Last Updated:

March 24th, 2025

Spice addiction treatment (detox and rehab)

Spice can have severe impacts on both mental and physical health, which need to be addressed promptly to prevent lasting damage. Sadly, the fear and stigmatisation of the drug mean that many people suffering from Spice addiction are worried about reaching out for help. If you are in this situation, it is crucial to understand that UKAT’s Spice addiction treatment teams know what you are going through and are here to help. Effective treatment for Spice addiction involves a three-stage approach: detoxification, rehabilitation therapy and relapse prevention. Each of these stages plays a pivotal role in your journey towards recovery and ensuring a holistic healing process.

Spice detox: The first step to recovery

Spice detox involves cleansing your body of Spice and its toxic by-products so your body can start to heal. Detox is a critical step, as it addresses the physical dependence that develops with prolonged Spice use. This dependence evolves due to the way Spice impacts your body and brain.

The drug binds to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain as natural cannabis, but often with greater intensity. This binding alters normal brain communication, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behaviour. Over time, your brain starts to rely on Spice to maintain these altered states, and you will experience Spice withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug. These can be uncomfortable, but you can get through them safely and successfully with professional management.

Spice withdrawal symptoms

Spice withdrawal symptoms are your body’s response to the unfamiliar absence of Spice when you begin to detox. They can vary in intensity and duration based on several factors, such as how long and how much Spice you have been using, your overall physical and mental health and your unique body chemistry. However, some common withdrawal symptoms include:

Physical Spice withdrawal symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Increased heart rate

Psychological Spice withdrawal symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Intense cravings for Spice

Spice detox at UKAT: Comfort and safety

Due to the potential severity of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that any legal high detox take place in a medically supervised setting. This allows trained medical professionals to provide support and, if necessary, medication to help make the symptoms more manageable.
Some of the key benefits of Spice detox at UKAT include:

24/7 medical care and support

At UKAT, you will receive round-the-clock medical care from a team of professionals experienced in managing Spice detoxification. This constant care ensures that complications or severe symptoms are promptly addressed, providing a safer detox experience.

Comprehensive assessment and personalised detox plan

Upon arrival at UKAT, you will undergo a full medical assessment. This assessment allows us to develop a personalised Spice detox plan that considers your specific needs, addiction severity and health status. This plan is a fluid roadmap, so as your recovery needs change, we can alter your detox plan accordingly.

Medically assisted detox, if necessary

In some cases, medically assisted detox may be required. This approach uses medications to alleviate Spice withdrawal symptoms, making the detox process more manageable and comfortable.

Spice rehab: The next stage of healing

After successfully navigating the detox stage, Spice rehab will focus on addressing the psychological, emotional and social aspects of legal high addiction. Spice rehab will help you:

  • Understand the root causes of your condition
  • Develop alternative coping strategies to Spice use
  • Repair damaged personal and professional relationships
  • Rebuild a healthy, substance-free life

All of these are critical for long-term recovery. For example, without understanding your root causes, you will never successfully address them. Similarly, if you do not develop Spice-free coping strategies, you will likely relapse during difficult moments. Spice rehab will help you grow, chart a new course, and give you new hope and opportunities that previously seemed impossible.

Options for Spice rehab: Finding the right fit

When it comes to legal high rehab for Spice, you generally have two main options: outpatient and inpatient. Each has its own set of benefits, and the choice depends on your circumstances, the severity of your dependency and your personal preferences. Here is what you know to make an informed decision:

Inpatient Spice rehab (provided by UKAT)

Involves staying at a rehab facility for the duration of Spice addiction treatment. This means you cannot work, go to school or take care of your normal responsibilities. Inpatient rehab is a more intensive and immersive treatment option, providing a structured environment away from everyday stressors and potential triggers.

Outpatient Spice rehab (provided by NHS among others)

Allows you to live at home while attending regular treatment sessions. Outpatient rehab is less intensive and offers more flexibility, which may be suitable for those with mild addiction or strong support systems at home. However, it does not shield you from stressors or triggers, which can and often does lead to relapse.

