Synthetic Marijuana: Overview and Dangers
Many people are having serious conversations about marijuana, such as whether marijuana use is safe and whether it should be legal. The same conversations are not being had about synthetic marijuana, though they should be. This is because synthetic marijuana is both dangerous and highly addictive. The good news is there are many ways to avoid a marijuana addiction as well as ways to recover from one that has already manifested.
Better Understanding Synthetic Marijuana
So what exactly is synthetic marijuana? According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), “K2 and Spice are just two of the many trade names or brands for synthetic designer drugs that are intended to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. These designer synthetic drugs are from the synthetic cannabinoid class of drugs that are often marketed and sold under the guise of ‘herbal incense’ or ‘potpourri.’”
Now, these types of synthetic marijuana are highly marketed to young people, especially teens. The issue is these types of synthetic marijuana are also highly addictive. Additionally, it doesn’t matter if the individual is young or old, addiction is a disease that can affect anyone.
Also, many agencies are trying to make synthetic types of marijuana illegal, but manufacturers are always changing the composition of the drug so they can skirt the regulations. These manufacturers clearly do not care about the dangers of synthetic marijuana and the potential health risks that they can bring to an individual’s life.
Understanding the Dangerous Trend of Synthetic Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana use is not slowing down. According to Substance Abuse, “Despite the federal ban, data from the National Monitoring the Future Survey indicate that product consumption has persisted. In 2012, 11 percent of high school seniors reported past year use of SC products; the prevalence of use was unchanged from that reported during the previous year. Furthermore, SC products remained the third most widely used illicit drug by high school seniors (alcohol and marijuana were the most used drugs, respectively).”
The dangerous trend of synthetic marijuana use is persisting. This is especially true as cannabis is becoming legal in more and more states. These same distributors of cannabis are also selling synthetic marijuana without informing consumers of the dangers. It is also true that, like most other substances, the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the issue of synthetic marijuana addiction.
The Signs and Symptoms of Synthetic Marijuana Addiction
While the signs and symptoms of synthetic marijuana use vary with the individual, many signs and symptoms are universal. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Feeling excessively anxious or nervous
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Feeling nauseous or having other gastrointestinal problems
- Having excessive “hangover” symptoms
- Using other substances and alcohol in addiction to synthetic marijuana
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling depressed and hopeless
- Having excessive mood swings
- Feeling suicidal
As one can see, these are significant symptoms that can be highly destructive. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How Best to Recover From a Synthetic Marijuana Addiction
The best way to recover from a synthetic marijuana addiction is to seek professional help and utilize all of the modalities and methods that they have to offer. This includes modalities that come from all areas of recovery, such as psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation.
It is also important to determine whether an individual requires residential addiction care or an intensive or general outpatient program. Many people who struggle with synthetic marijuana addiction will need to participate in a detoxification program before beginning treatment.
12-Step recovery is also a great option for individuals to engage in to help maintain long-term recovery. This works because it connects individuals with a community that can be leaned upon when “triggering” times arise. The reality is that these types of programs significantly reduce the chances of a relapse through a combination of peer support, accountability, and shared experience.
Our Primary Purpose at The Phoenix Recovery Center
There is a statement in 12-Step recovery known as the responsibility statement. It goes, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of [recovery] always to be there. And for that: I am responsible”
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we take that responsibility seriously. We believe that this responsibility plays a role in our continued recovery success for our clients.
Synthetic marijuana (also often referred to as synthetic cannabinoids) is highly dangerous and its use is on the rise. This is why it is so critical to understand what synthetic marijuana is, its signs and symptoms of addiction, and how an addiction can best be treated. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with a synthetic marijuana addiction or any other type of addiction or mental illness, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about addiction and how best to recover, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today to learn more at (801) 438-3185.
