Here, we review how Spice affects the body and brain. And we answer some other questions for you such as: Does Spice have the same effects for everyone? What are the dangers and side effects of Spice use? And is Spice addictive? We invite your additional questions about Spice and how it works at the end.

How does Spice work in the body?

No one’s completely sure how Spice works in the body, since Spice is a relatively new drug. Spice usually consists of shredded plants sprayed with chemical compounds meant to mimic the “high” of marijuana’s active ingredients, THC. These chemicals, called synthetic cannabinoids, seem to work as cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) agonists, and their principle action is on the central nervous system. Some of these chemicals are reported to be 66-800 times more potent than THC. The most common synthetics (known) include:

1. AM – 694
2. CP – 47,497
3. CP – 47,497-C8
4. HU-210
5. JWH – 015
6. JWH – 018
7. JWH – 019
8. JWH – 073
9. JWH – 122
10. JWH – 200
11. JWH – 250
12. JWH – 398

Can Spice show up on drug tests?  Yes, if the test is specifically searching for the compounds present in Spice.  However, no one can know exactly what’s in each individual batch of Spice. Because there are over 100 types of synthetic cannaboids on the market, the chemical compunds have very different effects each time they are taken. The physical effects of Spice on the body include:

• elevated blood pressure
• non-responsiveness
• seizures
• tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• vomiting

How does Spice affect the brain and nervous system?

Synthetic cannabinoids are thought to work as full cannabinoid agonists. Spice ingredients have

an affinity for the CB1 receptors and the effects of these synthetic chemicals are many times greater than the effects of THC. The side effects of Spice on the brain and nervous system are usually unpleasant and can sometimes be very dangerous. Emergency departments across the US are seeing a rise in Spice-related visits. Even if you don’t overdose on Spice, the mental effects of Spice can be terrifying. Some of the psychological effects of Spice include:

• agitation
• anxiety
• hallucinations (can be very intense)
• panic attacks
• paranoia
• psychotic episodes
• suicidal tendencies

How fast does Spice work?

Spice works fairly quickly when smoked. The effects begin within 5-10 minutes of taking the drug. Synthetic cannabinoids reaches peak levels in the blood within 10-45 minutes. However, it’s unclear how long Spice stays in the body after being taken.

How long does Spice work?

The effects of Spice can last from three to five hours. But some varieties of Spice don’t work for more than a couple of hours, since the effects start to drop off within 45 minutes. However, the half-life of synthetic cannabinoids is often slightly longer than that of THC, creating a longer-lasting high than marijuana.

What makes Spice work better?

Spice is normally taken rolled in cigarette paper (sometimes mixed with tobacco), or smoked out of a pipe. It’s often labeled as “incense” and marked “not for human consumption” – and with good reason, given the variety of potential side effects. Spice is also sometimes taken brewed as a tea, which will have a slower and milder onset of effects.

Does Spice work for everyone?

No, Spice is not right for everyone. In fact, Spice is not right for anyone.

Because so little is known about Spice, smoking Spice can be much more dangerous than taking a drug with more research behind it. While it’s sometimes marketed as being a “legal” alternative to weed, this isn’t true – many states and the U.S. military have made certain compounds illegal (Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act) and there are current federal restrictions on their use. While some people recommend taking Spice to avoid a positive drug test, it’s not a foolproof strategy. New drug tests are increasingly looking for the synthetic cannaboids found in Spice and similar products.

How Spice works questions

Do you still have questions about how Spice works in the body or brain? Please leave us your questions about Spice below. We will be happy to respond to your questions with a personal and prompt reply, or to refer you to someone who can help.

Reference Sources: Synthetic Drugs in Iowa: Get the Facts
National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Spice
Drug Enforcement Agency: Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
NIDA for Teens: “Spice” – Not as fun as it sounds

How does cocaine work in the body?

When cocaine is inhaled, snorted, or injected, it enters the bloodstream and is delivered to the brain. Cocaine works by interfering with the normal processes of the brain, flooding the pleasure-center of the brain with the chemical dopamine, creating a feeling of euphoria.  Cocaine stays in urine and is detectable via drug screens 2-4 days after use.

Cocaine also effects other systems of the body. As a stimulant, cocaine creates a feeling of alertness and energy, increases body temperature, and raises heart rate. However, the cardiovascular effects of cocaine can put cocaine users at risk of heart attacks and stroke.

How does cocaine affect the brain and nervous system?

Cocaine directly affects the central nervous system. As mentioned earlier, cocaine interferes with normal brain processes, causing dopamine levels to spike in the brain. As a result, cocaine can cause a variety of central nervous system effects, including:

• anxiety or panic attacks
• changes in behavior
• euphoric feelings
• paranoia
• restlessness

How fast does cocaine work?

Depending on how cocaine is taken, it can begin to work within minutes. Smoking the crack form of cocaine will result in a high within seconds, but snorting cocaine will take several minutes for cocaine to work. Cocaine is not often administered orally, but takes about 30 minutes to take effect when ingested (as in the case of coca leaves).

