After a dedicated messaging and education campaign by people in healthcare in the UK, smoking has steadily declined. More than ever, people are aware of the dangers of cigarettes and smoking.
This, however, has led to an increase in vaping. A vape or e-cigarette is a device that allows the user to get their nicotine by inhaling vapour rather than smoke. It is generally accepted to be healthier than smoking cigarettes, but there are still dangers.
According to Action on Smoking and Health, around 5.5 million adults in the UK vape, whilst a government report from last year found that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping.
Vapes are not only used for nicotine, but for CBD and THC as well. These are both chemical compounds present in cannabis. Recently, worrying reports have arisen of these types of vapes being laced with other drugs, including spice.
It’s important to know what spice is, how common it is that vapes are laced with spice and what help you can get if you are addicted.
What is ‘Spice’ and Why is it Dangerous?
Spice is the name for a substance that contains one or more synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made chemicals that act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain and were created to mimic the psychoactive effects of THC, a chemical in cannabis.
Spice is cheaper to produce than cannabis but is more intense and potent and can cause severe effects such as hallucinations, seizures, heart attacks and dizziness.
It is a dangerous drug, more unpredictable than cannabis. Those with a cannabis addiction who have turned to it because they’ve started using THC vapes may not be aware of how harmful spice can be.
The drug became more widely known in the mid-2010s, favoured by homeless people, and it began being referred to as the “zombie drug” due to the state it left users in.
Reports of Spice-Laced Vapes in the UK
Spice-laced vapes are becoming more prevalent, in particular amongst young people. A study by Bath University found that 1 in 4 vapes that were confiscated in schools contained spice.
In a story about spice-laced vapes from this year, it was reported that Wedinos, a public health laboratory, found that 40% of the vape samples they received contained spice. There have been stories from all over the country of children suffering due to spice-laced vapes.
Just in May, children on Teesside were sent to the hospital because of these vapes. Last year, there were reports from South-East London.
Young people are easily exposed to spice without knowing it. In most cases, they are trying to buy unregulated THC vapes over social media that have been spiked. Providers tamper with the vapes, replacing the factory e-liquid vial with their own spice-laced one.
These types of vapes are hugely dangerous to young people. They can be unpredictable with their side effects, cause brain development issues and increase the chance of hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms that could plague them for a long time.
Why Are People Turning to Spice-Laced Vapes?
There are many reasons why people, especially those younger, gravitate towards THC and CBD vapes. What must be stressed, though, is that many are not seeking to take spice and are ingesting it unknowingly.
Reasons people may turn to spice-laced vapes include:
- Social pressure: Especially for young people, peer pressure is a huge reason why they try things that could harm them. Teenagers want to fit in with their friends and are more impulsive at that stage. If you think that not doing something will lead you to feeling the odd one out, you’re more likely to try it.
- Low cost: Spiced-laced vapes cost as little as £10 through social media. Even for teenagers, this might not be considered a huge expense, and there is little financial risk if they are trying it for the first time.
- Addiction: Spice is an addictive substance and can draw you in quickly. If you are addicted to spice, then you will continue to use it until you get help.
- Accessibility: Vape dealers sell over social media platforms such as Snapchat, which are predominantly used by younger people. People can purchase their vapes without much fuss.
The Warning Signs of Spice Use
If you’re worried about spice use and possible addiction, it’s important to know the signs of chronic use of this drug.
Physical symptoms include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Weight loss
- Increased heart rate
Psychological symptoms include:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Psychosis
Behavioural symptoms include:
- Becoming more secretive about spice use
- Isolating yourself
- Neglecting daily responsibilities
- Downturn in personal hygiene and appearance
- Attempting to stop and being unable to
- Becoming more fixated on getting spice and using it
If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, then you should seek professional help. Going to rehab can help you stop your spice use. It’s essential to address the problem promptly, as it will only worsen without intervention.
Getting Help and Treatment for Spice Addiction
Treatment in a professional rehab allows you to go through a comprehensive programme that gives you the best chance at overcoming your addiction. The setting is geared towards recovery. You will be surrounded by experts who know how to help you and people who are struggling as you are.
At Action Rehab, we can help find the rehab centre that is perfect for you so you are given the best opportunity to achieve your long-term recovery goals.
Detox
The first part of rehab is detox. This is the process of ending your dependence on spice by not taking it anymore. Doing this can bring on withdrawal symptoms, which is why doing it in a rehab setting is the safest way to go. In rehab, you can detox under the care of professionals who will make the experience as comfortable as it can be.
Therapies
You also need to end your psychological dependence on spice. Attending individual, group and an array of holistic therapies will help you get to the root of your addiction issues. Doing this can help you better understand your triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms for the future.
Aftercare
Even after finishing rehab, you can still gain access to key services. Through Action Rehab, we can help you find continuing professional support beyond your time in treatment. Engaging with aftercare and going to regular peer support meetings will help you stay on track with your recovery and improve your chances of remaining sober.
Concerned About Spice-laced Vapes? Action Rehab Can Help
Spice-laced vapes are becoming more common and pose a serious threat to young people. They are targeted by dealers over social media and unknowingly take this highly addictive and unpredictable drug.
If you are worried about your own spice use or someone else’s, help is available. We at Action Rehab can connect you with a treatment provider that is right for you.
For more information, contact us now by calling 0151 268 6992.
Posted on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 at 10:11 am in Latest News.
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