"Spice" in New Hampshire: Highly Addictive and On the Rise

“Spice” in New Hampshire: Highly Addictive and On the Rise

What is “Spice” and Why is it Dangerous?

The Drug “Spice” may look like the potpourri you buy your grandmother for Christmas and may sound like something to be added to food, but don’t be fooled. Spice, also known as “K2”, (“K2” being a popular brand of Spice), can be defined as Synthetic Marijuana. Often sold as “incense” in head shops, the Spice drug is most often abused by smoking, but can also be mixed with food or drink. Poison Control Centers whom receive regular calls from Spice abusers report severe withdrawal and addiction symptoms and such symptoms from users as hallucinations, confusion, agitation, vomiting and rapid heart rate which is associated with reduced blood supply to the heart and high risk for heart attacks. 

An increasingly alarming reality associated the drug Spice is that we are not exactly sure of the effects of Spice on the human brain. Scientists do know that the compounds found within Spice loosely resemble those within Marijuana, but may actually bind more strongly to the brain’s receptors. Reports have also been made which indicate the presence of unknown substances, chemicals and assorted additives. Such realities are associated with a “stronger high” than Marijuana and unpredictable results. Though the Spice drug is advertised as “natural”, this is far from reality. Spice is synthetic and thus it is not natural and certainly not safe.

Not only does Spice resemble Marijuana in appearance, the effects of the two substances have been reported as similar. Such effects include:

·         hallucinations

• paranoia
• relaxation 
•   extreme anxiety
• elevation in mood
• altered perception

Spice Sales in New Hampshire

The frightening reality of the Spice drug is that it can be found in stores around the state of New Hampshire. Despite efforts to ban the presence of this substance, (Spice is technically illegal), the drug is commonly disguised under different names and/or the ingredients are changed.

In 2012, the DEA seized both synthetic marijuana (Spice) and Bath Salts, (another dangerous and addictive drug often sold in head shops and convenience stores alongside Spice). 8.5 kilos of Spice and Bath Salts were confiscated from a New Hampshire self-storage locker. Hampton, New Hampshire police believed that before seized, such drugs were intended to stock New Hampshire convenience stores and New Hampshire head shops. On July 25, 2012, the DEA executed 265 search warrants in over 90 cities in 30 states. This was in an effort to seize both Spice and other brands of Synthetic Marijuana and Bath Salts.

Though the DEA’s large Spice bust occurred in 2012, it is important to note that prevalence of Spice and other synthetic drugs disguised as harmless substances, (such as Bath Salts) remain on the market. Many individuals right here in New Hampshire suffer from addictions to synthetic drugs, to include both Synthetic Marijuana (Spice) and Bath Salts.

We’re Here to Help!

At Self-empowerment NH, LLC, we take addiction issues personally. A counseling company located in Concord, NH; at Self-empowerment NH LLC, we understand how difficult addiction can be and have an extensive background in treating individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, to include addiction to Spice and Bath Salts. We are outraged by the state of New Hampshire’s negligence in providing access to addiction treatment and adequate prevention measures. We have made it our mission to fight one of the most devastating of all diseases to ever be identified. Addiction. 

Lori Magoon is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and a Master’s Level Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. Lori’s effectiveness is based on providing a welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental environment for all clients; as well as use of innovative counseling strategies with scientifically proven effectiveness. Lori stresses that as long as the individual seeking treatment is invested in his/her recovery, recovery from even the toughest of addictions is possible.

 Self-empowerment NH, LLC accepts health insurance and does offer a sliding scale for those who qualify. A variety of services are offered at our Concord location, some of which include; individual and group counseling, evaluations and presentations for parents, educators and both large and small employers in reference to signs and symptoms of substance abuse. 

To schedule an appointment or to attain more information, please contact Lori at selfempowermentnh.com or by phone at (603)470-6937.

Open the door to self-empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

Sources:

·         http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/spice-synthetic-marijuana

·         http://www.wishtv.com/news/local/franklin-gas-station-shut-down-again-after-spice-raid

Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse: Is Your Child Using Drugs?

Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse:

Is Your Child Using Drugs?

September brings the start of the 2013-2014 school year. For some parents, the start of the school year is a relief, an opportunity for more free time during the week. For other parents, however, the start of the school year brings anxieties and fears surrounding their children associating with the “wrong crowd” and experimenting with drugs. This September, all parents should activate the “eyes behind their head” and pay close attention to their children’s behavior. With a recent rise in the use of dangerous mind-altering substances, such as Bath Salts, “Molly” or MDMA and Synthetic Marijuana, association with the “wrong crowd” can be more detrimental than ever.

According to a recent survey, ninety percent of American high school students report that one or more of their classmates uses illicit drugs regularly during the school day. These numbers are alarming, as we often assume that school is a safe and healthy environment for young people. With heavy volumes of students due to funding decreases; educators often cannot recognize student drug use, let alone facilitate an intervention. In order to keep our youth population away from such dangerous drugs as Bath Salts, “Molly” (MDMA) and Synthetic Marijuana, as well as other mind-altering substances; parents must pay close attention to their children and take immediate action if they suspect that their child may be using drugs.

