Causes, Symptoms & Effects of Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

Learn about Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana is a substance that can cause those who abuse it to suffer negative consequences and severe dangers. Most often marketed as a safe alternative to traditional marijuana, synthetic marijuana is a much riskier substance. It is a dried plant that is doused in a number of different chemicals. When an individual uses this substance, it interacts with the brain in a manner similar to the active ingredient in marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinaol (THC). However, synthetic marijuana (which is also commonly referred to as K2 or Spice) possesses more unpredictable effects that can be more severe and last longer than regular marijuana. Since there is no specific formula for the development of this substance, users cannot possibly know what chemicals they are putting into their bodies and what experiences they might have as a result.

At Cedar Crest Hospital & Residential Treatment Center, our team of professionals is trained in helping those who have been abusing or who have become addicted to synthetic marijuana, and we have detailed programming that is proven to be both safe and effective in helping individuals reclaim control of their lives and begin a path towards recovery.

Synthetic marijuana addiction statistics

The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reports that the abuse of synthetic marijuana every year adds an additional 11,000 visits to the emergency room, and over 75 percent of these visits include men below the age of 29. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) states that poison control centers within the United States have documented over 18,500 cases including synthetic marijuana, and within the first three months of 2015, the AAPCC recorded 2,413 cases related to synthetic marijuana.

Causes and risk factors for synthetic marijuana addiction

Most occurrences of substance abuse, including the abuse of synthetic marijuana, are a result of a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, such as the following:

Genetic: Having a family background of addiction dramatically increases one’s chances of abusing and becoming addicted to deadly substances like synthetic marijuana. Advances in genetic research have aided scientists in recognizing specific genes and gene clusters that impact whether or not an individual will suffer with a substance use disorder.

Environmental: Being exposed early on to substance abuse, having ease of access to substances of abuse like synthetic marijuana, experiencing stress, suffering from abuse or neglect, or socializing with individuals who abuse this substance are the most common environmental factors that can impact one’s potential for developing a synthetic marijuana abuse problem.

Risk Factors:

• Living in poverty
• Poor stress-management skills
• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Prior substance abuse, especially at an early age
• Trauma
• Being male
• Limited parental involvement during childhood
• Family history of mental illness
• Being under age 29

Signs and symptoms of synthetic marijuana addiction

The below serve as some of the most typical symptoms of synthetic marijuana abuse:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Declining performance at work or in school
• Deception regarding one’s actions and whereabouts
• Frequent unexplained absences from work or school
• Lack of attention to grooming and personal hygiene

Physical symptoms:

• Increased heart rate
• Watery eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Excessive perspiration
• Nausea
• Higher than normal blood pressure
• Numbness in extremities
• Muscle spasms

Cognitive symptoms:

• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Depersonalization
• Confusion
• Psychosis

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Anxiety and/or depression
• Mood swings and changes in demeanor
• Abandonment of friends for new peer group
• Agitation and irritability
• Loss of interest in significant activities
• Social withdrawal

Effects of synthetic marijuana abuse

When synthetic marijuana abuse is continued and left untreated, the following negative symptoms can develop:

• Death
• Family discord
• Cognitive impairments
• Brain damage
• Dysfunctional interpersonal relationships
• Financial problems
• Job loss and chronic unemployment
• Stroke
• Legal problems, including arrest and incarceration
• Suicidal ideation and attempts
• Diminished performance in school or at work

Effects of overdose & withdrawal from synthetic marijuana abuse

Effects of synthetic marijuana withdrawal: When an individual is dependent on synthetic marijuana, suddenly ending or significantly limiting the amount that he or she is consuming will likely trigger a number of withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Strong cravings for drugs
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Hot and cold flashes
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Suicidal ideation

Effects of synthetic marijuana overdose: Someone who displays the following symptoms after consuming synthetic marijuana might have overdosed and should receive medical care immediately:

• Seizure
• Coma
• Respiratory distress
• Cardiac arrest
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations

Synthetic marijuana addiction and co-occurring disorders

Co-Occurring Disorders

Individuals addicted to synthetic marijuana might also be at greater risk for suffering from the following co-occurring mental health conditions:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other substance use disorders