WHO’S SMOKING SPICE?
Spice is the 2nd leading illegal drug used by teens and young adults. Easy access and the misperception that it is a “safe high” likely contribute to the high rate of use.
WHY IS SPICE SO DANGEROUS?
In 2011, Spice was mentioned by patients in the emergency room 28,531 times. This is a drastic increase over the 11,406 mentions in 2010.
As a result of smoking spice, thousands are admitted in the hospital with symptoms such as:
- seizures
- coma and unconsciousness
- vomiting
- hallucinations and paranoia
- high blood pressure
- anxiety and panic attacks
- threatning behavior and aggression
- headaches
- inability to speak
- heart attack
- DEATH
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE NEEDS HELP?
If you suspect someone is using spice, please call:
Drug Education Council 251-478-7855 or visit www.drugeducation.org for more information or free drug screening.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (they don’t just talk about suicide-they cover a lot of issues and will help you get in touch with someone close by)
If you need information on treatment and where you can find it, you can call:
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at 1800-662-HELP or visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
SOURCES
“Spice.” Narconon. Narconon International, 1 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <www.narconon.or/drug-abuse/signs-symptons-spice/html>.
“Comprehensive Drug Information on Synthetic Cannaboids-“Spice” and “K2″” Hunterdon Drug Awareness Program. 1 Jan. 2008. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <www.hdap.org/spice.html>.
“Synthetic Marijuana Lands Thousands of Young People in the ER, Especially Young Males.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 1 Jan. 2001. Web. 30 Sept. 2014. <www.drugabuse.gov>.