How long does cocaine work?

The duration of cocaine’s effects depend on the method of administration. When cocaine is snorted the effects last longer, 15-30 minutes. When smoked, the effects of cocaine may only last 5-10 minutes. In other words, cocaine is not effective for a lasting high.

What makes cocaine work better

Cocaine works most quickly and efficiently when it’s snorted or smoked. However, because so much cocaine is flooding the brain all at once, these methods of administration come with their own particular dangers. Using cocaine can also damage the nasal tissues and the lungs.

Does cocaine work for everyone?

No, cocaine won’t work for everyone. Taking cocaine is always risky when it’s not sued for medical purposes, particularly because street cocaine is often mixed with other drugs or potentially toxic substances. Furthermore, using cocaine opens you up not only to potential health problems, but also to the risks of addiction and overdose.

How cocaine works questions

Still have questions about cocaine and how cocaine works? Please leave your questions and comments about cocaine below. We will be happy to try to answer your questions personal and promptly.

Reference Sources: MedlinePlus: Cocaine
NIDA InfoFacts: Cocaine
DEA: Drugs and Chemicals of Concerns: Cocaine

Health insurance for addiction rehabilitation

Although celebrities are the public face of substance addiction in the United States, the truth is that 70 percent of the people who struggle with alcohol and drug problems are working people. Oddly enough, this fact is to their benefit, but many don’t know it.

Rehab is expensive and potentially lengthy

When is alcohol rehab necessary?  When you can’t quit alcohol or drugs on your own.  But some addiction sufferers report that they have not sought insurance benefits out of a sense of guilt because they are the cause of their own problems. But failing to see addiction as a disease in need of treatment is a costly mistake. Ignoring the devastating health consequences of addiction not only raises the specter of higher medical bills in the future, but also the real possibility of an early death. So how much does rehab really cost?

The cost of rehab for an in-patient program averages as much as $7,000 a month according to the National Substance Abuse Treatment Services Study. But addiction recovery rarely takes as little as 30 days. Instead,a 90-day course of treatment tends to be the norm. And given that relapses are also typical, in some cases, the total cost of rehabilitation can total $75,000.

So can Americans afford drug rehab?

In a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2011, statistics showed the average annual health premium for a family whose coverage was provided as a work benefit was $15,073. That represented an escalation of 9% over 2010 figures. For a family struggling to meet a $15,000 annual insurance bill in an economy plagued by four years of recession and high unemployment, the additional cost of rehab treatment is untenable. In the face of addiction, accessing the health benefits that are a legal and viable part of existing job-related coverage is not just a right, but a necessity.

Does insurance cover drug rehab?

Yes. In fact, many group insurance plans cover addiction rehab costs. For people facing issues with addiction, shame and fear of job loss often prevent them from using the benefits to which they are entitled. However, The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires that health insurance providers make the limits for drug and alcohol treatment on group plans equal to those applied to “standard” medical treatment under certain circumstances.

The law extended rehab coverage to about 100 million workers, but only if their group plans had existing provisions for mental health services. Still, there are large numbers of working people in this country who actually can draw on benefits to help with their recovery. Those monies, when available, typically cover programs for detoxification, group and individual outpatient care, inpatient hospitalization, day programs, and long-term residential treatment.

Addicts with private insurance or no coverage

For the unemployed, or anyone faced with buying private health insurance at even higher rates, rehab coverage is often not an option. Consequently, public assistance programs are strained to the breaking point and many people are not getting the help they need. This fact makes the survival of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court all the more crucial.

Among its many provisions, the Affordable Care Act extends parity for mental health and rehab services to all insured workers, increases the available Medicaid benefits, and requires all plans offered through health-insurance exchanges to include mental health and rehab coverage. Without this vital assistance, countless addicts will continue to suffer in silence with no access to the care they need.

How can we pay for addiction rehab?

What do you think? Should the cost for mental healthcare become a public issue? Can only those who are covered in group plans continue to receive benefits for drug or alcohol rehab? Should rehabs offer sliding scale fees? How can drug and alcohol addiction treatment become accessible to all Americans? Your opinions, comments and input are welcomed here.

The length of time K2 stays in the system varies by person, although most effects wear off within a few days and K2 metabolites are detected up to 72 hours after ingestion.  So how does K2 affect the body and brain? Does K2 have the same effects for everyone? What are the dangers and side effects of K2 use? Finally, is K2 addictive? We’ll explore all those questions and more here, and we welcome your questions about how K2 works at the end.

How does K2 work in the body?

Since K2 is a very new drug in the U.S., it’s not completely clear to researchers, scientists and pharmacology experts exactly how K2 ingredients work in the body. Plus, no two packs of K2 Spice are really the same. In fact, there are currently over 100 types of synthetic cannabinoids on the market. So what’s in K2?

