Spice Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

Spice, once sold in shiny packets as a “legal high,” is now infamous for its dangerous and unpredictable effects. Dubbed the “Zombie drug,” Spice packs a terrifying punch that has left countless users reeling with severe paranoia, hallucinations and unpredictable behaviour. Despite being outlawed in 2016, rates of Spice addiction and abuse have only increased, wreaking havoc on users and whole communities in the UK. If you or a loved one is struggling with Spice addiction, know that there is a way out – and it starts right here.

What is Spice?

Spice, also known as “fake weed” or “synthetic cannabis,” might sound like a harmless herbal alternative, but this is a misconception. Spice is made by spraying a cocktail of man-made chemicals onto plant material and is then usually smoked or vaped.

Spice first gained traction in the late 2000s as a legal high, but its unpredictable effects quickly showed it to be an incredibly dangerous drug. It works by targeting the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, which are the same parts that cannabis affects.

However, Spice is often far more potent and one of the biggest dangers is that the Spice formulas keep shifting to enhance its effects and stay ahead of legal bans. This means that you never know what you are smoking or what the effects will be. Some people experience mild euphoria and sedatives, but others experience frightening psychosis, often accompanied by rapid heartbeat and vomiting.

Despite being outlawed as a Class B drug in 2016, Spice abuse remains a huge issue in the UK, with vulnerable groups in urban centres and prisons at particular risk of becoming addicted to Spice.

What is Spice addiction?

When Spice abuse starts to harm you, but you still can’t stop, that’s the definition of Spice addiction. Like other forms of legal high addiction, it can begin subtly with Spice seeming like a harmless bit of fun or a “safer” alternative to weed. But what begins as occasional use can quickly spiral into something far more consuming.

Spice addiction often starts with tolerance, where the effects fade unless you take more and more. Dependence creeps in next, with withdrawal symptoms and horrible Spice cravings making it feel like you can’t possibly stop.

But it’s not just your body that struggles. As dependency builds, Spice can also exert a psychological hold, becoming your go-to for managing loneliness, stress, or just coping with the pressures of life. Spice addiction ultimately takes over everything, leaving a trail of health issues, strained relationships and an uncertain future.

How to spot Spice addiction signs

Casual Spice use can cross the line into addiction faster than you think, particularly if you don’t understand the signs to look out for. These Spice addiction symptoms are often the first indications that you may be addicted to Spice:

Spice consumes all your thoughts, energy and actions
You have stopped keeping track of how much Spice you’re taking
Your health is starting to crumble under the strain of Spice abuse but you still feel stuck
Arguments with friends or family about your Spice use or behaviour are becoming routine
You are prioritising buying Spice over money for housing, food or other essentials
All the things that you used to like doing feel unimportant now
You are making excuses to cover up how much Spice you are using
You keep taking Spice in the face of these issues

Spotting these Spice addiction signs early can make all the difference. The sooner you act, the better your chances of beating Spice addiction for good.

Why do only some people become addicted to Spice?

From a purely chemical angle, Spice is addictive because of the way it interacts with the brain’s reward system. When it binds to your cannabinoid receptors, Spice floods your brain with dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. This quickly creates a powerful high that the brain quickly craves more of. But Spice addiction isn’t just about the drug itself; it’s also about who you are and what’s going on in your life. Some of the key factors include:

Your genes

Genetics can make Spice addiction more likely, especially if it’s something that runs in your family. This is partly because certain genes make it easier for Spice to bind to your receptors and create a habit.

Mental health struggles

If you are dealing with anxiety or depression, Spice might seem like an easily accessible solution. However, Spice can add even more pressure to your shoulders, worsening these problems. This then fuels more Spice abuse, increasing your risk of addiction.

Environment

Living in a place where Spice is easy to get or where there are high rates of drug use can also increase the chances of trying Spice and then becoming hooked. For example, in English and Welsh prisons where drug use is rife, Spice was linked to 62 out of 129 non-natural deaths.
Likewise, as drug use is often linked to poverty, Spice addiction rates in the UK are higher in poorer areas. One study even found that 95% of homeless people in Manchester were using Spice.

Age and personality

Younger people and those who love taking risks are also more at risk of becoming addicted to Spice because they are more likely to experiment and underestimate the dangers. Peer pressure can also play a major role in people experimenting with Spice and developing an addiction.

What makes Spice addiction so dangerous?

Spice addiction and abuse can destroy and even threaten your life. Every time you smoke Spice, you are taking a risk as each batch of Spice is its own toxic mystery, packed with untested chemicals. One puff can send you hurtling into paranoia, terrifying hallucinations or crippling anxiety.

Your heart and body can pay a huge price, too. Spice overloads your system, causing rapid heart rates, high blood pressure and, in extreme cases, seizures or heart attacks. Over time, Spice addiction takes a toll on your liver and kidneys, leaving lasting physical harm that may not be reversible.

On a personal level, Spice addiction can cause massive upheaval in your life. As Spice takes priority over everything else, it can leave you feeling depressed, detached from reality and estranged from your friends and family. It can also put you in legal trouble, with five years in prison for possession and fourteen years for dealing.

How to overcome Spice addiction

Spice addiction treatment is a multi-stage process. Detox is where recovery kicks off, which is when all the Spice and the toxins it creates are purged from your body. It can be tough, but Recovery Lighthouse has an expert team that will manage withdrawal symptoms while you begin to heal.

In rehab, the focus shifts to the emotional side of recovery. Our legal high addiction treatment provides various forms of rehab therapy, which helps to uncover the patterns and pressures that led to addiction. You will then learn how to function and enjoy your life without relying on Spice.
When you leave Recovery Lighthouse, aftercare keeps the momentum going. With free weekly group sessions and a welcoming Alumni network that holds regular meet-ups and events, you always have people to lean on when times get tough.

Ready to put Spice addiction behind you?

Recovery Lighthouse is here to help you break free from Spice addiction and reclaim the life you want and deserve. Our treatment programmes address the roots of Spice addiction to help you break your dependency and prevent relapse later. Don’t let fear hold you back – get in touch today, and let’s start your recovery together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ‘Spice Vape’?

Spice vapes are devices used to use Spice in vapour form. Instead of smoking the dried plant material, users heat Spice up in a vape pen to release the synthetic chemicals as vapour, which they then inhale. While it might seem less harmful than smoking, Spice vapes are just as risky as those unpredictable chemicals that still hit your system hard and can cause serious physical and mental health problems.

Is it possible to overdose on Spice?

Yes, absolutely. Spice is notorious for being unpredictable, and taking too much can lead to a terrifying overdose. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, seizures, extreme confusion and even life-threatening conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Because every batch of Spice is different, it is impossible to know how much is too much, making the risk of overdose dangerously high.

Does Spice have any other names?

Spice is often sold under a variety of street names, which can make it even more confusing. Common aliases include “K2,” “Black Mamba,” “Scooby Snax”, and “Cloud 9.” These names might sound harmless or even fun, but no matter what it’s called, Spice is a dangerous and highly addictive drug.

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