What Happens When You Mix K2 Spice and Alcohol?

Both K2 and alcohol have a range of negative side effects, including deadly consequences like overdose or alcohol poisoning. Both substances can also be habit-forming, creating a destructive cycle of drug and alcohol misuse.

K2, or spice, can be an unpredictable drug, but its effects are even more nefarious when it is used along with alcohol. The psychoactive substance can be anywhere from five to 100 times more potent than the THC found in natural cannabis. Because of its relative strength and unpredictability, combining K2 and alcohol can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and increased risk of overdose and alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

What Is K2 Spice?

K2, also known as spice, is a synthetic drug used to simulate the effects of THC. It is a collection of chemicals that is most often sprayed or soaked into a plant or herb to mimic marijuana. K2 is often marketed as a legal, “designer” drug that is particularly popular among teens. It can be smoked, used in the liquid in e-cigarettes, burned as an incense, or brewed as a tea. However, despite its legality and flashy packaging, it has the potential for misuse and addiction.

Spice has been attributed to numerous deaths and overdoses in recent years, with poison control centers reporting a 229 percent increase in K2-related calls in 2015. It has a reputation as being significantly more dangerous than marijuana, despite misleading marketing labeling the substance as “all-natural.” Like many drugs, its effects are only worsened when alcohol is added to the mix.

Side Effects of Mixing K2 Spice and Alcohol

Both K2 and alcohol have a range of negative side effects, including deadly consequences like overdose or alcohol poisoning. Spice and alcohol together can result in impaired judgment and coping skills, making risky behaviors (like intoxicated driving) and symptoms of delirium more likely. Both substances can also be habit-forming, creating a destructive cycle of drug and alcohol misuse.

• Kidney damage
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Delusions
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Anxiety attack

The Dangers of Combining K2 Spice and Alcohol

In general, drugs and alcohol should never be combined. The negative side effects of each substance are typically enhanced, and the effects can manifest at a faster-than-normal rate in the body, which can be very dangerous. Although the possible effects of K2 and alcohol as individual substances are easy to determine, the combined effects can be unpredictable.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not everyone responds to this combination the same way. The chemical intoxicant amount of each brand can also vary. Spice alone is a very potent substance, but when mixed with alcohol it can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication.

And of course, the most serious potential danger associated with mixing K2 and alcohol is death, as a result of self-harm, overdose, alcohol poisoning or other long-term side effects. There is also growing evidence of a correlation between this mixture and co-occurring mental health problems.

Getting Help For Alcohol and K2/Spice Misuse

Are you experiencing an addiction problem involving alcohol and K2, or do you know someone who is? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of people battle this same problem every day. The good news is, help is available, and it may be easier to find than you think. The Recovery Village is just one of the many treatment options available for substance abuse, including spice and alcohol.

The Recovery Village offers a variety of treatment programs in various locations in the United States to meet virtually any substance abuse case. These include medical detox and inpatient and outpatient programs. We can also help with co-occurring disorders if you’re also struggling with depression, anxiety, or a related behavior disorder. Our compassionate, professional staff is ready to help you or your loved one down the road to recovery. Drug and alcohol abuse doesn’t have to rule your life. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.