Packets of K2 contain shredded plants which have been sprayed with chemical compounds meant to mimic the “high” of marijuana. Each individual batch of K2 might contain different chemicals or combinations of chemicals (not to mention different types of plants), so it may have very different effects each time it’s taken.  Some of the most common chemicals found in K2 include:

• AM – 694
• CP – 47,497
• CP – 47,497-C8
• HU-210
• JWH – 015
• JWH – 018
• JWH – 019
• JWH – 073
• JWH – 122
• JWH – 200
• JWH – 250
• JWH – 398

How does K2 affect the brain and nervous system?

In general, K2′s side effects are reported to be very unpleasant, and can sometimes be very dangerous. Emergency departments across the US are seeing a rise in K2-related visits, leading to crackdowns on what’s been marketed as a “legal” high. Even if you don’t overdose on K2, the effect on the heart and the brain can be disturbing. In fact, many more people are reporting hallucinations and bad trips on K2, or becoming addicted to K2 incense. K2 affects the central nervous system and can cause a variety of effects, including:

• agitation
• hallucinations
• rapid heart rate
• vomiting

How fast does K2 work?

K2 enters the body quickly when smoked, with effects beginning within 5-10 minutes of taking the drug. The synthetic cannabinoids contained in K2 reach peak levels in the blood within 10-45 minutes. However, it’s currently unclear how long K2 stays in the body after being taken, although special urine based drug screens can detect K2 use within 2-3 days of ingestion.

How long does K2 work?

K2′s effects start to drop off within 45 minutes. However, the half-life of synthetic weed like K2 is often slightly longer than that of THC, creating a longer-lasting high than marijuana.

What makes K2 work better

K2 is most often smoked, sometimes alone in a pipe, and sometimes mixed with tobacco in a cigarette. Often, it’s labeled as “incense” and marked “not for human consumption.” Given the variety of potential side effects, people interested in trying K2 might want to take that warning to heart. K2 is also sometimes taken as a tea after being steeped in warm water, which will have a slower and milder onset of effects.

Does K2 work for everyone?

K2 is a risky alternative to marijuana, although some people seem to take K2 without the side effects. So little is known about K2, and this can be much more dangerous than taking a drug with more research behind it.

Furthermore, K2 is still sometimes marketed as a “legal” alternative to marijuana, but this is no longer true – many states and the U.S. military have made the drug illegal, and there are current federal restrictions on its use. While some people recommend taking K2 to avoid a positive drug test, it’s not a foolproof strategy. New drug tests are increasingly looking for the synthetic cannabinoids found in K2 and similar products.

How K2 works questions

Do you still have questions about K2? Please leave your questions or comment below. We invite your discussion about K2 and will try to respond to all queries with a personal and prompt reply.

Reference Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Spice
Drug Enforcement Agency: Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
NIDA for Teens: “Spice” – Not as fun as it sounds

Codependency is a term used when one person develops unhealthy patterns due to the involvement with another person who has the disease of addiction. Some of the negative patterns that develop include enabling, denial, and low self-esteem. While these patterns don’t happen overnight, most people who live with an addict for a sustained period of time, eventually fall into some of these behaviors.  Codependent addictive relationships can be identified by asking yourself some straightforward questions.

7 questions: Am I codependent or not?

Have you taken on the patterns of codependency in your own life? Ask yourself the following seven questions to find out:

1. Do you have difficulty sleeping at night because you’re worrying about the addict?

2. Do you take on many of the addict’s responsibilities such as paying their bills, taking care of their children, or giving them free room and board?

3. Do you constantly threaten to leave the addict, or kick him or her out, but you never follow through?

4. Do you fall for the same lies from the addict over and over again?

5. Are you suffering financial difficulty due to the addiction?

6. Do you avoid social functions out of the fear of shame or embarrassment?

7. Do you avoid doing things away from home because you want to keep an eye on the addict?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the patterns of codependency may be affecting your life. The more “yes” answers, the deeper the patterns. You owe it to yourself to start letting go and detaching from the problems surrounding addiction.  Although ending a codependent relationship may seem difficult, your life can change and become more satisfying and healthy than you ever thought possible.

Moving through codependent patterns

So what are the steps for moving forward? The first, and most important step is to reach out for help. You don’t have to do this alone. There are countless forms of support available such as Al-Anon, church support groups, or a counselor.

If you’ve never visited an Al-Anon meeting before, now is the time to give it a try. What better group of people to turn to for comfort and support than those who are living with the same struggles? Through Al-Anon you will learn the tools for recovery. There are also countless books available that teach these tools.

You deserve to have, be, and do everything that you want — and you can. The addict is not holding you back. The only person in control of your life is you. You are offered endless options every day and you make the choices. Choose happiness!

