Synthetic Marijuana Addiction Symptoms, Causes, Signs & Withdrawal Side Effects

Learn More About Synthetic Marijuana Addiction

However, because synthetic marijuana, which is also referred to as K2 or potpourri, can also induce psychosis that can be frightening, those who ingest it are placing themselves in harm’s way.

If you’re someone who has been abusing synthetic marijuana and have experienced negative consequences as a result, you may be at the point where you’re open to receiving treatment. When you access effective services within a reputable program, you’ll be able to understand why you haven’t been able to stop your substance abuse, and develop the strategies needed to live a sober lifestyle. Additionally, when you overcome your synthetic marijuana abuse problem, you’ll be able to successfully avoid the perils that are associated with abusing this substance.  Don’t wait another minute. Take the first step towards living a healthier existence. Schedule an assessment for treatment today.

Statistics of Synthetic Marijuana Addiction

The more popular that synthetic marijuana becomes, the more people are experiencing the detrimental effects that this drug can inflict. In recent years, emergency departments in cities all over the United States are reporting thousands of cases that involve the use of synthetic marijuana. In fact, over 12,000 people sought emergency medical care in the last few years after consuming this substance, which certainly speaks to the danger associated with synthetic marijuana. Furthermore, poison control centers have gone on record to state that they receive reports of nearly 5,000 cases of synthetic marijuana poisoning each calendar year. Considering these numbers, more outreach needs to be done to remove this deadly drug from American communities.

Causes and Risk Factors for Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

There are many contributing causes and possible factors that can make you more vulnerable to abusing drugs like synthetic marijuana. I you’re wondering how and why this sort of substance abuse problem has become an issue in your life, please read through the following and determine if these concepts apply to your own situation:

Genetic: Researchers have isolated certain heritable genes that make people vulnerable to the abuse of drugs like synthetic marijuana. Therefore, consider if you have a family history of substance abuse and addiction.

Environmental: The people you spend time with and the places that you hang out in can influence your likelihood of abusing synthetic marijuana. For instance, if your friends abuse this drug or if you surround yourself with people who are accepting of drug use, you may be more inclined to abuse synthetic marijuana. Furthermore, if you lack healthy support and adequate coping skills, you may turn to the abuse of substances like synthetic marijuana if you believe that you have no other methods for handling stress in a healthy manner.

Risk Factors:

• Lack of parental involvement during childhood
• Prior substance abuse, especially at an early age
• Having a traumatic past
• Being male
• Poor stress-management skills
• Living in poverty
• Family history of mental illness
• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Being of younger age

Signs and Symptoms of Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

If you suspect that you have a problem with the abuse of synthetic marijuana, you should learn about the signs and symptoms of synthetic marijuana abuse. If the below listed behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms describe your current experience with this substance, then it’s best for you to consider seeking and participating in treatment as soon as you’re able:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Uncharacteristic emotional outbursts
• Deception regarding one’s actions and whereabouts
• Overt aggressiveness
• Violent behavior
• Lack of attention to grooming and personal hygiene
• Frequent unexplained absences from work
• Declining performance at work

Physical symptoms:

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

Cognitive symptoms:

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

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Agitation
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in significant activities
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety

Effects of Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

The effects of synthetic marijuana abuse are still being realized. Because you can never be sure of the ingredients in a dose of this harmful drug, you remain vulnerable to the following consequences, all of which can be avoided entirely when you engage in a reputable addiction treatment program:

• Family discord
• Dysfunctional interpersonal relationships
• Diminished performance at work
• Stroke
• Legal problems, including arrest and incarceration
• Job loss
• Financial problems
• Cognitive impairments
• Chronic unemployment
• Brain damage
• Suicidal ideation
• Attempts at suicide

Learn About Co-Occurring Disorders

To truly win the war against a synthetic marijuana abuse problem, you must make sure that you get the most well-rounded care possible. As you research the options for care that are at your disposal, be sure to consider programs that supply treatment for the following co-occurring disorders as well:

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

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose for Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

Effects of synthetic marijuana withdrawal: If you begin experiencing the following, it’s likely that you’re experiencing synthetic marijuana withdrawal. And while these symptoms and effects can be unpleasant, you can safely overcome them by getting effective treatment at a reputable treatment center:

• Cold flashes
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Suicidal ideation
• Strong cravings for synthetic marijuana
• Nausea
• Insomnia

Effects of synthetic marijuana overdose: When the below listed effects of overdose happen, many people’s first response is to panic. However, if you begin experiencing an overdose after ingesting synthetic marijuana, your best bet is to call or have someone else call 9-1-1 to get you the life-saving care you need:

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