Can Spice Kill You?

A dangerous and deadly drug, spice causes hundreds of thousands of hospital admissions every single year in the UK and thousands of deaths. But what exactly is it? And what should you do if you’re worried that someone you know might be addicted to it? We reveal all here.

What is Spice?

Spice is a synthetic cannabinoid made in a lab. Designed to replicate the effects of cannabis, it’s a very dangerous drug that can be very unpredictable. This is because spice may be made up of chemicals that are then dissolved or sprayed onto dried plant material or paper. As a relatively new drug, there also isn’t as much research into it which means the long-term effects of spice aren’t known in detail either.

Also called mamba, it comes in a solid form or oily mixture and is made to look and feel like real herbal cannabis. Despite this, it is much more potent and more addictive than cannabis and has a number of physical and psychological side effects.

Until 2017, spice was actually still available to buy over the counter – although packets were labelled as ‘not suitable for human consumption’. Since then, it has been banned but many UK cities still struggle with spice drug addiction and associated crime.

Risks of Taking Spice

There are a number of physical, psychological and social effects of taking spice – just like any other drug. Immediately after taking spice, individuals can experience dizziness, an inability to move, and heart palpitations. Spice can also cause an overdose in the most severe cases, which is why it is important to seek treatment.

Other health risks of spice use include:

• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Anxiety
• Mental health concerns
• Stomach concerns
• Breathing difficulties
• Shaking and sweating
• Sickness
• Unconsciousness

Continued use can also cause psychotic episodes, which can even last for weeks and cause a decline in those individuals who already suffer from poor mental health.

As a highly addictive substance, those who take spice are also at risk of developing a full addiction. This in itself can have a number of effects on health, finances, relationships, family life and your career. Long-term drug misuse, including using spice, can also increase the chances of someone suffering from organ damage, organ failure and overdose too.

Is Spice Addictive?

Just like any drug or alcohol, you can become addicted to spice. This is because regular use can create a tolerance and dependence and result in an addiction. Spice works by intercepting the brain’s receptors resulting in feelings of euphoria, relaxation and pleasure. It’s these addictive feelings that some people look to experience again and again, and will therefore continue to use spice.

Those who take spice and other synthetic cannabinoids regularly may also find that it’s difficult to stop. Without the substance, individuals can experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms including physical and psychological effects. These are not only challenging to deal with but can become dangerous in some instances. This is why going to rehab for spice addiction is often the only way to recover.

Spice Rehab Options

Whether you’re struggling with spice addiction or are watching a friend or family member suffer from it, just know that there are options out there. As a serious health condition, often drug rehab is the only way but again it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you have the choice between inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Inpatient residential rehab, like the one provided at Nova Recovery, is where individuals are required to stay on-site while they complete their treatment – usually over a period of 28 days. As an outpatient, you’d stay at home overnight and then return for treatment during the day.

The decision of which rehab programme will suit you best has to be right for you, but our team can help you to weigh up your options.

Lots of people are concerned about choosing inpatient rehab as it means they’ll be away from their loved ones. However, at Nova Recovery, we encourage your friends and family to get involved in sessions. Research also shows that inpatient rehab offers the best chance of long-term recovery as you’ll be away from influence and distraction in those early days – when obstacles appear at their hardest.

Whatever type of rehab centre you choose, you’ll be supported by doctors, nurses, counsellors and mental health professionals. Using a range of treatments and therapy, you’ll get to the root cause of your addiction, identify your triggers and come up with healthier coping strategies. Wellbeing and holistic activities are also on offer to help you to carve out a new and healthier lifestyle.

As part of your rehabilitation, you’ll also work with specialist teams on aftercare and relapse prevention. This is to ensure that you have everything you need to stay resilient and motivated in the outside world.

We’re Here to Help

Addiction can take a toll on lots of aspects of your life – whether you’re the individual with the addiction or a loved one. That’s why, at Nova Recovery, we offer support for everyone involved.

Our telephone line is always open – whether you have a question, want to discuss the treatment available or are ready to stage an intervention. Plus, even when your time at rehab has come to an end, our team will still be here for you.

Recovery isn’t a straight road but with the right support and guidance, you cannot only dream of a better future but take those all-important steps towards it. It all begins with a message and you can start today. Simply call our team on 01475 303998 or drop us a message using the online chat.

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John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 8, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.