Comments

• May 12, 2012, Darlene Lancer, MFT writes: Thanks for letting people know about codependency. These are good questions to ask if you're with an addict. However, codependency is prevalent in relationships where there isn't substance abuse, as well. There may be another addiction, such as workaholism, overeating, or sex addiction, and even in couples where there's no addiction, but they grew up in dysfunctional families. Codependents Anonymous is another 12-Step Program that's helpful. The definition, symptoms, cause, and easy to follow steps you can take to heal are all outlined in "Codependency for Dummies," the most comprehensive book on the subject. Darlene Lancer, MFT

What exactly makes getting addicted to K2/Spice possible? How can you tell if you’re addicted to K2? We’ll review these questions here. And we invite your questions about the addictive potential of K2 at the end.

What is K2 used for?

K2, also known as “Spice”, has no known or approved medical use in the U.S. K2 has been marketed as a “legal” alternative to marijuana. But this is no longer the case since the main ingredients in K2 have been banned in many countries in the world, the U.S. military and across the U.S. The only use for K2 is drug abusers seeking a euphoric “high” like that they would get from marijuana. Using Spice to get high off, however, can cause serious side effects including hallucinations, cardiovascular problems and intense discomfort.

What is K2 made of?

K2 may be labeled as “incense” to try to sneak under the radar of law enforcement. In fact, no one’s actually sure exactly what’s in K2, because it can vary widely from batch to batch. But in general, K2 contains about 3 grams of vegetable matter such as dried leaves, resin, or powder sold in metal-foil sachets to which one or more synthetic cannabinoids are added. Some of the more common synthetic cannabinoids ingredient contained in K2 include:

• AM – 694
• CP – 47,497
• CP – 47,497-C8
• HU-210
• JWH – 015
• JWH – 018
• JWH – 019
• JWH – 073
• JWH – 122
• JWH – 200
• JWH – 250
• JWH – 398

K2 is typically is smoked, but can also be made into a tea. Different batches may contain completely different substances, so it’s hard to say just how safe K2 is to take. In fact, the side effects and dangers are unpredictable and have caused intense hallucinations and cardiovascular effects in reported cases across U.S. emergency rooms.  And Spice drug tests 2012 are able to detect many of the chemicals listed above.

How addictive is K2?

It’s hard to say how addictive K2 really is. There’s simply very little research into the drug and the chemicals used in it. But K2 does affects the central nervous system. And there’s some evidence that repeated use can cause users to develop a tolerance to K2.

In addition to creating feelings of euphoria, K2 can provoke withdrawal and a dependence syndromes after chronic consumption. Persistance of drug craving even after K2 is out of the system is also possible, the characteristic symptom of any kind of drug addiction.

Although many may see K2 as a “safer” alternative to marijuana, K2′s observed effects in hospitals and drug treatment programs around the country can be much more powerful and dangerous than marijuana.

• agitation
• hallucinations
• rapid heart rate
• vomiting

How do you get addicted to K2?

You may be addicted to K2 if you need K2 to deal with stress or cope with the world around you. Using K2 frequently or in large amounts can cause addiction. But keep in mind that no one knows exactly how addictive the various substances used in K2 actually are because they have only been created in laboratories in the past couple of decades. In fact, the long-term health effects of synthetic cannabinoids are unknown, since the drug is so new.

Signs of K2 addiction

K2 addiction means that you have a dependence on K2, coupled with a psychological craving for the drug. Other signs of K2 addiction include:

1. Continued K2 abuse despite negative consequences.
2. Craving K2 and using it compulsively.
3. Seeking K2 in order to stimulate the “reward center” of the brain.

K2 addiction potential questions

Do you still have questions about K2 addiction potential? Please leave them here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts:Spice
Drug Enforcement Agency: Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
NIDA for Teens: “Spice” – Not as fun as it sounds
PubMed: Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs

You find yourself constantly sick to your stomach, walking on eggshells, worrying about the future, crying at red lights, binge eating, and screaming at your kids for absolutely no reason. You are scattered, forgetful, depressed, and contemplating moving out of the country where no one can find you.

The culprit?

A toxic relationship.

In fact, codependent controlling behaviors and addiction go hand in hand.  But now your boyfriend (or girlfriend), spouse, friend, parent, or adult child has an addiction, and their actions have pushed you over the edge. It is time to end the craziness.

Codependent relationships with addicts

When you are in a relationship with an addict it is difficult to avoid being mentally and physically affected. The constant ups and downs of addiction can cause you to behave in overly passive or excessively caretaking ways. Eventually, you might find that you’re placing a lower priority on your own needs, while being preoccupied with the needs of your addicted loved one. This is called codependency, and this unhealthy way of love not only harms your relationships, but your quality of life.

The good news is that you have the power to make a change. Overcoming codependent relationships is possible. And as changes occur, you offer the best possible environment to encourage positive change in the addict. Most importantly, you will no longer be in a codependent relationship. You may still choose to love a person with addiction, but your behaviors toward that love will be healthy.

Four steps toward positive change in codependency

Step #1 – Take ownership.

