Are there any health risks associated with use of spice?
Yes, there are a number of health risks associated with use of spice, documented by a small number of recent studies. Spice is dangerous particularly because it is a manufactured substance, with no oversight over what kind and quantity of chemicals are contained in each package. One poison center in Georgia has documented over twenty cases where patients- usually teens and young adults- have reported to the emergency room with symptoms of respiratory distress and palpitations, and one teenage male went into a coma for a period of time. Additional side effects can include hallucinations, panic attacks, delusions, and agitation. Even for those individuals who do not have an immediate serious reaction to the chemicals in spice, use has been associated with difficulty thinking clearly and feeling of listlessness. In addition, individuals taking spice often find that they need to take more of it over time in order to get the same effect; this symptom of tolerance is comparable to that from marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs, both legal and illegal. Withdrawal effects have been documented, including sweating, tremors, palpitations, insomnia, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Because spice is still not considered a “drug” by definition, are users still able to reach out to ADAPT if they have a problem with it?
Yes. The primary objective of the Air Force Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment program, as outlined in AFI44-121 is as follows:
3.1. Program Objective.
The primary objective of the ADAPT Program is to promote readiness and health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance abuse; to minimize the negative consequences of substance abuse to the individual, family, and organization; to provide comprehensive education and treatment to individuals who experience problems attributed to substance abuse; return identified substance abusers to unrestricted duty status or to assist them in their transition to civilian life, as appropriate.
The ADAPT program at Andrews AFB offers a wide range of screening, education, prevention and treatment services that could be useful to individuals dealing with a problem with spice or similar substances. If you or someone you know are concerned about substance abuse, please contact the ADAPT program for more information.
Have you all had anyone get really sick or come in showing any symptoms after use of spice?
No, we have only had a few individuals referred to ADAPT on Joint Base Andrews with concerns related to spice. The primary concern so far is that individuals have attempted to use it to avoid dealing with stress or anxiety. They have reported that it quickly became habit forming, rather than learning healthier and more effective coping skills and strategies.
Is there anything else you would like to add about spice?
Yes. On November 24, 2010, the Drug Enforcement Agency launched a 30 day process to put an emergency ban on chemicals found in "Spice." The ban would classify the chemicals as a Schedule I substance making it illegal to sell or possess the product. Schedule I is the most restrictive category including other drugs like heroin and cocaine.
Also, Major General Jones, AFDW Commander put out a General Order effective as of June 9, 2010, which clearly states that all Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) military members, including tenant units, AF Reserve Command and Air National Guard Members are prohibited from using, possessing or distributing spice as well as Salvia, and that failure to obey the order can result in disciplinary or adverse administrative action.
What is spice?
Spice: It smokes like marijuana, gets you high like marijuana, is roughly the same price as marijuana, but is a synthetic compound (chemically similar to THC). It is widely available for purchase in the local area, however is currently banned in Europe, and likely to be banned in the US soon.
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