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.

Similar to 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

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?

Bath salts are highly addictive, similar to cocaine and heroin. Abruptly stopping the use of the drug can and usually does send the user into withdrawal. Seeking medical attention is imperative when this occurs, due to some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms. Because the chemical makeup of the drug is never the same as the last batch, it is difficult to determine exactly how each person will react to the drug or the withdrawal of it.

Although the drug is named bath salts, it should not be confused with Epsom salts which people use in baths. Unlike cosmetic bath salts, the toxic bath salts that we are speaking of are produced only for recreational drug use and have absolutely no legitimate use for bathing. Epsom salt has no toxic, mind-altering ingredients.

Signs of bath salts 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.

The Effects of Bath Salts On The Body

Since the bath salt epidemic is still fairly new, it’s still unknown what this drug does to your brain. The effects are much like taking cocaine or Molly, creating a sense of euphoria for the user. Reports say that users also feel an enhanced sense of sociability and sex drive, as well as feeling extremely energized.

Other bath salt side effects 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

Bath salt withdrawal occurs because these drugs alter the brain’s chemistry and create dependence over time. Synthetic cathinones are known to stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the brain’s reward system. When bath salts are used repeatedly, the brain becomes accustomed to the increased dopamine levels and begins to rely on the drug to function properly. When the drug is suddenly stopped, the brain experiences a chemical imbalance that can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

These symptoms can include:

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

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.

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 detoxification, a residential inpatient program, family education, 12-step meetings, and fellowship and aftercare.

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 addiction treatment program that will include one-on-one counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and integration of the 12-step philosophy. 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.

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

If you or a loved one is addicted to bath salts, do not wait another day. Help is available. Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers and enter the addiction treatment program that is right for you.

Related Reading

Bath Salt Use Has Deadly Consequences

Bath Salts vs. Meth

Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

What are Bath Salts?

Synthetic cathinones, better known as bath salts, are manmade drugs that produce very strong and very dangerous stimulant effects. Cathinones are 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 cathinones are a cheap, legal substitute for cocaine or meth; sometimes bath salts can be found in products that are sold as Molly.

Similar to 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. 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. If someone is addicted, they need help from our Northeast addictions treatment centers.

Bath salts are highly addictive, similar to cocaine and heroin. Abruptly stopping the use of the drug can and usually does send the user into withdrawal. Seeking medical attention is absolutely imperative when this occurs, due to some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms. Because the chemical make-up of the drug is never exactly the same as the last batch, it is difficult to determine exactly how each person will react to the drug or the withdrawal of it.

Although the drug is named bath salts, it should not be confused with Epsom salts which people use in baths. Unlike cosmetic bath salts, the toxic bath salts in which we are speaking of are produced only for recreational drug use and have absolutely no legitimate use for bathing. Epsom salt has no toxic, mind-altering ingredients.

SIGNS OF BATH SALT ADDICTION

  • Insomnia– The individual stays up for days or even weeks at a time
  • Loss of appetite– Uninterested in eating; unable to keep food down
  • Jittery behavior– Person appears anxious, jumpy or paranoid
  • Bizarre behavior– May be the result of hallucinations
  • Violent and/or aggressive– Sudden outbursts of anger, usually resulting in aggressive tendency, even physical violence

COMMON STREET NAMES FOR BATH SALTS

  • Cloud
  • Bliss
  • Nine
  • Drone
  • Energy-1
  • White Lightening
  • Ivory Wave

THE EFFECTS OF BATH SALTS ON THE BODY

Since the bath salt epidemic is still fairly new, it’s still unknown what this drug does to your brain. The effects are much like taking cocaine or Molly, creating a sense of euphoria for the user. Reports say that users also feel an enhanced sense of sociability and sex drive, as well as feeling extremely energized.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BATH SALTS

  • 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

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

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

Clearbrook Bath Salts Addiction Treatment Program

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 which includes detoxification, a residential inpatient program, family education, 12-step meetings, and fellowship and aftercare.

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 in order for us 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 addiction treatment program that will include one-on-one counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and integration of the 12-step philosophy. 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.

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

If you or a loved one is addicted to bath salts, do not wait another day. Help is available. Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers and enter our bath salts addiction treatment program today. We are currently accepting patients; most insurance providers accepted!