Relapse is the worst word ever but unfortunately it is very likely for most people to experience it. What he does now in regard to getting back on the road to recovery is really important but using it just because it is going to be legal concerns me. I will pray for you both. Dee

Hi used2.. I am sorry that you are going through this.. Deehigs is right.. Relapse is painful... I also believe that the deplorable condition of the sober house is what led to my son leaving his, relapsing, and therefore violating his parole ( he neglected to inform his PO )...
Seems like they would want to make the environment more conducive to positive recovery..
Again, I am sorry

Relapse sucks! because it usually puts them in a worse state than before, however, it doesn't take away what he learned, the important thing is that he jumps back into meetings, does he have a sponsor? he needs the support of other, the sober house is only as good as his commitment to sobriety. good luck.

I keep everybody here and their family members in my prayers. Addiction can suck the life right out of us if we let it.

I'm sorry. My son had two bouts of K-2 (spice) use last year. That stuff is awful. It's also very dangerous and can cause seizures and even heart attacks. My son was really mean and nasty when he used it and even pushed me into a chair once. He became almost completely unable to function. I've heard of people who are addicted to this that can't go for more than a few hours without smoking it, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night. This is the same stuff that Demi Moore smoked. It gave her seizures and she had to go to rehab for it. One of the problems is that the chemistry keeps changing so the manufacturers can keep one step ahead of the law. You never know what you are going to get. If you know where they are selling it, turn them in. It's usually head shops or sometimes convenience stores.

People use K-2 because they think it's just like marijuana, except it doesn't show up in drug tests. It allows them to live in a sober living facility and pass all the drug tests, but they are actually smoking a highly addictive and dangerous drug.

I don't mean to scare you. If he's only smoking this socially and isn't addicted, do some research and let him know what he's getting into. This stuff is truly evil.

I've never heard of K-2. What is it? Is it something they can buy in stores. Sorry, don't want to sound stupid but I never heard of it. It sounds awful. Hope my son is not doing that. Can you tell me what it looks like so I can know what it is if I see it. Thanks

K2 is a synthetic form of marijuana that you can buy over the Internet or places like gas stations! It is way worse for you than regular marijuana. It contains chemicals that can make you hallucinate Thats what my son bought when he was in the recovery house.

I found the remnants of it in a bag on Monday. Regular drug tests dont pick up K2 or any other synthetic marijuana . When I found out he was asked to leave the recovery house because of it, I purchased a kit for $89 over the Internet. I made him give me a sample and send it to the lab. It tests for synthetic marijuana, marijuana, and other prescription pills He was shocked that I did it, but I had no other choice

My son also feels that marijuana is OK. Unfortunately with all the publicity making medical marijuana legal and decriminalizing it, its a hard battle to win! He feels that one day he will be able to smoke socially. He feels that since medical marijuana is legal. It is a better choice than taking addictive prescription medications the rest of his life. He doesnt have that opportunity now however. He went into ARD yesterday. They don't test for it... but if he lives here, I will.
I am dreading the time when it is an opportunity for him. It is so very very confusing.
I am soooo tired of it all and my son says he is too! He is trying to self medicate instead of taking Risperdal and clonidine. He also has Tourette's which doesn't help!!!! I hope that he will see the light!
I started seeing a new counselor yesterday who recommended a support group for me. I plan to attend. I need all the help I can get! I can't let my life fall apart too! It is so very vert hard!
Thank you all for listening!

I've seen two types of "spice" (K-2), but I'm sure there are more.

One comes in a light blue pouch and it's called Maui Waui. The other one comes in a black pouch with orange or red letters. I don't recall the name, but I think it had the word "devil" in it.

The drug itself looks like marijuana and it's smoked like weed. The big difference is that it really smells bad and it clings to clothes. Marijuana has a smell, but it's not bad. Spice reeks and it stinks up the whole house. It also leaves black tar-like stains, so you can imagine what it does to the lungs.

Oh, and I just remembered. He had a horrible cough while he was smoking this stuff.

Once an addict can never be "social" choice of their addiction again. It's the hard truth. The social drug user, social drinker, social gambler etc. Only can exist in people who have never been addicted to any of these addictins. Once you were addicted, you always bares the risk of relapse and the only prevention is to be in recovery for the rest of their lives.

you are in my prayor. Take care yourself.

Hugs,

Hi Used2 and I know all too well what you're going through because K2 was also my young son's DOC. He started using at an early age (12), quit school, lost his job, then his girlfriend and finally his freedom. Following the 6 years of Hell he put us through we finally kicked him out and within 4 months he hit bottom, got himself arrested - he had just turned 18 - and is now serving time in State Prison for multiple felonies all related to supporting his drug use. Good news is they sent him to a facility that has one of the best drug treatment programs in the State - I only hope he'll stay clean b/c that stuff is extremely harmful.

I truly believe that until that lightbulb turns on young kids only use one side of their brain at a time. Those on drugs will not and some cannot rationalize and fail to see or realize the ramifications or repercussions of what their actions will do, or how it will affect them for the rest of their lives. And unfortunately it doesn't or won't sink in until they hit bottom which is when my son finally figured it out. He'll be 21 later this year and gets out of prison this summer. Most of his friends will be finishing their 2nd year of college but for him he's got a long road ahead before he can even think about school or a job but for now I'm grateful he's alive, has been given a chance to get and stay clean for 2+ years and will hopefully have a chance for a future.

There is always hope so don't give up on him and support any effort he makes toward recovery. A very wise mom on this site told me after I first joined to love the addict but hate the addiction.

K2 is more used than I thought! Thank-you to all of you for your input!!!! I have seen the black tarry ruminants in my house and heard the cough! Wow! Thank-you again for the info!
My son admitted to me yesterday that he has been smoking it since he has been home. He came to me and confessed. He said that he had not smoked it in 24 hours and was very proud of himself. On his own, he cleaned his bedroom and the family room top to bottom. Moved furniture and cleaned out drawers. It was crazy the amount of little baggies and seeds and stuff that were in the vacuum cleaner canister!!! I thought I cleaned pretty good when he left for rehab last October!!! Guess not.
I took this as a positive since there are not that many positives lately. One HOUR at a time is my motto now. I was thankful for one restful night.
While I was closing my deceased mom's bank account with the branches manager... I was surprised to hear her disclose that her 28 year old daughter is an addict who is now clean for 2 years, married with a daughter. You just never know who is in the same situation. I am finding out that I am NOT as alone as I think I am!
I loved the thought .. love the addict not the addiction! Thank-you all for helping me realize this!! Have a great weekend!!!!!

Its hard to think that its ok, but you should put yourself first. If you arent healthy how can you help your son? Its not selfish. It took me a long time to figure that one out!
And thats excellent that you arent putting up with anything! I wish I'd had your strength, maybe it wouldnt have taken my son so long to get clean. But happily my son is clean and sober 2+ years now and it sounds like your son is on the right track.

Best of luck and please let us know how its going. We are here for you! Big hugs