“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:
