Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

Manmade drugs are a dangerous category of substances that hold the potential to cause an irreparable amount of damage to a person’s life. They highlight the lengths that people will go to either to indulge in their destructive habits or to gain profit from those who fall victim to the first scenario. No matter the case, something like a bath salts addiction can throw the user’s life into disarray, which is why our Clearbrook Rehab Centers are equipped to help them comprehensively heal.

What Are Bath Salts?

Synthetic cathinones, better known as bath salts, are manmade drugs that produce very strong and very dangerous stimulant effects. Cathinone is classified as a stimulant, which is derived from the khat plant. Khat is a shrub that is grown in Southeastern Arabia and East Africa. Native people would sometimes chew the shrub’s leaves for a mild stimulant effect.

These mind-altering substances have been around for some time but after growing in popularity in the early 2000s, bath salts have returned to the market in an altered chemical form. Synthetic cathinone is a cheap, legal substitute for cocaine or meth; sometimes bath salts can be found in products that are sold as Molly.

Like synthetic marijuana or Spice, bath salts can be legally sold, giving off the perception that they are safe and non-addictive. They come in small plastic or foil packages with the label “not for human consumption.” Bath salts can be easily purchased via the internet, paraphernalia shops (head shops), convenience stores, and truck stops.

Common street names of bath salts include:

  • Cloud
  • Bliss
  • Nine
  • Drone
  • Energy-1
  • White Lightening
  • Ivory Wave
  • Blue Wave
  • Purple PoP
  • Zoom
  • Cloud nine

Bath salts can be snorted, smoked, swallowed, or injected. Although the availability and convenience of these drugs have increased the use among younger adults and teens, the most prevalent bath salt customer comes from low-income rural communities. Usually, they are unable to afford the more expensive stimulant substitute, such as cocaine.

The companies that produce bath salts would like the public to believe that this drug is safe, because of where and how it is sold. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Bath salts are anything but safe and have a wide array of harmful side effects. Not only are bath salts hazardous to the user, but also to the user’s family, friends, co-workers, and the general public. Many times, the effects of bath salts can cause someone to be extremely aggressive and violent, putting everyone around them in jeopardy.

Are Bath Salts Addictive?

Yes, bath salts are highly addictive, comparable to substances like cocaine and heroin. Suddenly stopping their use often triggers withdrawal, which can be severe and requires medical attention. Due to the ever-changing chemical composition of bath salts, it's challenging to predict how individuals will react to the drug or its withdrawal.

Despite the name, these bath salts have no connection to the harmless Epsom salts used in baths. Unlike Epsom salts, which are safe and free of any mind-altering effects, toxic bath salts are dangerous synthetic substances produced solely for recreational drug use. They serve no legitimate purpose and pose serious risks to users.

The Effects of Bath Salts on the Body

Given that the bath salts epidemic is relatively recent, the long-term effects of this drug on the brain remain largely unknown. However, its immediate impact is comparable to substances like cocaine or Molly, often inducing intense euphoria. Users have reported heightened sociability, increased libido, and a surge of energy.

Signs of bath salt addiction include:

  • Insomnia: The individual may struggle to sleep for days or even weeks at a time.
  • Loss of appetite: The person is uninterested in eating or is unable to keep food down.
  • Jittery behavior: The person appears anxious, jumpy, or paranoid.
  • Bizarre behavior: The individual may exhibit odd behavior as a result of hallucinations.
  • Violent and/or aggressive: The person exhibits sudden outbursts of anger, usually resulting in aggressive tendencies, even physical violence.

Other side effects of using bath salts include:

  • Can exacerbate pre-existing mental health diagnoses, such as depression & anxiety
  • Can cause anxiety & depression
  • Dehydration
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations/Psychosis
  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Brain swelling
  • Breakdown of skeletal muscle
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart attack
  • Suicidal/Homicidal thoughts and/or actions
  • Extremely aggressive and violent behavior
  • Death

Bath Salts Withdrawal Symptoms

The severity of withdrawal can differ between users depending on various factors such as the length and frequency of use, dosage, and individual differences in brain chemistry. For instance, a person who has been using bath salts for an extended period and in high doses may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than someone who has only used the drug occasionally or in lower doses.

These symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Irritability
  • Lack of focus/Unable to concentrate
  • Violent behavior
  • Intense cravings & obsessions

Moreover, some people may be more prone to developing addiction and experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to genetic and environmental factors. No matter the case, it is important to seek out professional services such as our Massachusetts or Pennsylvania drug treatment to avoid adverse reactions to the mind and body.

Bath Salts Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania & Massachusetts

For more than 45 years, the drug and alcohol rehab programs at Clearbrook Treatment Centers have helped thousands with their drug and/or alcohol addictions. We offer a customized addiction treatment program for anyone who is suffering from a bath salts addiction, including

When you first arrive at Clearbrook Massachusetts or Clearbrook Pennsylvania, you will be greeted by our Admissions Specialists and then evaluated by our medical team. A thorough history is needed to ensure a safe and comfortable detox process.

After patients complete medically supervised detoxification at our state-of-the-art detox unit, our staff will create a personalized residential addiction treatment program that will include one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention education. In a safe and serene environment away from the temptations of daily life, you will gain the tools that you need to regain a healthy lifestyle.

For individuals seeking a more flexible treatment option, Clearbrook Pennsylvania offers a specialized Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for those battling bath salt addiction. This intensive program provides comprehensive daytime care, allowing patients to receive focused treatment while returning home each evening, offering a step down from residential treatment without overnight stays.

Additionally, our Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for bath salt addiction, available through our Clearbrook Pennsylvania and Clearbrook Massachusetts, offers a flexible option for those who prefer or require remote care. Patients can access individual counseling, group therapy, and case management services from the comfort of their own homes, ensuring continuity of care while maintaining their daily responsibilities.

During your stay, your primary counselor will work closely with you, your family, and our case managers to devise a continued care plan suited to your needs. The decision to commit to an aftercare plan is not only a significant step but also crucial to laying the foundation for lasting sobriety.

Take the First Step Towards Recovery!

If you or a loved one is struggling with bath salt addiction, don’t wait another day to seek help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner healing can begin. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we offer compassionate, personalized care to guide you through recovery. Call us today at (800) 582-6241 to speak with a dedicated team member and explore the addiction treatment program that’s best suited for you. Your journey to a healthier, addiction-free life starts with a single step—make the call today.

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