What is Synthetic Marijuana?
Synthetic marijuana use is rising in the U.S., especially among teens and young adults. Studies show that 11% of college freshmen have used it in the past year. In 2011 alone, over 28,000 emergency room visits were linked to synthetic marijuana. What Is Synthetic Marijuana? Synthetic marijuana is a man-made drug created by spraying chemicals onto plant material. Also known as K2 or Spice, it comes in various forms: Shredded plant material (similar to potpourri) Liquid form for vaping Edibles mixed into food or drinks People typically smoke it through pipes, joints, or blunts. Is Synthetic Marijuana Dangerous? Many synthetic marijuana products are labeled as not safe for human consumption. This warning label surrounding synthetic marijuana dangers is critical and should be taken seriously. What are the dangers of synthetic marijuana? Synthetic marijuana is unsafe and can sometimes be life-threatening. Is Synthetic Marijuana The Same As Marijuana? Some sellers claim synthetic marijuana is a safe, legal alternative to natural marijuana. This is false. Synthetic marijuana is much stronger and causes unpredictable, dangerous side effects. The chemicals used are not the same as those found in natural cannabis. What Does Synthetic Marijuana Look Like? Many people wonder what the difference is between synthetic marijuana vs. natural marijuana, in more familiar terms, natural weed vs. fake weed. Synthetic marijuana, also known as JWH, black mamba, skunk, genie, Bombay blue, or moon rocks, can be purchased in solid or liquid form. Synthetic weed buds have a similar appearance to potpourri. IMPORTANT: Synthetic marijuana is NOT safe. It can cause seizures, heart attacks, kidney failure, and death. If you or someone you know is using synthetic marijuana, seek help immediately. Effects of Taking Synthetic Marijuana Synthetic marijuana affects the body and mind in dangerous ways. Common side effects include: MOOD CHANGES AND IRRITABILITY What are the effects of synthetic marijuana vs. natural marijuana? People generally smoke synthetic marijuana to experience its euphoric effects or achieve a high. It’s essential to understand that inhaling synthetic marijuana chemicals can cause headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression, and agitation. MEMORY AND FOCUS ISSUES Confusion, memory, and concentration problems are side effects of synthetic marijuana use. Severe anxiety, paranoia, and confusion are psychotic effects of synthetic marijuana addiction. SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS If a person is struggling with synthetic weed addiction, some side effects are like those produced by marijuana. For example, elevated mood, psychosis, and altered perception are shared symptoms of marijuana and synthetic drug addiction. When people check in to the emergency room for symptoms of synthetic marijuana addiction, adverse health effects include violent behavior and suicidal thoughts. Synthetic marijuana hallucination is also possible. SEIZURES Sadly, it is possible for someone to overdose due to synthetic marijuana addiction. Seizures can be one of the synthetic marijuana symptoms of overdose. If someone is seizing, they may be experiencing a drug overdose, especially if multiple substances are involved. Contact emergency medical services immediately for a professional evaluation. SLEEPINESS AND DIZZINESS Depending on a person’s characteristics, such as tolerance, the dose taken, the strength of the substance, environment, size, weight, and health, they can experience various synthetic marijuana symptoms. Loss of coordination, sleepiness, and dizziness can be effects of synthetic marijuana addiction. BREATHING PROBLEMS If you or someone you know is using synthetic cannabis, breathing difficulties can be a side effect of synthetic weed addiction. Synthetic smoke is full of chemicals and unsafe to ingest. HEART AND BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEMS Synthetic marijuana (sometimes called fake weed) is toxic. It can cause: Rapid or irregular heartbeat High blood pressure Chest pain Reduced blood flow to the heart Stroke KIDNEY FAILURE Synthetic drug addiction can lead to kidney damage, toxic reactions, severe hyperthermia, and overdose. People who use synthetic marijuana are also at higher risk for mental health conditions, trouble thinking clearly, tolerance, and dependence. Withdrawal Symptoms of Synthetic Marijuana Synthetic marijuana is addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), regular users often experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. HEADACHES For people who use synthetic marijuana heavily and regularly, withdrawal symptoms are more likely. Some withdrawal symptoms of synthetic cannabinoids are headaches, vomiting, and nausea. ANXIETY If someone withdraws from synthetic marijuana, potential side effects are anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, and paranoia. For many people, treatment for dual diagnosis substance use and mental health disorder is an effective intervention. DEPRESSION Depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite are withdrawal symptoms of synthetic marijuana. IRRITABILITY If you or someone you care about is withdrawing from synthetic marijuana, you may notice increased agitation, irritability, and mood swings. The question is, what do you do about these challenging withdrawal symptoms? Behavioral health treatment is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with substance use and withdrawals. Treatment For Synthetic Marijuana Addiction With San Diego Detox San Diego Detox offers evidence-based addiction treatment in a safe, comfortable setting designed with your recovery in mind. The facility provides thoughtfully designed spaces for comfort, safety, and inclusivity. People struggling with synthetic marijuana addiction can safely detox and progress through the continuum of care. San Diego Detox comes alongside its clients with individualized care plans and healing. Ultimately, individuals gain the knowledge and tools required to maintain sobriety while improving their overall well-being. Contact San Diego Detox Today and Begin Healing Knowledgeable and caring clinicians utilize therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), music therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and more. To begin a journey towards healing and recovery, contact San Diego Detox today. We will be with you every step of the way during your recovery journey; we will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to achieve and maintain long term wellness. Frequently Asked Questions What is synthetic marijuana? Synthetic marijuana refers to man-made chemicals (synthetic cannabinoids) sprayed onto dried plant material or dissolved into liquids — then smoked, vaped, or sometimes ingested. Why is synthetic marijuana dangerous? Synthetic cannabinoids are more powerful than natural cannabis and can trigger severe and unpredictable health effects — including heart problems (irregular
How to Stop Marijuana Addiction?
In the United States, marijuana is the top federally illegal drug used today. Approximately eighteen percent or forty-eight million Americans used marijuana at least once in 2019. In marijuana addiction research, it is estimated that about three out of every ten people who use cannabis have a marijuana use disorder.1 This article will describe what marijuana is, the health risks of marijuana abuse, why it’s addictive, the signs of addiction to look for, and how to quit. What Is Marijuana? Many slang terms are used when people talk about marijuana or cannabis, including weed, pot, herb, grass, ganja, bud, and Mary Jane. Regardless of the terminology, marijuana is dried flowers from the Cannabis sativa plant. These flowers or buds are usually green or gray. People smoke cannabis using rolled cigarettes (joints), pipes, water pipes (bongs), and cigar wraps (blunts). Cannabis can also be used as edibles, vaporized liquids, and resins. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main mind-altering chemical in cannabis. Why Is Marijuana Addictive? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people can be addicted to marijuana. Marijuana addiction is especially prevalent today, where the concentration of cannabis samples has increased rapidly over time. When people cannot stop using cannabis even though it negatively affects their life, they may meet the clinical criteria for marijuana addiction. Signs of Marijuana Addiction Are you or someone you care about addicted to marijuana? The following sections will highlight the most common marijuana addiction symptoms. Familiarizing oneself with the top signs of marijuana addiction is helpful when figuring out if professional help is needed. You Lose Interest In Activities If someone is addicted to marijuana, they may start giving up activities or hobbies that are important to them. For instance, canceling plans with friends and family to use cannabis instead. Your Relationships Are Suffering If a person’s relationships are falling apart or strained, this can be one of the signs of problematic marijuana use. Your Tolerance Increases When someone is addicted to marijuana or other substances, their tolerance increases. Marijuana overuse becomes a concern when a person continuously needs more and more cannabis to achieve the same high. You Are Unable To Stop If you’re still wondering, is marijuana addictive? Ask yourself how many people you know struggle to stop smoking or using cannabis. For someone that is addicted to marijuana, it can feel impossible to quit using. It’s especially challenging when marijuana addiction symptoms, cravings, and withdrawal are present. Effects of Marijuana Abuse There are short and long-term effects associated with marijuana dependency. The following sections will explore the potential effects of marijuana overuse and abuse: Altered Perceptions and Mood: When it comes to marijuana and addiction, people can experience lasting changes in perception and mood. Signs of marijuana use can include an altered sense of time and color. Impaired Coordination: Impaired coordination