Benefits of inpatient Spice rehab at UKAT

Undergoing Spice rehab at UKAT is like stepping into a world meticulously designed for healing and personal growth. Our treatment centres are places where every element is tailored to foster your journey back to wellness, enveloped in a nurturing and empowering atmosphere. Some of the key benefits include:

Space and time for healing

Our inpatient Spice rehab centres are peaceful, immersive environments which provide a true haven for healing. With the time and space you need, these sanctuaries will allow you to focus solely on recovery, shielded from the distractions and triggers of the outside world.

Zero access to Spice

In the recovery battle, the absence of temptation can be a powerful ally. Our inpatient rehab centre ensures a completely Spice-free zone, crafting an environment where the possibility of relapse is significantly minimised.

Round-the-clock care and support

At UKAT, you are never alone; our professionals are always available to guide, support and enhance the effectiveness of your addiction treatment. This constant care ensures that any severe withdrawal symptoms, emotional struggles or personal needs are addressed promptly, allowing you to progress on your healing journey.

New and meaningful relationships

The path to recovery is paved with connections and shared experiences. At UKAT, you will live alongside other clients on their own recovery paths. This creates a sense of community where everyone involved offers emotional support and companionship. These relationships can help you through difficult moments during and after your time in Spice rehab.

Spice rehab therapies at UKAT

UKAT offers a rich tapestry of therapy options far more diverse than typical outpatient settings. This variety ensures that your individual needs, preferences and unique aspects of your Spice addiction are addressed. Our Spice rehab programmes are based around the 12-step process, which has long been acknowledged as the gold standard for addiction recovery. As part of this process, some of our key treatment approaches include:

Group therapy
Provides a platform for sharing your experiences and learning from others. This can help make Spice rehab a more enjoyable place and give you new coping strategies and insights that can be useful tools for preventing relapse.
One-to-one therapy
Offers personalised attention and tailored strategies to address your challenges and goals. Rarely offered in outpatient rehab, it will give you a chance to delve deep into the causes and consequences of Spice use so you can begin to rebuild
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT helps in identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours which are fuelling your Spice abuse. This can help break the cycle so you can plan a new life without drugs.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT combines CBT and mindfulness in one incredibly effective therapeutic approach. It focuses on improving your ability to control emotions and develop and maintain relationships.
Art and music therapy
These holistic therapies use creative expression as a therapeutic tool for emotional exploration and expression. They can also be very soothing experiences, especially during the often emotionally straining Spice rehab process.
Family therapy
Aims to repair and strengthen your family dynamics and support systems. This will give you people to lean on during difficult times and help to create a recovery-friendly home environment.

Spice relapse prevention: The final hurdle

Preventing relapse after you leave Spice rehab is the final and often most difficult hurdle. However, the key to relapse prevention is understanding that recovery is a lifelong journey requiring ongoing commitment and support. Some effective strategies for relapse prevention include:

  • Continued aftercare: Participating in structured aftercare programs like UKAT’s one-year free weekly group therapy can provide continued support and reinforcement of recovery principles.
  • Developing a healthy lifestyle: Incorporating healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can enhance your overall well-being and resilience.
  • Building a support network: Relationships with supportive friends, family or peers who understand and encourage your recovery journey can help you through tough times when relapse is most likely.
  • Learning and practising coping skills: Developing skills to manage stress, emotions, and triggers is essential to prevent relapse.

Before you leave UKAT Spice rehab, your recovery team will help you create your relapse prevention plan, including many of these strategies

Begin Spice rehab at UKAT today

Beginning treatment for Spice addiction takes enormous bravery, and at UKAT, we are committed to providing you with a supportive, comprehensive and effective treatment experience. Our team of professionals is ready to guide you through every stage of your recovery journey, from detox to rehab and beyond. Contact UKAT today to start your journey towards a healthier, Spice-free future.

FAQ’s

How long does Spice addiction treatment take?
This depends on several things, such as the duration of Spice withdrawal, whether you are fully committed to treatment and whether you have any co-occurring medical conditions. UKAT provides different lengths of Spice rehab programmes to help as many people as possible, but we commit as long as we can to treatment and healing. This will give you the best chance of a successful recovery.
How much does Spice addiction treatment cost?
The length of your stay in Spice rehab determines this. Contact UKAT to find out more about pricing plans and options.