Synthetic marijuana is a newer type of drug that you may have heard about. Some people are marketing this drug as a more “legal” or “safe” alternative to marijuana. However, synthetic marijuana is nothing at all like marijuana. If you’ve heard about it but don’t know much about it, here are five reasons to avoid synthetic marijuana. Take some time to learn about marijuana addiction treatment.
1. They are “Man-Made”
As the name “synthetic marijuana” implies, this drug is “man-made.” People may get the idea that synthetic marijuana is related to marijuana in some way, but it’s nothing like it. It’s sometimes called “fake weed” to reduce its stigma, but it’s much different from the marijuana that grows in the ground.
Synthetic marijuana is created in a chemical lab somewhere and then sold on the street. If a person makes it, then there is nothing “natural” about it. This increases its risk, toxicity, and overall danger. Some of the names of these “man-made” drugs are Spice, K2, Bliss, and more.
2. They Contain Toxic Ingredients
Keep in mind that synthetic marijuana is nothing more than toxic, poisonous chemicals. Some of these are created by spraying leafy-looking material with chemicals. This is toxic. For one thing, you don’t know exactly what the chemicals are that will be used to spray on the drugs.
The other problem is that sometimes the toxic chemicals are mixed in different proportions for the same type of drug. So, for example, you may purchase “Spice” one time and not have a serious reaction, then the next time you get it, you have a serious reaction to it. That’s because it can have different ingredients in it.
3. Dangerous Side Effects
Synthetic marijuana can have dangerous short- and long-term side effects. Because these drugs are relatively new, we don’t know all the various long-term effects, but we know it can’t be good. Some of the immediate effects of using these substances include:
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Violence
- Psychotic behavior
- Paranoia
- Extreme anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Kidney damage
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
4. They Are Addictive
Synthetic marijuana opens people up to drug abuse. It is an addictive substance, just like any other chemical drug. It’s more physically addicting than true marijuana. When trying to quit taking synthetic marijuana, people may experience headaches, dizziness, depression, moodiness, and anxiety. Reaching out to a qualified detox and rehab center will allow you to get off the substance safely. At Oceanfront Recovery, we have a staff of qualified detox clinicians on hand who can guide you through the process safely.
5. You Could Die
As you’re probably aware, you can overdose on any drug. However, synthetic marijuana is particularly risky to use because of its unpredictability. When you don’t know what is in the drug, you are at greater danger for harm. Overdose can occur because of the toxic reaction you may have within the body.
Also, some chemicals are hard on the heart, and you could go into cardiac arrest. There may be a reduced supply of blood that goes to the heart, as well. Furthermore, if you have a seizure while driving, that could lead to a fatal car accident. So, even though the cause of death may not be directly from the drug, it would be a secondary cause.
Find Relief From Synthetic Marijuana at Oceanfront Recovery
Discover how you can find freedom from drug abuse by reaching out to a reputable rehab center like Oceanfront Recovery. We offer several treatment plans to accommodate all types of needs. Some of these plans are:
- Residential treatment programs
- Women’s rehab treatment
- Men’s rehab treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Executive rehab treatment
Don’t let synthetic marijuana hinder your happiness and well-being in life. Now that you know how harmful it can be seek treatment for your need by reaching out to us. Contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.279.1777, and we will be here to get you through every step of the way.