Spice use is becoming increasingly prevalent across the UK. A recent report found that 1 in 4 vapes confiscated in secondary schools contained the drug.[1] It’s dangerous, easily accessible through social media, and highly addictive.
If you’re addicted to Spice, you can break free from dependency by going through Spice detox and treatment. Spice withdrawal can feel even worse than cannabis withdrawal, but with the right help, sobriety is possible.
This step by step guide to synthetic cannabinoid detox and treatment outlines how professional support can give you the best chances of a successful recovery.
Spice is a drug which is illegal in the UK. It’s known as a synthetic cannabinoid, which are a class of drugs containing similar chemicals to those found in cannabis, but altered in a lab.[2]
Research has shown that recreational synthetic cannabinoids like Spice are linked to severe health problems like seizures and psychosis, and can even be life-threatening.[3]
If you or someone you know are struggling with Spice dependency, it’s important to seek help as early as possible, as addiction can become more severe with time.
A few different treatment options are available for recovery from Spice addiction with varying levels of care and security. If you’ve been taking a high dose of Spice or been taking it for a long time, you may need additional support.
Inpatient rehab allows you to recover from Spice addiction while temporarily living at the treatment centre, with around the clock support.
You’ll be encouraged to understand why you became dependent on Spice, and how you can make lasting change to ensure you have the coping strategies to remain sober.
You’ll receive:
The NHS offers free alternatives like outpatient services across the UK. This is where you visit a treatment centre during the day, and return home. As this offers you less support, it’s more suited to people with a mild Spice dependence.
You’ll still receive regular mental health check-ins and crisis planning.
Inpatient and outpatient rehab options often involve therapy. There are many types of therapy to suit your individual needs:
Therapy can help you improve your mood as you go through Spice detox, and give you the coping tools you need to prevent relapse.
In a safe environment, you can then begin to detox from Spice. This means you stop taking the drug and cleanse your body from the substance.
Synthetic cannabinoid detox can be dangerous, so we recommend you seek a medical detox. This means you’ll be overseen by a medical professional who can ensure you’re not at risk of any serious withdrawal symptoms.
You may receive a tapered detox, where your Spice usage is gradually lowered to lessen withdrawal symptoms. Your withdrawal symptoms will then be managed with medication and support, to ease any negative physical or emotional effects.
Medical detox for Spice is when addiction withdrawal symptoms are eased with medication to help you through the process. These will be prescribed by medical professionals like doctors and nurses.
To manage Spice withdrawal symptoms, you may be offered the following medication:
While some symptoms of Spice withdrawal can be managed with medication, there’s no one specific medicine which will treat the full range of symptoms.
Spice withdrawal is the process your body goes through when the substance leaves your system. As you have adjusted to the drug, you may experience negative physical or psychological symptoms.
Spice withdrawal symptoms are more intense than cannabis, with two thirds of people giving up Spice experiencing at least three withdrawal symptoms like sleep issues, irritability and low mood[5].
Some factors could cause you to have an easier or harder withdrawal. Your symptoms could be more severe if:
Going through synthetic cannabinoid detox in a carefully planned way can really help you to ease these symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms from Spice can set in as soon as a few hours after stopping. Studies show that 62% of people experienced the first onset of withdrawal symptoms within 6 hours to 5 days.[6]
You may experience:
During these difficult first days, you may be offered a medically-assisted withdrawal.
After the first 48 hours, you may find that your Spice withdrawal symptoms become more intense:
At this crucial time, it can be vital to have a good level of support to ease your symptoms and prevent you from relapsing.
After the first two weeks many people begin to feel better, you may continue to have some mild symptoms:
At this point, you’re over the hill, and you will find it easier to move forward in sobriety. [7][8]
Addiction never truly ends, but managing it becomes much easier. You may always experience nagging anxiety or cravings, and it’s normal to occasionally feel emotional instability.
This is why ongoing support is so important – the coping strategies and lifestyle you’ve learned throughout your treatment will become the safety net you can rely on during a rough patch. Overall, you’ll begin to feel more positive, and be able to sleep better again.[9]
After you’ve detoxed and been supported with therapy, it’s important to set in place a relapse prevention strategy to help you continue to stay sober after you leave treatment. This is a guide for continued support and skills to prevent you from taking synthetic cannabinoids in future.
Your relapse prevention strategy will help you put in place:
Below, we answer some commonly asked questions around the spice detox process.
If you feel you need synthetic cannabinoids to get through the day, if buying Spice is getting you in debt, or if you’re hiding your use, these are all signs you may need to detox in order to give it up for good.
How long your Spice withdrawal symptoms can vary. Most people feel better within 1-2 weeks, although those with a severe addiction may still have symptoms for up to a month.
If someone you love has become dependent on Spice, you can support them by learning a little more about addiction, and helping them seek treatment. Be empathetic and offer encouragement in their Spice recovery journey.
Detoxing from Spice can be dangerous if you have a severe addiction, so it’s recommended that you seek medical advice. Interventions and treatments can help manage your withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
At Rehab4Addiction, we take a holistic approach to Spice addiction treatment. Through our affiliated rehabs, you can benefit from a full assessment and personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. This includes 24/7 medical support, and a medically-assisted detox when required.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Spice addiction, there is hope. Rehab4Addiction can give you advice to help you understand your options, and offer referrals to top rehab across the UK.
To take the first step towards a brighter future, call 0800 140 4690 (or +44 345 222 3508 from outside the UK).
[2] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/synthetic-cannabinoids
[5] https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/spice-withdrawal-symptoms-more-severe-than-cannabis-new-study/
[6] https://karger.com/ear/article/31/4/274/929492/Synthetic-Cannabinoid-Withdrawal-A-Systematic
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9110517/