Addiction is often called a family disease.  This is because, typically, the entire household takes on unhealthy behaviors. In fact, how parents enable and why is similar to how spouses and partners enable.  you’ve failed to set healthy boundaries, then now is the time to take a close look and decide which of your own actions are enabling the addiction. If you don’t stop your enabling behavior, then you are only making it easier for the addict to continue in their disease.

Setting healthy boundaries is called tough love. It’s making a stand against addiction and finally saying no to the madness. But there is a reason why it’s called “tough,” and it can be just as hard on the family as it is on the addict. The addict is used to getting what he or she wants. They’ve probably learned to threaten, cry, or throw tantrums until you cave in. When you set clear boundaries, they will eventually learn that tantrums no longer work.

Step #2 – Let go.

You can detach from the problems of addiction. Yes, you are in a relationship with an addict, but in order to love him or her, you do not need to stay down in their storm. You can rise above the dark clouds and serve as an example of health and happiness. Not only is it possible, but it is the best thing you can do for yourself and the addict.

Detachment is really about doing what you can to distance yourself from the troubles of addiction. This means walking away from arguments and chaos, and looking for ways to enjoy your time. Start making healthy choices for yourself. At first it might feel like you’re faking it. You might be attempting to enjoy a movie, but you can’t get your mind off of the addict. Eventually, as you keep trying, you will begin to enjoy yourself again.

Step #3 – Change your focus.

When you are in a codependent relationship, your major focus revolves around the addict. You are no longer focusing on yourself. But the only real control you have is over your own actions and behaviors. It’s time to take the microscope off of your addicted loved one and turn in back on you. What do you want? What do you need? Have you stopped taking care of yourself? Make a plan for positive change — your own change — and then start to follow through on that plan.

Step #4 – Reach out for help.

This is the most important step of all. In your situation you need all the help and support that you can get. One of the best forms of support available, for those of us involved with an addict, is a family recovery group such as Al-Anon.

In these groups, the loved ones of addicts share their experience and hope in order to gain strength and solve their common problems. What better group of people to turn to for comfort and support than those who are living with the same struggles.

After codependency, what’s next?

As you move in this new direction, you will find yourself growing more and more confident. You may find that you are not so emotionally attached to the addict anymore. You learn to allow him or her to live their own life and face their own consequences. It can help to remember that with each mistake they make, they are one step closer to realizing their need for help.

In the meantime, you are making healthy choices for yourself. You are setting a good example. You are focusing on a positive future (with or without the addict). You are getting strong, and you are no longer part of a codependent relationship.

Comments

• May 3, 2012, Darlene Lancer, MFT writes: This post makes great suggestions about codependency and addictive relationships. It's not easy to leave, even when there's no drug or alcohol use. To read in more depth about recovery and changing your patterns, see "Codependency for Dummies." Darlene Lancer, MFT

You can even die on Spice.  What exactly makes Spice addictive?  How can you tell if you’re addicted to Spice? We’ll review these questions here and invite your questions about the addictive potential of Spice at the end.

What is Spice used for?

Spice was originally created during laboratory research to learn more about the cannabinoid receptors in the body. Pharmacological research into the design of effective THC analogs has never been a “legal” alternative to marijuana – it was simply undetected in herbal incense Spice blends until 2008. Since then, a Spice ban has been instituted by countries all over the world and in U.S. states and the U.S. military.  Currently, Spice shows up on drug tests created specifically to detect the main synthetic cannabinoids present in herbal weed because Spice has no legitimate medical use. It’s only abused by people seeking a euphoric “high.”

What is Spice made of?

Spice is a mixture of shredded plants and chemicals which is smoked or made into tea. Spices contains chemicals similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say what’s in Spice, because different batches may contain completely different substances. As such, the effects can vary greatly between batches.

How addictive is Spice?

It’s hard to say how addictive Spice is due to the lack of research into the drug and the chemicals used in it. However, Spice affects the central nervous system and can create feelings of euphoria, or “getting high.” Sometimes the euphoric effect can be multiple to tens of times more intense than THC. Although Spice may be used by people who see it as a “safer” alternative to marijuana, Spice can cause serious cardiovascular and psychoactive side effects. Spice can provoke a variety of unpleasant and unpredictable side effects, including rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations. There’s a reason the drug is usually labeled “not for human consumption.”

How do you get addicted to Spice?

Just like most other drugs, using Spice frequently or in large amounts can cause addiction, which is characterised by the obsessive compulsion to use the drug despite negative life consequences to health, finances, or relationships. There’s some evidence that repeated use can cause users to develop a tolerance to Spice, which means that you need increased amounts of Spice to achieve same initial effect when you first started taking it. And some users have self-reported Spice withdrawal symptoms upon lowered doses or stopping Spice altogether.

However, no clinical determination has yet been made about the addictive liability of Spice. Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly how addictive the difference substances used in Spice really are. And no one is sure what the long-term health effects of Spice addiction even are.

