Teen Synthetic Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Marijuana has an artificial substitute called Synthetic Marijuana which is equally or more potent than marijuana. The psychoactive properties of the ingredients present in marijuana tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are endeavored to match the synthetic chemical substances. Synthetic marijuana is often smoked by teens hence it is categorized in the drug abuse category. It is also known as ‘K2’ or ‘Spice’ and it is mixed in beverages and foods in addition to being smoked.

General Symptoms

Due to the easy availability of this ‘designer drug’, parents must be more vigilant in monitoring symptoms and noticing changes in their teens’ behavior or general condition.

Some of these symptoms may include:

• Drastic drop in school performance
• Major shift in their circle of friends
• Difference in their normal / usual behavior

Sold as safe: Strangely, spice is sold on the internet as a ‘safer’ alternative to marijuana. The fact is that synthetic marijuana is sold as incense for relaxation but not for oral use, as printed on the label product packaging. Being promoted as very legal, this drug is constantly coming up on law enforcer’s scanners. It is a tough situation as more and more spice addicted youngsters are landing up in the centers for rehabilitation treatment. According to a high school senior student’s survey in the USA, 14% of males and 8% females are addicted or using synthetic marijuana.

Common Effects of Synthetic Marijuana

• Elated mood
• Feeling of relaxation
• The vision to observe surroundings from a different perspective
• Symptoms of psychosis; isolation from reality

Synthetic Marijuana is Dangerous: Synthetic cannabinoids, the chemical ingredients of synthetic marijuana, have been categorized into a group called ‘new psychoactive substances’ (NPS). These substances are unregulated and sold through wrongful advertising. The experts believe these are more dangerous than the cannabis weed.

Synthetic marijuana was first sold in 2004 in Europe as spice, following which it began selling in the USA in 2008. In 2012, the substances used in synthetic marijuana were banned. There is a constant tug of war between law enforcement and research scientists developing substitute chemicals. Today there are more than 100 varieties of chemicals in synthetic marijuana. Its easy availability makes teenagers highly susceptible to its eternal dangers.

Health Hazards of Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana addiction leads to multiple psychological, social, neurological, and physical health issues.

Psychotic Effects

• Hyper nervousness
• Muddled and confused mind
• Paranoia and distrust in others
• Delusions – imagining an unreal world, far from reality, all happening in their mind

Health Effects

• Increased heart rate leading to seizures
• Nausea and gastrointestinal issues
• Aggressive and violent behavior
• Suicidal tendencies
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced blood supply to the heart
• Kidney disorders leading to kidney failure

Withdrawal Symptoms from synthetic marijuana

• Nervous anxiety
• Deep depression
• Easily irritated
• Constant headaches
• Cravings
• Nightmares
• Heavy sweating
• Insomnia

Hillcrest for Synthetic Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Synthetic marijuana addicted patients must get the best treatment guided by expert mental health practitioners. In order to be accurately diagnosed and therapeutically treated in the best way, it is important to share all the details of the addicted youngster, including all of the relevant symptoms, the behavioral changes and behavioral patterns, including comparative observations between the past and present. Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center (Hillcrest) is a bespoke rehabilitation facility that is expertly equipped with professional care, individualized treatment programs, as well as a tranquil oasis-like ambiance for wholesome and long-lasting healing.