid system—is quite different from THC. This system helps regulate many bodily and mental functions, such as mood, memory, appetite and pain sensation.

While THC gently influences these receptors, synthetic cannabinoids bind to them much more tightly and effectively. This means they can trigger the receptors more intensely than THC, leading to effects that are stronger and often more unpredictable on both the mind and body.

How can Spice addiction affect my body?

Spice addiction can affect the body and mind in many different ways. Here are some of the most common risks from developing a Spice addiction.

Physical effects

• Cardiovascular issues: Spice can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to more serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks.
• Respiratory problems: Smoking Spice can cause respiratory issues similar to those caused by smoking tobacco or marijuana, including coughing, wheezing and bronchitis.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Users may experience vomiting and abdominal pain, which can lead to decreased appetite and weight loss.
• Kidney damage: There have been reports of acute kidney injury in some individuals who use Spice, which can lead to long-term kidney damage or failure.
• Toxic reactions: Because Spice can contain a variety of unknown chemicals, users may experience acute toxicity, leading to severe symptoms like elevated body temperature and increased agitation.

Psychological Effects

• Psychosis: High doses or chronic use of Spice can lead to episodes of psychosis, characterised by paranoia and hallucinations.
• Anxiety and depression: Users may experience increased anxiety and symptoms of depression, which can persist even after stopping the drug.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping Spice after regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbances and physical discomfort.

Behavioural effects

• Irritability: Spice can cause users to become very irritable and aggressive. This can lead to physical or verbal aggression towards others.
• Mood Swings: The effects of Spice can lead to rapid changes in mood, from extreme euphoria to deep depression or anger, often with little to no provocation.
• Impaired decision-making: Like many psychoactive substances, Spice can impair judgement and decision-making capabilities, leading to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex and driving under the influence.
• Isolation: As with many substance addictions, people with a Spice addiction may withdraw from family, friends and social activities. They may also struggle with employment or academic responsibilities.

The problem with Spice

Synthetic cannabinoids are known for their strong interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, often being more powerful than THC. This heightened potency and effectiveness mean they can provoke more intense effects, both mentally and physically.

The experiences with synthetic cannabinoids can vary greatly, influenced by their chemical makeup. Users might feel euphoria, relaxation, changes in how they perceive things and an increase in appetite, much like traditional cannabis effects. However, their strong potency and chemical diversity can also lead to serious negative effects, such as;

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Elevated blood pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Kidney damage
• Seizures
• Death

What makes synthetic cannabinoids particularly risky is their unpredictable nature. The effects can be highly unpredictable, with no regulation or quality control in their production. The same product might vary from one batch to the next in terms of which synthetic cannabinoids are present or their concentrations, raising the risk of overdose and adverse reactions significantly.

Can you get addicted to Spice?

Yes, it is possible to get addicted to Spice. The addictive potential of Spice primarily comes from its psychoactive effects, which can alter mood and perception. You may become psychologically dependent on the substance, continually seeking the high it provides, even as it begins to affect various aspects of your life negatively.

Physical dependence is also a significant risk. Regular, heavy use of Spice can lead to the body adapting to its presence, leading to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety and depression when usage is reduced or stopped. These symptoms are a clear sign of the body’s reliance on the substance.

How do I know if I’m addicted to Spice?

Identifying addiction to substances like Spice involves looking out for specific behaviours, physical symptoms and emotional states that suggest a person has developed a dependency. Here are seven questions that, if answered with ‘yes,’ could suggest a potential addiction to Spice.

• Do you feel a strong craving or compulsion to use Spice regularly?
• Do you find yourself using more Spice over time to achieve the same effects?
• Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, anxiety, insomnia) when you’ve tried to stop using Spice?
• Is acquiring and using Spice becoming a priority over other important activities or responsibilities in your life (work, school, family)?
• Do you continue to use Spice despite being aware of the negative consequences it has on your health, well-being or relationships?
• Have you attempted to cut down or stop using Spice but found yourself unable to do so?
• Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using or recovering from the effects of Spice?

It’s important to note that a ‘yes’ answer to any of these questions may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

How can I get help for Spice addiction?

If you or someone you love is struggling with Spice, note that there are forms of support available for you. Sanctuary Lodge provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for those struggling with Spice addiction. The treatment process begins with a medically supervised Spice detox, ensuring withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and comfortably.

To address the underlying causes of Spice addiction, Sanctuary Lodge offers a range of therapies, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns and psychotherapy to explore emotional triggers. Holistic therapies also play a crucial role in recovery, with yoga and art therapy offering alternative outlets for expression and stress relief, aiding in the healing of mind and body. These therapies not only assist in managing cravings but also in developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Post-rehabilitation, Sanctuary Lodge’s aftercare services provide ongoing support, ensuring individuals have access to resources and a community to maintain their journey towards long-term recovery, emphasising the importance of continuous care and support in overcoming addiction.

Reach out to Sanctuary Lodge today to start your recovery journey from Spice addiction.

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