How to Find a Spice/K2 Recovery Center

Synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 are herbal mixtures sprayed with chemicals that can have effects similar to marijuana when smoked. Spice, K2, and other synthetic cannabinoids are Schedule I substances in the U.S., which means they have a high potential for abuse and no known medical purpose.¹

If you are struggling with the misuse of synthetic cannabinoids and need support, Spice/K2 recovery programs may be helpful. Having support during detox and other treatment interventions may produce more positive recovery outcomes.²

Finding the most appropriate type of treatment and level of care is important to ensure all your needs are met. This article will help you better understand treatment options for Spice/K2 addiction so you can start recovery with a solid foundation.

Increasing Popularity of Synthetic Marijuana

Since their creation, synthetic cannabinoids have grown in popularity, leading to more and more people misusing unregulated substances. Synthetic cannabinoids, or fake weed, are called such because their psychoactive effects can mimic those of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) found in marijuana.³ However, their effects are often more potent and harder to predict, making them potentially dangerous to use.³

Synthetic cannabinoids are often sold under playful names to appeal to younger audiences and marketed as legal, safe alternatives. People may see them labeled as incense or potpourri.^{1, 3} 

Are Spice and K2 Addictive?

Yes, synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2 can be addictive. People who abuse Spice or K2 may develop withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly reduce or stop use.³ Symptoms may include headache, anxiety, depression, and irritability.³

Spice and K2 Addiction Signs and Symptoms

If you think you are misusing synthetic cannabinoids, it can be helpful to know common signs of addiction to help decide when to seek help. Only a doctor can give a formal diagnosis; however, the following criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs) from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) may be useful in better understanding misuse and addiction:⁴

• Using Spice/K2 in larger quantities or more frequently than originally intended.
• Inability to cut back or stop using Spice/K2 even though you want to.
• Spending excessive amounts of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Spice/K2.
• Experiencing cravings, or intense desires to use Spice/K2.
• Inability to fulfill work, home, or school obligations and recreational activities because of Spice/K2 use.
• Continuing to use Spice/K2 even when you experience social or interpersonal problems, which are caused or worsened by misuse.
• Recurrent Spice/K2 use in situations where it’s physically hazardous, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
• Continuing to use Spice/K2 even when you have a chronic physical or mental health problem that is likely caused by or worsened by its use.
• Experiencing tolerance, which means you need more Spice/K2 to feel its previous effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop or reduce your intake of Spice/K2, which may contribute to relapse to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

How to Choose Spice and K2 Recovery Programs

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Spice or K2 misuse and wants to stop, there are several ways to get help. You can start by reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one or speaking with your doctor about treatment options.

Substance abuse treatment can occur in different types of settings and at various intensity levels depending on your needs. For people with co-occurring disorders like mental health conditions, it may be helpful to have more supervision to help support with medication and other interventions as needed. Treatment should address both substance misuse and mental health conditions at the same time.²

Examples of levels of care and common types of treatment interventions include:

• Inpatient treatment where you live at the facility for the duration of treatment and have constant supervision.
• Outpatient treatment in which you visit the facility to receive care on a schedule determined by you and your treatment team.
• Detoxification can occur at inpatient or outpatient facilities and at varying levels of care.
• Behavioral therapy encourages a motivation to change, better understand the roots of substance misuse, identify triggers to use, and help improve relationships.²
• Mutual support groups.
• Medication for co-occurring disorders. Currently, there are no approved medications to treat synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal, cravings, or overdose.³

Inpatient Treatment for Drug Addiction

Most inpatient treatment program types are available for a fixed period of time. But they can be extended to varying lengths as determined by you and your treatment team. Common durations for inpatient treatment include:

• 30-day treatment: You may attend therapy sessions (both group and individual) while living in a supervised, sober environment. Many people may choose 30-day addiction treatment because it does not require a long-time commitment and can help set a good foundation for ongoing recovery.
• 60-day treatment: Many of the same treatment interventions are used as 30-day, including therapy, group support, and medication, with more time to solidify your abstinence and recovery.
• 90-day treatment: Longer treatment may be necessary depending on your progress in recovery. Some research shows that longer treatment durations may help reduce future drug use.²

Outpatient Treatment for Drug Addiction

Outpatient treatment for Spice/K2 recovery allows you to work on recovery while living at home. This type of treatment can range from intensive programs with partial hospitalization, to programs in which you only visit for limited hours per week. Outpatient programs may be more appropriate for people stepping down from inpatient treatment or who have less severe substance misuse.

Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization

During intensive outpatient programs or partial hospitalization, you may engage in several different treatment interventions to support recovery like:⁵

• Behavioral therapy.
• Support groups.
• Relapse prevention training.
• Case management.
• 24-hour crisis coverage.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment like psychotherapy and/or medication.

Some programs may also provide enhanced services like housing and food, recreation, vocational training, and transportation.⁵

Tips for Selecting a Spice/K2 Rehabilitation Center

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addiction treatment. The most important factor is that the treatment program offers individualized treatment plans to make sure all your needs are met.²

Factors to consider when choosing a Spice/K2 recovery center or another type of drug rehab include:

• Cost. Program prices vary depending on the type of program, services offered, location, insurance, and medication management.
• Location. Do you have to travel far to attend treatment? Do you want to be close to home or have more distance to focus on recovery?
• Insurance. Many treatment facilities accept insurance, which may cover some or all the cost of treatment.
• Services offered. Do you want amenities like fitness classes, food, or a private room?
• Type of treatment (inpatient, outpatient, detox).
• Demographic-specific treatment like gender, faith-based, or substance-specific programs.
• Duration of treatment. Do you require longer-term treatment at an inpatient facility or less intensive treatment?
• Co-occurring disorders. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, it’s important that it be treated along with SUD.²

Additional Support for Spice/K2 Addiction

The following are other ways you can seek support for an addiction to Spice or K2, or other types of drugs.

• Talk to a trusted loved one or friend, preferably someone who is not also using drugs.
• Attend a Marijuana Anonymous meeting to build a network of people who understand the struggle of substance misuse.
• Discuss substance misuse with your doctor to understand potential risks associated with drug use and what interventions may be helpful.

What to Expect During Spice and K2 Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms have been reported by people who have used synthetic cannabinoids heavily or over a long period of time.^{3, 6} Spice/K2 withdrawal symptoms may include:⁶

• Restlessness.
• Sweating.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Breathing problems.
• Severe anxiety.
• Sleep troubles.
• Seizures.

Treatment of Spice and K2 withdrawal and addiction is primarily supportive as there aren’t approved medications to treat synthetic cannabinoid withdrawal and cravings.⁶ Healthcare professionals can offer valuable support in the form of medication to help with nausea, seizures, and agitation. They may also provide IV fluids and oxygen to help you remain medically stable.⁶

Get Help Finding Spice/K2 Recovery Center

If you are struggling with an addiction to synthetic marijuana or any other drug, or know someone else who is, help is available. American Addiction Centers (AAC) has caring admissions navigators ready to take your call 24/7 via our confidential helpline at . They can explain Spice/K2 recovery program options, help you check insurance coverage, and provide helpful resources related to drug addiction.