Signs of Spice addiction

Although experts have not officially established a diagnostic criteria for Spice, its characteristics are similar to any other type of drug addiction. Spice addiction is often characterized by a physical dependence on Spice (tolerance and/or withdrawal) coupled with a psychological craving for the drug. In other words, you may be addicted to Spice if you need Spice to deal with stress or cope with the world around you. Other signs of Spice addiction include:

• Continued Spice abuse despite negative consequences.
• Craving Spice and using Spice compulsively.
• Seeking Spice in order to get high by affecting the reward center in the brain.

Spice addiction potential questions

Do you still have questions about Spice addiction potential? Please leave them here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: ONDCP: Synthetic marijuana fact sheet
National Institute on Drug Abuse: InfoFacts: Spice
Drug Enforcement Agency: Drug Fact Sheet: K2 or Spice
NIDA for Teens: “Spice” – Not as fun as it sounds
PubMed: Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs

Comments

• May 5, 2012, No problems here writes: To this claim that spice is addictive, I think the key is balance and self control. From my experiences, the herbal incenses had no addictive qualities. Lets compare it to the consumption of alcohol. They lack addictive qualities, yet many people know somebody whos alcoholic or has substance abuse issues. It is all in the mind. If people are able to practice self control when using these substances they would not become psychologically addicted.
• May 10, 2012, Vada writes: I am a mother of 4, 2 boys and 2 girls. For the last year, my two boys smoke this stuff they buy from the smoke shops. They are both over 18 and one of my daughters is also over 18, one however is not, she is 12. My husband and I have tried to talk to our boys about this, we have never let anyone even smoke cigarets in our home as 5 of us have asthma, including my boys. They actually get so angry with us, walk away and slam their bedroom door. I have asked them to leave our home as I fear that my 12 year old could be taken away from us if the police ever came to my home and when I tell them that, they laugh at me. I have called the police department just to get info on whether or not they can take her away for us "letting" my boys do drugs in our home, no one has been able to tell me anything, they suggested I call the narcotics division, so I will do that tomorrow. Their lives have become consumed with this stuff, and they don't see it. Our oldest is 23 and goes to college, and is studying of all things psychology to become a counselor. He used to be so ambitious, but now just wants to "take his time" in college, he should have had his bachelors this year, but just doesn't seem to care much any more. My other son has a very good job and is 21, they do random drug testing all the time and just because he is the boss, he thinks he is safe. I fear for their lives all the time, one of them has already been taken to the hospital by ambulance because he passed out on the street one day after taking a hit, he just laughs at it and says he was just stupid that day. I now decided that they are going to do this no matter what, and all I can do is save my little girl from being taken away. So, I have to some how make them move out, then I will have two things to worry about, if they have a place to live and are they still alive. I just don't know what to do anymore, I am so afraid for our boys, my husband, their father, just told me tonight that feels hatred for our boys, and can't stand to look at them anymore. What do I do, how can I help my family??
• May 10, 2012, Addiction Blog writes: Any substance that alters the chemical balance of the mind can become addictive. Although each person has individual triggers, the process and cycle of addiction is always the same.
• May 10, 2012, Addiction Blog writes: Hi Vada. Spice is a drug. And although some ingredients found in Spice are legal now, they won't be for long. I have a few suggestions. 1. Check out Al-Anon for yourself. You can learn to set boundaries with your sons, and how to structure life for yourself loving them without being wrapped up in their drama. 2. It is OK to require your sons be drug free at home. Kick them out if they are using drugs. This is a consequence that they need to face. Otherwise, you are ENABLING their drug use. 3. Talk with a family counselor about building trust, communication, and love in your family. It sounds like there may be residual issues to face, because addiction affects the entire family.
• May 10, 2012, Vada writes: One thing I didn't mention is that the younger of my two boys is bi polar, and to this day has not come to terms with it and accepted it so he is not on any meds for that. However, they both have gone to their family Dr and gotten different things prescribed to them such as xanex, and my older says he suffers from anxiety and has for years, but it has only been since he has been smoking this. He had a wonderful girlfriend and was planning on getting married sometime, but he got so mean and uncaring to her and she broke up with him, but continues to worry about him. I want to call their Dr and tell him about their smoking this stuff but I know the heppa laws will not allow him to talk to me. I am one very worried mother yet also at the same time fed up.
• May 10, 2012, Addiction Blog writes: Hi Vada. Again, the only thing that you can control is what you allow in your house and how you react to your sons' decisions. The best thing that you can do to help them is by standing up for what you know is right and setting limits. Reporting drug use to their doctor will not make them want to seek help. In fact, addicts seek help only when they are ready. Get your boys to face the responsibilities of being adults by making them responsible for their choices: DRUGS = NO HOME WITH YOU.
• May 16, 2012, shamana1 writes: Vada, according to a blog by a physicist who tried Spice he read spice has a JWH compound that evaporates the lining of the lungs. An entire single Cigarette has 200 ug's of a particular cancercausing (carcinigen), spice has 900 per "hit" not joint, per hit of a single rolled joint. spice puts absesses all over organs inside the body and its effects are like meth and crack and heroin combined into one joint. Some blog entries suggest its one chemical and varied amounts sprayed on different blends, but studies show theres 2-3 different chemicals minimum sprayed and then they change the chemistry mixture as more spice shops are closed down. the addiction is like being drug sick--like you have to get medicine to resolve it. One addict said its like being in a nightmare all the time and you dont remember anything, people black out, people have seizures strokes theyre overdosing on the stuff. they become homeless lose their jobs, it sounds like the one with bipolar has to hit his own rock bottom it sounds like hes angry. has he dealt with any grief or any trauma in childhood,,has he always wanted to use substances? This usually stems from psychological deeply rooted emotional pain the person cannot deal with so it comes out on the surface through use of drugs. be careful theyre already addicted and when they stop or try or want to they wont be able to because they will go through withdrawals, nausea vomiting insomnia shaking tremors, yeah read all these blogs every single one even if you think you cant handle it you have to b/c you need to understand your sons physiological behavior and the drs wont talk to you but other addicts whove gone through this open up online and you can reply and they will not be rosy about the addiction.

