Synthetic marijuana first appeared in the 1980s, a byproduct of researchers searching for new ways of treating diseases like multiple sclerosis and HIV. The year 2008 marked the first appearance of the drugs on the market for recreational use in Germany. Synthetic marijuana quickly spread to other markets around the world, eventually becoming a concern for countries everywhere.

Let’s look at some of the dangers that come with synthetic marijuana abuse and addiction treatment options available at Bayview Recovery.

Made Up of Various Chemicals and Substances

Most synthetic marijuana consists of chemicals sprayed over plant materials. It can be sold as herbal incense or in a liquid form to consume in a vape pen or e-cigarette. Many people said to be suffering from marijuana abuse got that way by consuming the substances. Drug manufacturers often mix them with other drugs, which can heighten the toxicity of the product.

Can Make You Extremely Ill

There have been clusters of hospitalizations linked to synthetic marijuana abuse. Manufacturers don’t label the packaging when they sell synthetic marijuana. That means most people have no idea of what they are ingesting into their body. That can make it difficult for a doctor to find the right substance abuse treatment to counter the drugs’ effects in a patient’s system.

People Underestimate the Danger

Manufacturers continue coming up with new versions of the drugs to subvert laws passed to ban the use of the substances. Many users mistakenly think that synthetic marijuana produces the same effects as regular marijuana, which is not true. The compounds that go into creating the product have quite different impacts on a user.

The often-innocuous packaging manufacturers use to sell synthetic marijuana can also make it seem less harmful. It can come in colorful foil packets, small vials, or a vape pen. Because there’s no way to know what a grower put into the product, someone can unknowingly consume a lethal dose and end up dying.

Can Cause Neurological Issues

Synthetic marijuana can produce neurological and psychological side effects in users. They can find themselves feeling more paranoid about there surroundings. Some experience heightened anxiety, leading to agitation and unexpected reactions. Other severe effects of synthetic marijuana abuse include seizures and bouts of psychosis.

Can Lead to Physical Damage

Some people who use medical marijuana can experience a heightened rush of adrenaline. That can use the heart to beat rapidly, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Many synthetic cannabinoids cause people to have an upset stomach, causing nausea or vomiting. Some versions can lead to damage to the muscles and kidneys.

Many growers use butane in the laboratory to extract THC from plants. It often remains left behind in the plant. That chemical can cause damage to the lungs when ignited during smoking. Without treatment, these physical side effects can lead to permanent health problems and even death.

Getting Help For Synthetic Marijuana Abuse

It can be difficult for someone to quit using synthetic marijuana without help. Getting treatment at a rehab center can be the best course of action. Bayview Recovery Center helps clients purge themselves of the toxins found in synthetic cannabinoids.

Clients receive a full evaluation upon admission. The physicians and addiction specialists on staff use the information collected to create the most effective treatment plan. They aim to treat every aspect of a client’s addiction.

Bayview Recovery Center provides a variety of stay options for clients, including:

• Extended care program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Aftercare program
• Medication-assisted treatment program

Working your way through to recovery from synthetic marijuana addiction is not easy. If you’re ready to start the work necessary to get better, contact Bayview Recovery Center at 855.478.3650.