Bath Salts in Context
Not very long ago, the media was abuzz with bath salts. At first people were thinking about the ones that are used in luxury spas and ultra-pampering sessions. In fact, these were not the bath salts being discussed. These were the new street name for a concoction of different synthetic chemicals including mephedrone, pyrovalerone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone. Although difficult to pronounce, they are easy to obtain and get high on. No sooner did they hit the streets, emergency rooms and psychiatric wards were being bombarded with the bath salt epidemic.
The Effects of Bath Salts Abuse and Addiction
Not very long ago, the media was abuzz with bath salts. At first people were thinking about the ones that are used in luxury spas and ultra-pampering sessions. In fact, these were not the bath salts being discussed. These were the new street name for a concoction of different synthetic chemicals including mephedrone, pyrovalerone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone. Although difficult to pronounce, they are easy to obtain and get high on. No sooner did they hit the streets, emergency rooms and psychiatric wards were being bombarded with the bath salt epidemic.
What are bath salts?
Bath salts are the term used for new family of synthetic drugs which are similar to amphetamines or stimulants. One recent study has shown the effects of bath salts are worse than those associated with meth.
Bath salts come in the form of white or brown crystals and are sold in small plastic bags. They can often be found in gas/petrol stations, small shops and online. They are labeled as “not for human consumption” and may also be sold as a “jewelry cleaner” or “plant food”. Brand names include “Lunar Wave”, “Vanilla Sky”, “Scarface” and “Bloom”.
It’s worth noting that these bath salts should not be confused with Epsom salt, pink or black salt or other natural salt mixtures which are used in healing and beauty products.
Short term Effects of Bath Salts
The energizing and agitating effects of bath salts are similar to cocaine or methamphetamine, but stronger. Both of these drugs increase dopamine which causes pleasure, energy and increase in activity.
Due to bath salts being a relatively new drug of abuse, there is not very much known on how they affect the brain. It is assumed that each variant of bath salts may have somewhat different properties, and chemically, they are similar to amphetamines (such as methamphetamine) as well as to MDMA (ecstasy). A recent study has shown that cathinone, one of the chemicals used in bath salts, raises dopamine levels in the brain, but is 10 times more potent that cocaine or meth.
When smoked, ingested or snorted, bath salts can cause extreme short term effects such as hallucinations, chest pain, tremors, seizures and paranoia. It is not uncommon for paramedics to be “attacked” when they are trying to help a person under the influence of bath salts.
Long Term Effects of Bath Salts
Currently, there needs to be more research carried out on the long term effects of bath salts. Although many states in the U.S. as well as, the United Kingdom have outlawed the chemicals in bath salts, there is still a growing demand for the drug. What is known about bath salt abuse is the extreme paranoia and agitation brought on by the use of the drug can last for an extended period of time.
Heart attack, kidney or liver failure, an increased pain threshold, dehydration, a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and homicidal or suicidal tendencies are all potential outcomes. Moreover, when a user has an underlying mental health issue, the risk for a psychotic episode is greatly increased.
Abuse, Addiction and Withdrawal of Bath Salts
Currently, there are a number of indicators which show that bath salts have a high probability for abuse, tolerance build-up and addiction. People who have undergone bath salt rehab treatment have said that the drug causes extreme cravings and a loss of control. Therefore, it is safe to assume (research is needed) that frequent use can cause dependency and withdrawal. A common concern with bath salt abuse is the other ingredients in the package which could potentially lead to further harmful effects.
Common signs of a bath salt addiction include jittery behavior, insomnia, impaired motor skills, rapid heartbeat, extreme paranoia, panic attacks, anger, agitation, bizarre or erratic behavior and self-mutilation.
Due to the severity of a bath salts addiction, rehab treatment centers should be sought before quitting this powerful drug. Without using, withdrawal symptoms could occur. These include intense cravings, anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, amnesia, confusion, violent behavior, nightmares and memory fog. Sometimes, a person can be so hooked on the drug that a bath salts detoxification rehab will be necessary.
Getting Treatment for a Bath Salt Addiction
Bath salts are nothing to mess around with. Many people say this drug is currently the most powerful and scary intoxicant available. It is both addictive and extremely hard to stop using. Often, a bath salt user will spiral down into an extreme state before realizing what has happened. A majority of people will need to spend a lengthy amount of time at a private rehab facility who is equipped to handle a bath salts addiction. This time will vary, but 30-120 days is ideal.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to bath salts, consider getting treatment at a private rehab center in Thailand. Here, privacy is respected and the individual will be able to focus completely on the program. The Siam Rehab Thailand center is ready to help you or a loved one overcome the addiction to bath salts. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