Why do parents enable?

When a child grows up and becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, the parent often feels a sense of failure. In an effort to somehow help a child overcome the addiction, parents may begin enabling behavior. While enabling comes from a loving desire, these actions can actually push the addicted child further into their addiction. And although it can be difficult to stop enabling alcoholic or drug addict child, it is possible.

What is enabling?

Enabling is when you are doing something for the addict that they should be doing for themselves. When parents enable, they are usually attempting to protect their child from being hurt or destroying their future. However, they don’t realize that by protecting their child from the consequences of their actions, they are allowing the problem to grow larger.

How do parents enable?

Here are some of the common ways and examples of enabling behaviors that parents use to enable an addicted child:

1. Allowing an addicted child to live at home after the age of eighteen even though they are not making any contributions to the household. In today’s economy, many adult children live at home. But when a parent holds no expectations and allows an addicted child to live at home free and clear, this simply makes it easier to spend any money they have on drugs or alcohol.
2. Paying their addicted child’s rent or mortgage so that they don’t end up homeless. It is understandable why a parent would do this, but when this financial responsibility is handled for the addict, it just makes it easier to spend that money on their addiction.
3. Paying bills for the addict so they don’t lose their car, cell phone, cable, or electricity. Can you see the trend here? If the parent were to stop paying these bills, then the addicted child may start to feel the consequences of their actions, possibly leading to a desire for positive change.
4. Bailing their child out of jail or vouching for them in court. No parent wants to see their child locked up behind bars. Unfortunately, this is what it might take for them to realize their need for help. While jail and/or prison is the last thing a parent wants for their child, it can sometimes save an addict’s life.

How can I stop enabling?

For parents, trying to understand addiction is difficult and confusing. It just doesn’t make any sense that their child will continue to use drugs and/or alcohol in spite of devastating consequences. It is hurtful that your own child will lie and steal from the family. And, because of the stigma that surrounds addiction, it can be embarrassing and shameful to have an addict in the family. Many times, it is this shame that causes parents to continue enabling – in order to prevent further embarrassment to the family.

This is why it is so important for parents to understand addiction. The first step to helping your child is gaining knowledge. If you were told that your child had diabetes you would learn everything you could about the disease. You would arm yourself with knowledge in order to face that battle. Like diabetes, addiction is a disease. By learning as much about addiction as possible, families can help their loved ones to recovery.

In the process of learning about addiction, it is equally important for parents to focus on their own recovery (from enabling behavior). By attending family recovery meetings, such as Al-Anon, parents can learn to make healthy changes in their family dynamic. They can gain strength and knowledge, as well as the extra support needed to get through the rough times.

Questions about parenting a drug addict

Do you still have questions or concerns about a child in your life? Maybe you just need to vent and share your experience. We invite you to leave your comments, opinions and questions about parenting or enabling below. We try our best to respond to each question with a personal and prompt reply. You are not alone!

How to identify a substance addiction

You are likely to notice when someone you care about unexpectedly displays changes in appearance and behavior, especially when the changes begin to negatively impact your relationship with that person. Without knowing it, you may be witnessing the onset of substance addiction, but, to be certain, you’ll need to learn how to spot the signs.

What constitutes an addiction?

According to modern diagnostic practice and cognitive neuroscience, addiction is “a compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.” In order for an individual’s behavior to be considered an addiction, two unique factors must be present:

1. The behavior is maladaptive or counter-productive, and undermines the person’s ability to function as he or she normally would in daily life.

