Understanding Bath Salts Addiction

What Are Bath Salts?

Bath salts are not necessarily a well-known substance like marijuana, cocaine or heroin. They are called bath salts because they are sometimes sold disguised as actual bath salts. This is because of their crystalline appearance or granular appearance. They can also sometimes be sold as plant food, jewelry cleaner or phone screen cleaner.

But what are bath salts? Bath salts include drugs like methylone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and mephedrone. These are synthetic cathinones, which are very similar to cathinone, which is a stimulant that is derived from the khat plant. Although natural cathinone Is fairly mild, the synthetic versions of the substance can be much stronger and much more dangerous.

Bath salts are known on the street as many things including:

• Ivory Wave
• Purple Wave
• Vanilla Sky
• Cloud Nine
• Bliss
• White Lightning

The Effects of Bath Salts on the Body

Bath salts have an effect on the body similar to other stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine. They have not been studied as much, however. They work by increasing the levels of chemicals in the brain like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These chemicals are pleasure and reward chemicals. Sometimes other substances can be included or substituted in the production of bath salts, which can produce dangerous or unpredictable symptoms.

Some of the physical effects of the use of bath salts include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Reduced need for eating or sleeping
• Chills
• Increased temperature
• Kidney pain
• Chest pain

Some of the psychological effects of bath salts use can include:

• Alertness
• Confusion
• Delusions
• Agitated or aggressive behavior
• Euphoria
• Increased sociability or lowered inhibition

When bath salts are abused, there can be significant effects on the body. These symptoms can be extremely dangerous, including:

• Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue
• Panic attacks
• Twitching and involuntary movement
• Suicidal thoughts
• Paranoia
• Sleep disturbances
• Kidney failure
• Dehydration

Bath Salts Withdrawal Symptoms

The abuse of bath salts can quickly lead to bath salts addiction. When someone has developed a dependence on bath salts, they may be consumed with intense cravings for the substance. In addition to the lingering psychological and physical effects that come with regular use, when someone stops using bath salts, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Decreased ability to concentrate or remember

Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

For those who are starting treatment programs for synthetic cathinones or bath salts, detox may be required. In this phase, medical professionals overlook and monitor your progress so that they can manage withdrawal symptoms as needed. Detox activities can include:

• Medication treatments for pain, discomfort and cravings
• Assisting with withdrawal symptoms
• Medical monitoring
• Nutrition to support healthy detox

Once you have detoxed, it’s important to begin a treatment program. Most treatment centers are going to offer residential treatment programs and outpatient treatment programs for bath salts treatment. The Recovery Village Ridgefield offers expert care, and the addiction specialists and healthcare professionals on staff understand exactly what you are going through.

Addiction treatment programs may include therapy and counseling on a one-on-one level as well as group sessions, nutrition and fitness therapy, managing drug cravings, life skills and substance abuse courses and medication treatment supervised by healthcare professionals. The Recovery Village Ridgefield is convenient to Vancouver, Washington; Tacoma, Washington; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon and Eugene, Oregon.

If you are struggling with a bath salts addiction, now is the time to ask for help. So many people are afraid to seek treatment for their drug addiction, but you need to be courageous and stand up and ask for help. Reach out to us, and allow us to show you how to begin your path to recovery.