On August 15th, 2018, people across the world were shocked to hear of more than 90 people suddenly collapsing in a park in New Haven, Connecticut. In May, more than 25 people suddenly collapsed and were sent to the hospital in Brooklyn, New York. The cause in these instances and many others was the same: an overdose of a synthetic cannabinoid known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2 or Spice.
The New Haven K2 Overdoses
Initially, New Haven K2 users felt relaxed and euphoric. However, fairly soon after using the drug, people quickly began to experience rapid heart rates, slow respiration and violent vomiting. They quickly collapsed to the ground, either semi-conscious or completely unconscious. The scene was chaotic as emergency personnel rushed to help. Two people almost died. After being released from the hospital, some people overdosed a second time and were readmitted.
What is K2 or Spice?
K2/Spice can be purchased legally in head shops and gas stations in many places (it’s currently legal in 40 states). It consists of a smokable material from a plant that has been sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids or something else. Many teens and young adults believe K2 will give them a safe, natural high because it’s frequently advertised as a “natural” alternative to marijuana.
K2/Spice Is Dangerous
K2/Spice has serious side effects. It’s not natural, can be addictive, and withdrawal can be accompanied with severe symptoms. There’s no way a user can know what’s in this drug and how potent it is. Each batch that hits the street can be different. Depending on the drugs used by the “cook,” Spice/K2 can be up to 100 times more psychoactive than natural marijuana.
Symptoms
Synthetic cannabinoids are widely regarded by health experts as much more dangerous than natural marijuana. There are both short-term and long-term symptoms and consequences including:
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Aggression
- Increased heart rate and heart attacks
- Permanent serious heart damage
- Kidney failure
Professional Treatment for Substance Abuse Is Necessary
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from a drug overdose. Many more suffer from chronic and permanent health problems as a result of their substance use disorder.
Sometimes drug use is a symptom of the bigger problem of addiction. You or someone you know might try to write off the use of K2 because of its availability or current status of legality. However, it’s addictive and can quickly take over your life and control your drives and behaviors. Substance use disorders are serious diseases and have to be treated by professionals. Clearly such large scale effects as mass ODs are signs of an intense and widespread problem.
Don’t put your life at risk. If you believe you are addicted to K2/Spice (or know someone who is), please call us today. The risk is not worth the temporary numbness. Our detox team will not only help you get clean of the drug, we will give you individualized attention and create a plan/program to walk you through each stage of the full recovery process. Call us today for a free consultation and to find out what makes our program stand out as a premier detox in Orange County, California.
Get the help you need today, call us: 888-590-0777. Or fill out the form and we will get back to you right away.