2. The behavior is persistent, or occurs frequently enough to continually engage the person.

In recent years, professionals in the medical and science fields have categorized addiction as a brain disease because of its similarity to other mental illnesses, like depression, in the way it instills distinct brain changes.  In fact, with chronic drug use brain function changes over time.  Addiction is a real medical disorder that affects the brain, but also like depression, it can be treated effectively.

What are the noticeable warning signs of substance addiction?

Some symptoms or side effects of addiction can be subtle and easier for a person to hide. Other signs are quite obvious, especially as the addiction advances and the addict grows less self-conscious. Warning signs of addiction can be categorized three ways:

Physical warning signs:

• bloodshot eyes
• changes in appetite – weight loss or weight gain
• deterioration in physical appearance, personal grooming habits, or hygiene
• drastic shifts in sleep pattern
• persistent coughs or sniffles
• pupils are larger or smaller than usual
• tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
• unusual odors on the breath, body, or clothing

Behavioral warning signs:

• changes in friends or hobbies
• drop in attendance/participation at school/work
• financial problems, possibly accompanied by stealing
• frequently getting into trouble – fights, accidents, illegal activities
• repeated unexplained outings, often with a sense of urgency
• secretive, lying

Psychological warning signs:

• appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid without reason
• appearing lethargic or “spaced out”
• changes in energy – suddenly and extremely tired or energetic
• changes in personality or attitude
• lack of motivation
• sudden mood swings, angry outbursts

Keep in mind that you will need to see multiple warning signs occur simultaneously and repeatedly in order to identify the likelihood that someone has an addiction. Someone you care about who experiences a rough day or two and displays changes in appearance or behavior may not be an addict, but close observation of that person on your part may be helpful in detecting addiction early in its onset.

What are some examples of addictive substances?

Addictive substances come in many forms and have a variety of side effects. With a few exceptions, most of the substances listed below are closely regulated, meaning users can only obtain them by verifying their age, with a healthcare provider’s prescription, or illegally.

Alcohol:beer, wine, liquor

Amphetamines: speed, crystal meth

Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium

Caffeine: coffee, tea, sports drinks, soda

Cannabis: marijuana, grass, hash

Cocaine: coke, crack

Hallucinogens: acid, ecstasy, mushrooms

Inhalants: poppers, aerosols

Nicotine: cigarettes, cigars, nicotine patches

Opioids: heroin, morphine, painkillers

Phencyclidine (PCP): angel dust, ketamine

Sedatives: sleeping pills, downers

Suspicious-looking pills, powders, or liquids discovered amongst a loved one’s personal belongings, or any drug paraphernalia (such as syringes, scorched spoons, smoke pipes, or rolled-up dollar bills) may indicate that addictive substances are being used.

What are common factors that lead to addiction?

One way to identify if someone you know has an addiction is to consider certain factors in that person’s life that are commonly known to contribute to addictive behavior. A person’s background or current environment can influence the onset of addiction. Some factors to consider include:

1. Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences
2. Family history of addiction
3. Mental disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)
4. Noticeable increase in use of substances
5. Reliance – believing a substance fulfills a “valuable need” or fills a void

An individual is not required to have any of these factors to become an addict, but someone living with any of these factors is at a higher risk of acquiring a substance addiction than a person not living with these factors.

Next step: getting help for someone with a substance addiction

By now, you should have a better understanding of which signs to look for that likely indicate someone you know is living with an addiction. The next steps you choose to take, however, will be critical in helping your loved one receive the help needed to redirect him or her away from a destructive life path. The role you play in an addict’s recovery will not be easy, but strategies and support are available to help you through the crucial processes that lead to recovery. You are not alone.

Watch for our next article, How to Help Someone with a Substance Addiction, which will outline important dos’ and don’ts for approaching a loved one struggling with addiction and the steps you can take through an intervention to help that person recover.

Comments

• April 21, 2012, Tom writes: You have a very interesting blog on substance abuse. I spent some time reading your articles and found them very insightful. Keep up the good work!
• May 7, 2012, Lisa writes: I think I am an alcholic though not sure if its because of my depression. I drink 1.5 litre of white wine per night and usually black out by the end of the night and can't remember how I got to bed or what time. I want to stop - should I go cold turkey ? I have been heavilydrinking for about12 months. Please any advice would be helpful.
• May 10, 2012, Addiction Blog writes: Hi Lisa. I am so glad that you are reaching out for help. The first step is to admit that you have a problem. From the sound of it: Yes, you probably have a drinking problem. The normal drinking "limit" for women is no more than 4 drinks at once, or more than 7 drinks a week. And you also mention depression. Yes, depression can play a major role in triggering the meed to self-medicate by drinking. There are a few things that you can do now. 1. Go directly to a drug detox and rehab center (Google the SAMHSA Treatment Center Locator to search for one in your zip code). 2. Talk to a family member or friend or your family doctor about what the next steps might be. 3. Call an alcohol helpline to discuss your options with someone on the phone. Does this help?