and body movement is an effect of marijuana dependency. Difficulty With Thinking and Problem Solving: Signs of marijuana use can include cognitive challenges such as impaired problem-solving skills. Disrupted Learning and Difficulty Recollecting Memories: Difficulty learning, poor memory, marijuana hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis are all possible effects of marijuana dependence disorder. Decreased Appetite: Marijuana and addiction may lead to changes in appetite and sleep for some people. How To Quit Marijuana Addiction If someone is struggling with marijuana addiction or feels they would meet the criteria for addiction on a weed dependency test, it’s essential to learn ways to quit. Although there is no quick cure for marijuana addiction, there are effective strategies to quit and avoid withdrawal symptoms of marijuana. Plan When quitting, it’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, cravings, anxiety, and grouchiness. Planning for these symptoms is key to quitting. Get Rid of Marijuana-Related Paraphernalia When cravings come up, it is less likely a person will use cannabis if they don’t have immediate access to paraphernalia such as water pipes or rolling papers. Identify Triggers and Strategize How To Deal With Them Everyone has unique triggers. For example, a person can be triggered by their environment, people, and activities. If you always smoke with a particular friend or at a gathering, plan to prevent a relapse. Build A Strong Support Network On the road to recovery, having a solid support network is critical. Friends, family, and sober support groups are excellent resources. Find A Weed Replacement Although replacements aren’t usually a long-term solution, it can be helpful to have a substitute now. If you have a craving, you could go for a walk, call a friend, or spend time on a hobby you enjoy. Health Risks of Marijuana Addiction Is marijuana addictive, and what are the physical health risks? Since we now know marijuana is addictive, we will detail relevant health risks of addiction below: Daily Cough and Phlegm Production: A problematic cough and greater phlegm production are likely when using or getting over weed addiction. Frequent Acute Chest Illness: Marijuana dangers include breathing problems and an increased risk of chest illness. Heightened Risk of Lung Infections: Similarly to tobacco users, individuals struggling with marijuana addiction experience lung illnesses and infections more frequently. Damage to The Immune System: Heavy cannabis use can damage the immune system and, in turn, harm the pulmonary system. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and the chance of heart attack are health risks of marijuana addiction. Depression: Cannabis use is linked to mental health problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Anxiety: Anxiety is one of the potential health risks of marijuana abuse. Personality Disturbances: For individuals using marijuana, temporary paranoia, hallucinations, and worsening mental health symptoms are possible. Why is it Important to Recognize Signs of Addiction and Relevant Health Risks? If you are able to identify the symptoms present during marijuana addiction, you will better be able to advocate for wellness and helpful recovery resources. It is important to know the health risks affiliated with marijuana addiction as well, in order to understand just why it’s vital to
Risks and Side-Effects of Magic Mushrooms
What Are Magic Mushrooms? Magic mushrooms contain the naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound psilocybin. The active metabolite in psilocybin is psilocin. There are a variety of side effects from magic mushrooms. Some say they feel relaxed and in tune with their surroundings, while others report feeling more energized and connected to the natural world. Some people even claim to have mystical or spiritual experiences while under the influence of magic mushrooms. Do Magic Mushrooms Interact With Medications? While there is limited research on the potential interactions between magic mushrooms and medications, it is recommended that people avoid taking magic mushrooms if they are also taking any prescription medications. Since magic mushrooms can cause changes in perception and mood, this can potentially affect some medications’ effects. Psilocybin activates serotonin 2A receptors in the central nervous system, mimicking the effects of serotonin. A recent meta-analysis described the interactions between psilocybin and medications from several psychiatric drug classes. Are Magic Mushrooms Addictive? Magic mushrooms are not considered addictive. However, it is possible to develop a dependence on them. Some people may experience temporary psychological effects, such as paranoia or anxiety, after using magic mushrooms. Signs of Magic Mushroom Use There are many potential signs that someone could be using magic mushrooms. These will be detailed below. Isolating From Friends and Family Magic mushrooms are considered to be safe by most people, and many people experiment with them. However, it is believed that unpredictable, dangerous behavior may occur under the influence of these psychedelic substances. People may also start isolating themselves to use more of the mushrooms.3 Combining Mushrooms With LSD or Ecstasy Many users report that taking psilocybin while using LSD can diminish the effects of both drugs. For this reason, it is generally not recommended to combine psilocybin and LSD. When mixing psilocybin and MDMA, it is vital to be aware of the possible side effects. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations, while MDMA can make users feel energetic and euphoric. When these substances are combined, they can intensify these effects Developing a Tolerance and Needing to Take Larger Doses Some people find that they need to eat more mushrooms to experience the same impact after taking mushrooms for a while. Also, some may need to eat mushrooms more often to maintain the same effects. Shifts In Mood Psychedelic mushrooms can cause drastic mood changes. In some cases, users have experienced extreme happiness and joy. In other cases, users have experienced deep depression, fear, and paranoia. Difficulty Differentiating Between Fantasy and Reality Magic mushrooms are a popular drug with psychotropic effects. Psilocybin can cause hallucinations and distorted perceptions of reality which may lead to dangerous situations for those who misuse it or without supervision from an experienced provider. Mental Effects The mental effects of magic mushrooms can be very strong due to psilocybin. Many people report experiencing powerful hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and profound spiritual insights after consuming magic mushrooms. Mental Impacts of Magic Mushroom Consumption Here are some common mental effects of consuming magic mushrooms: Distorted sense of time, place, and reality Euphoria Hallucinations (visual or auditory) Having introspective (spiritual) experiences Nervousness Panic reactions Paranoia Psychosis Risks and Side Effects of Magic Mushrooms Risks and side effects of magic mushrooms can impact everyone differently, but it’s important to know what could happen. Here are a few common risks to look out for: Physical Effects When it comes to the physical effects of magic mushrooms, there are both positive and negative potential outcomes. On the positive side, some people report feeling more energetic and “alive” after consuming magic mushrooms. They may also feel a sense of euphoria. Others have reported experiencing increased creativity while under the influence of magic mushrooms. On the negative side, some people have reported feeling nauseous, dizzy, or have experienced vomiting and diarrhea. There is also a risk of accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, leading to severe illness. People with pre-existing mental health conditions may also be more susceptible to experiencing adverse side effects from magic mushrooms. Physical Impacts of Magic Mushroom Consumption Here are some more common physical side effects of consuming magic mushrooms: Dilated pupils Drowsiness Headaches Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature Lack of coordination Muscle weakness Nausea Yawning Magic Mushrooms Detox and Withdrawal It is important to note that there are no physical withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping the use of magic mushrooms. However, some people may experience psychological distress when they discontinue drug use. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mood changes. It is essential to be aware of these potential risks and seek professional help if necessary. Tapering off magic mushrooms can help to minimize these risks. However, some other side effects of detoxing from magic mushrooms include: Psychotic Breaks From Reality Many people who use magic mushrooms report having very powerful experiences that can sometimes result in a “psychotic break” from reality. Some symptoms of a psychotic break include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. While these experiences can be extremely frightening, they are usually not harmful and will eventually subside. For some people, however, the effects of a magic mushroom trip can be so overwhelming that they may need to be hospitalized. Memory Loss In many cultures, mushrooms have been used for their psychoactive effects. The experience of taking magic mushrooms can be pleasant and even euphoric, there is some evidence to suggest that it can also lead to memory problems in certain individuals, most of which are short-term. Flashbacks Some people who have taken psilocybin report experiencing flashbacks or recurring hallucinations long after the drug has worn off. It is unclear why some people are more susceptible to this effect than others. Some researchers believe that it may be related to a history of mental illness, while others suggest that it may be due to how the drug interacts with the brain. Flashbacks can be a distressing experience and may be more likely to occur in people who have taken high doses of the drug. Rage Rage can