Synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as “bath salts,” are man-made drugs created to mimic the effects of stimulants and hallucinogens. These drugs are derived from a non-synthetic cathinone from the khat plant. The man-made version of this substance is designed to be more powerful and potent but also deadlier. While many believe these drugs have no lasting effects, long-term bath salts drug abuse can lead to addiction and other health risks. Our bath salts rehab in Pennsylvania offers the necessary treatment to overcome these dangers and recover.

What Is the Drug “Bath Salts”?

Not to be confused with the products used in a bubble bath, bath salts also refer to synthetic drugs that are designed to act as stimulants and hallucinogens. Stimulants include both prescription and illicit substances that stimulate the central nervous system, increasing alertness, energy, and confidence. Hallucinogens are drugs that produce mind-altering side effects such as delusions and particularly hallucinations, hence their name.

Bath salts are derived from the naturally occurring cathinone found in the leaves of the khat plant, a shrub that’s native to places like East Africa and South Arabia. For years, residents of these regions have chewed on khat leaves for the stimulating and mind-altering high they can produce.

Unlike in the past, when there was a more natural use of these substances, bath salts today are addictive and dangerous. These drugs are often made of various chemicals, ranging from MDMA to methylone to other harmful ingredients that are often unknown to users.

These drugs are used as cheap alternatives to more expensive and dangerous stimulants like methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Using bath salts targets similar regions and chemicals in the brain as cocaine and other amphetamines, as well, making them nearly as potent and addictive.

Bath Salts Drug Effects

In an attempt to avoid legal detection, bath salts are usually sold in small plastic baggies and packages labeled “not for human consumption,” plant food, jewelry cleaner, or phone screen cleaner.

The way these drugs are made also varies depending on the authorities and their discovery of new formulations. This is because once one kind of bath salt has been found and exposed, bath salt manufacturers go back to the drawing board to create a new kind. Generally, bath salts look like crystalline rock or powders that can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Common bath salts effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration
  • Euphoria
  • Extreme agitation and violent behavior
  • Increased energy and alertness
  • Increased friendliness and sociability
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Increased sex drive
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Rapid breathing

Since they’re sold as a white or off-white powder, bath salts are usually snorted, swallowed, smoked, or diluted with liquid and injected with a syringe. Depending on how bath salts are used, side effects may be quicker or slower to kick in. Their duration and intensity may also vary depending on the form of administration.

Bath Salts Drug Abuse Symptoms

Long-term bath salt abuse can lead to addiction as well as physical, psychological, and social repercussions. Often people who abuse bath salts display a variety of behavioral and physical symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of bath salts abuse include:

  • Abandonment of responsibilities
  • Agitation and irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased performance at work or school
  • Depression
  • Excited behavior
  • Extreme sociability
  • Frequently talking about drug use
  • Increased sex drive
  • Mood swings
  • Odd behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Spending time with people who also engage in drug use
  • Sudden fluctuations in weight
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Talkativeness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Withdrawal from loved ones

There are some other possible signs of bath salts drug addiction that individuals with this habit may display. If you notice any of the signs listed above or other signs indicating that someone has a problem with addiction, the bath salts treatment at our residential Pennsylvania rehab can help.

Bath Salts Abuse Treatment in Pennsylvania

For over 45 years, our addiction treatment specialists have dedicated themselves to helping our patients recover from addiction and achieve a life free from drugs and alcohol. Our Northeast addictions treatment center offers comprehensive Pennsylvania drug treatment for all individuals who struggle with addictions to prescription and illicit drugs and alcohol.

We also serve our community as a bath salts drug rehab, providing unique and effective treatment for this particular form of substance abuse. At our facility, we determine our patients’ addiction treatment plans by performing a clinical assessment to ensure they receive the care they need.

For instance, some patients who are not medically stable may need to start off rehabilitation with our medical detox in PA, during which they receive 24-hour care, supervision, and medical assistance (as needed) to overcome withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are among the most difficult to cope with in recovery, so medically assisted detox can greatly reduce the risk of premature discharge and relapse.

Patients receiving bath salts abuse treatment will then follow the addiction continuum of care we offer, moving to residential treatment after medical detox. This is a program in which patients live in-house at our facility as their physical and psychological symptoms are addressed. While staying with us, they develop the relapse prevention skills necessary for sustaining long-term sobriety. Our addiction treatment in Pennsylvania is administered on an inpatient level of care, allowing us to dedicate our efforts to individuals in recovery who require 24-hour care and support.

Need Bath Salts Addiction Treatment?

Our bath salts rehab can help you or someone you care about overcome drug abuse and achieve lasting sobriety. Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today to learn more about our addiction services and how we can make recovery possible.

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