1.)    Search for Signs: There are signs specific to all drugs, including Bath Salts, “Molly” and Synthetic Marijuana. Parents should search for such signs as; paleness of skin, discoloration, dark circles around the eyes, rapid weight loss, sudden mood changes, shaky hands, suffering grades, suspicious school absences and a shortened temper.

2.)    Search Your Child’s Bedroom: Bath Salts, “Molly”, Synthetic Marijuana and other mind-altering substances could be hidden within a child’s personal space. Thus, as a parent, you have the right to search your child’s bedroom. The most likely spots for drugs to be hidden include; under cabinets, under mattresses, under dresses and inside pockets of clothing not commonly worn.

3.)    Look Closely at Your Child: Children using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or other mind-altering substances are often withdrawn. This is especially true in interactions with parents or other figures of authority. If your child is using mind-altering substances, he/she will likely avoid conversation and give short yes or no answers. He/she will also likely seek to mask physical symptoms of drug use and may take such measures as; chewing gum, using Visine to disguise eye redness, and covering eyes with a hat or another piece of clothing.

4.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Friends: The more you know about your child’s friends, the better. Peers are a significant influence on your child, and association with the “right friends” is critical for a young person’s “drug free” existence.

5.)    Give Your Child a Random Drug Test: This may seem like a desperate measure, but if you are concerned that your child is using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or another illegal substance; this step is an appropriate one.

6.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Money: If your child has a job where he/she makes their own money, have a job where he/she earns money, keep track of the money you give them. Many young people save the money their parents give them to buy drugs.

7.)    Check Your Child’s Vehicle After a Friday or Saturday Night: Pay close attention to unusual odors and search for signs of white powders, (especially white powders present on CDs or mirrors), green leaf-like particles and seeds.

Parenting is more stressful of a job than ever. With the presence of such frightening drugs as; Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana, the development of open, strong and judgment-free parent and child relationships are crucial. With school in full-swing, collaboration between educators and parents can also be extremely beneficial.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC is also excited to announce half and full day presentations, one in which is titled Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace is an interactive presentation geared for parents and educators seeking education about youth substance abuse. Learn about the signs and symptoms of youth substance abuse by drug of choice, and appropriate steps for intervention and recovery. For more information about the signs of youth drug abuse, counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Not Natural-The Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Though synthetic marijuana products, also known as K2 or spice, can be found for sale in local convenience stores, they are not natural and are not safe. Marketed as developed from “100% organic herbs”, manufacturers of synthetic marijuana insinuate that their products are risk-free and a “safe alternative” to Cannabis. As a larger number of the young population has turned to K2 as their drug of choice, parents and educators have a new cause for concern.

Since the introduction of this product in 2002, use of synthetic marijuana has escalated tremendously. Since it is cheap, can be obtained easily at convenience stores nationwide, and does not trigger a positive result on a urine drug test; spice has skyrocketed within the young community and has become a cause of concern for parents around the country. Researchers have also increased their findings in regards to synthetic marijuana, and experts argue that  K2 is not safe.

Despite contrary belief, completely natural spice does not exist. Synthetic marijuana has been found to contain chemicals produced in laboratories, chemicals with unknown and potentially harmful effects to the human brain. K2 has been associated with such effects as; a racing heartbeat and heightened blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, severe agitation and anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and tremors, suicidal behavior, intense hallucinations and psychotic episodes. Poison control experts have labeled synthetic marijuana as a risk to the public’s health and a hazard to public safety, specifically in regards to the nation’s young population.

It is imperative that parents are aware of the dangerous effects of spice, as young people should be educated about the hazards of synthetic marijuana by individuals that they trust. K2 comes in various colors, to include red, blonde, green and brown. It is sold in small packages and consists of a mixture of dried leaves. The ingredients in spice have changed multiple times since the substance’s introduction, originally containing the chemical HU-210 and now containing CP 47, 497 and JWH-018. This ingredient change was based on HU-210’s classification as a controlled substance, thus illegal within The United States.

According to product reviews, synthetic marijuana produces a high which is similar to but shorter than the high of smoking marijuana.  It also looks similar to marijuana in that it consists of green leaves and twigs. However, K2 is a very different substance than Cannabis. Spice consists of any variety of different herbs which are soaked within synthetic chemicals. Synthetic marijuana is also associated with risky behavior and serious medical side effects which are not necessarily associated with Cannabis.

If you, your child or someone else you know has an issue with synthetic marijuana use, you are not alone. Self Empowerment NH, LLC, a private counseling company out of Concord, New Hampshire, has experience in addiction counseling for both legal and illegal substances and specific experience in supporting individuals with spice addiction. For more information, contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.