Bath salts are the market term for a family of drugs containing a series of synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, a stimulant similar to amphetamine that is naturally found in the khat plant. Bath salts take the form of a brown or white crystalline powder often sold in foil packages. The name is simply a means of evading detection by authorities, which carries over to the packaging, which is often labeled as plant food, phone screen cleaner, or jewelry cleaner. When obtained, these drugs can be taken orally, injected, or inhaled, with the latter two proving the worst, most dangerous outcomes.
In 2011, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Associa tion found that bath salts were implicated in nearly 23,000 emergency room visits. About 33% of those visits involved bath salts alone, while 52% involved bath salts with other drug combinations.
Symptoms of Bath Salts Addiction
Drug addiction works by creating a chemical imbalance in your body. Bath salts, for instance, increases production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter implicated in reward, motivation, movement, and feelings of pleasure. In order to adapt to this surge in dopamine, the brain may attempt to create less dopamine naturally. This forces a user to continue seeking bath salts just to feel pleasure.
- Severe cravings
- Sudden financial, legal, or health problems
- Relationship problems (fights or alienation from friends and family
- Hiding or lying about bath salt use
- Anger or aggression when asked about bath salt use
- An inability to care about anything other than using bath salts
Effects of Bath Salt Abuse
How Bath Salts Effect You
Cathinones comprise a wide family of chemicals. Much is still unknown about how each of these synthetic chemicals actually affect the brain. Generally, the effects of bath salts are similar to those of amphetamine and cocaine, most notably feelings of euphoria coupled with increased activity. Other symptoms accompanying this euphoria include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Delusions
- Decreased need for sleep
Dangers of Bath Salt Use
Drug addiction works by creating a chemical imbalance in your body. Bath salts, for instance, increases production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter implicated in reward, motivation, movement, and feelings of pleasure. In order to adapt to this surge in dopamine, the brain may attempt to create less dopamine naturally. This forces a user to continue seeking bath salts just to feel pleasure.
Cathinones comprise a wide family of chemicals. Much is still unknown about how each of these synthetic chemicals actually affect the brain. Generally, the effects of bath salts are similar to those of amphetamine and cocaine, most notably feelings of euphoria coupled with increased activity. Other symptoms accompanying this euphoria include:
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure / Chest Pain
- Delusions
- Decreased need for sleep
Complications of Bath Salt Use
Symptoms of Bath Salt Addiction
Some common symptoms of bath salt addiction or abuse include:
- Severe cravings
- Sudden financial, legal, or health problems
- Relationship problems (fights, break ups, or general alienation from friends and family)
- Anger or aggression when asked about bath salt use
- An inability to care about anything other than using bath salts
- Hiding or lying about bath salt use
Medical Intervention for Bath Salt Addiction
Medical Intervention
Medicine plays an important role in the recovery process by working toxic chemicals out of your system, curbing cravings, and easing withdrawal symptoms. Bath salts are difficult in that they are fairly new and not well-known. At a detox facility, you may be treated with medication that is used for other stimulant drugs, like cocaine, meth, or MDMA.
Medication is often accompanied by counseling and behavioral therapies for mental and emotional health. These may incude:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Contingency management
RECOVERING FROM BATH SALT ABUSE
Recovery
Recovering from bath salts can seem difficult or intimidating, but detox ensures a good first step to a healthy, sober life. Detox is required for long-term wellness and often leads directly into more intensive 30-, 60-, or 90-day rehabilitation programs.
How to Find the Right Heroin Detox Facility for You
Georgia Drug Detox is dedicated to helping you find and select a detox program that fits your personal needs and gets you on track for recovery. It is important to complete your detox surrounded by supportive professionals who specialize in treating your specific addition, not just addiction in general. Contact us today at (678) 771-6411 and we will walk you through the process today.