Addiction To Bath Salts
Table of Contents
Addiction, in any form, detracts from a person’s quality of life. Bath Salts, also known as synthetic cathinone, are an especially dangerous, unpredictable, and often addictive substance. But, what exactly are they?
What Are Bath Salts?
Bath Salts reside within a class of recreational drugs that are similar to amphetamines. When Bath Salts are taken, effects include feelings of euphoria, reduced inhibition, and increased energy. Within the past few decades, these drugs have become popular at raves and parties in the United States and Europe. But, make no mistake, the chemical makeup of Bath Salts is absolutely unhealthy and, in fact, dangerous. These drugs contain synthetic cathinone, in addition to methylenedioxypyrovalerone, methylene, mephedrone, and pipradrol. Bath Salts become especially unpredictable with the addition of various fillers, like salt.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bath Salts Addiction?
Addiction to Bath Salts begins the same way as any other addiction. The individual begins by taking Bath Salts occasionally, maybe only at parties or while around other people who are also taking the drug. Suddenly, users find themselves hooked. Without the drug, they experience cravings. They become dependent on the drug in order to experience the euphoric-high associated with use. Without that euphoric-high, the individual feels depressed, uneasy, and withdrawn.
Signs And Symptoms Of Use
An individual who has been using and/or abusing Bath Salts may show the following signs and symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased energy
- Impaired coordination
- Excessive sweating
- Sleeplessness
- Insomnia
Behavioral symptoms:
- Being uncharacteristically violent
- Overall changes in behavior
- Speaking rapidly and/or excessively
- Changes in eating habits
- Self-harm
- Fits of anger
Mental symptoms:
- Heightened euphoria
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Mood swings
- Hallucination
- Delusion
- Suicidal feelings
What Are The Side Effects Of Bath Salts Use?
One of the worst things about Bath Salts use is that it’s an unpredictable drug. The chemical, lab-produced contents of Bath Salts are unhealthy, and, furthermore, the dangerous substances used to cut Bath Salts are not regulated by any government agency. Therefore, no one really knows the exact contents. Those addicted to this drug face issues with long-term mental and physical health. The drug’s unpredictability causes side effects we cannot even fully identify. If you or your loved one is addicted, acting quickly is crucial. It’s very important to get into treatment, the sooner, the better. With appropriate care, you or your loved one can regain control and go on to live a happy, healthy, and prosperous life.
Because Bath Salts are a synthetic variation of the stimulant cathinone, they are especially damaging to the human body. In nature, cathinone is found in the khat plant, but Bath Salts are a dangerous, chemical version of the substance. The khat plant is a shrub found in certain parts of the world, including East Africa and Southern Asia. The plant is grown for its stimulant effects. People take bits of the khat plant in their mouths and chew on the leaves in order to get a “high” or a euphoric, happy feeling. Whether synthetic Bath Salts or cathinone, this type of drug stimulates the central nervous system, resulting in increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which cause the user to feel intense euphoria and increased energy. Use of this chemical substance will result in a wide range of side effects, including addiction and dependency.
Long And Short Term Side Effects
Long and short term side effects associated with Bath Salts use may include:
- Lack of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Insomnia/Sleeplessness
- Fever
- Sweating
- Hypertension
- Jitteriness
- Shaking
- Spasms
- Tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Aggression
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Delirium
- Sudden suicidal behavior
- Acts of self-mutilation
Virtual Treatment Center: Who Are We?
At Virtual Treatment Center, we believe quality addiction recovery and mental health services should be easily accessible to those that want or need them, because ease of accessibility is what most often leads to success. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-tier virtual mental health teletherapy and addiction recovery services to all residents of California. Although we’re located in Orange County, our online teletherapy can be accessed throughout the state. In addition to providing addiction recovery services, we treat a variety of mental health issues and offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). Our teletherapy sessions are done via two-way, live interactive video or by telephone. Therapeutic visits are conducted on Zoom most often, or on other virtual platforms that adhere to HIPAA compliance requirements.
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