Is Smoking Bath Salts Harmful?
Learn More: Why smoking bath salts is one of the most harmful and dangerous things you can do
Synthetic Cathinones – commonly known as “Bath Salts” – are a class of man-made drugs that produce a wide range of stimulant effects. For this particular reason, it is highly abused. But, smoking bath salts is a habit with dangerous side effects and the possibility of having fatal consequences.
Bath salts abuse has been increasingly popular, causing high concern in our society and prompting public health officials to denominate the group as part of the “new psychoactive substances” (NPS).
These NPS are not regulated and, in short, description, mimic the effects of illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Bath salts side effects are a direct hit to your brain. Because of its highly stimulant reaction, this type of drug causes lowered inhibitions, increased energy and intense agitation. Additional bath salts side effects include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Extreme agitation, that may lead to violent behavior
- Increased sexual drive, that may lead to lascivious acts
- Hallucinations
In many cases, smoking bath salts leads to erratic behavior, where the abuser experiences homicidal thoughts, that combined with paranoia and hallucinations, can cause harms to others.
Bath salts abuse also develops into other health conditions that may be irreversible if the person does not receive immediate medical attention. Some of those bath salts side effects include delirium, dehydration, the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, kidney failure, nosebleeds and loss of sense of smell.
Another dangerous consequence of bath salts abuse is the increased possibility of a fatal intoxication, due to the high doses of synthetic cathinones. An abuser will go into an episode of seizures until their whole system collapses.
Bath salts side effects, like any other stimulant, can also lead to long-term damage. When someone has been struggling with bath salt abuse for a considerable amount of time, they will also experience physical exhaustion, reduced appetite, malnutrition, depression and, in many cases, suicidal thoughts.
In order to overcome abuse or addiction to smoking bath salts, the abuser will need intensive rehabilitation treatment.
There is no medication currently available to treat the disease but, an effective rehabilitation treatment for this type of drug rehab program will require medical detoxification (removing the toxins from the body) and a thorough therapeutic process.
When the person detoxes, he or she will experience withdrawal just as it happens with other stimulants and other drugs. They will experience severe mood swings, episodes of aggression, intense drug cravings, and depression.
For this, and many other reasons, it is imperative that detox is done under medical supervision. Once detoxification is completed, behavioral therapy will take place to treat the disorder.
Some of the methodologies of behavioral therapy that may be used can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Contingency management, or motivational incentives
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Group or family therapy, as the case calls for.
In addition to these, a recovering addict will need to learn new coping skills that promote healthier habits, and that have the purpose of helping them prevent a relapse once treatment is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers you're looking for
Bath salts is the colloquial name for synthetic cathinones -- a class of synthetic stimulants chemically related to cathinone, a natural compound found in the khat plant. Common synthetic cathinones include MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone. They are sold under various names and produce intense stimulant and entactogen effects.
Smoking synthetic cathinones produces rapid-onset stimulant effects -- intense euphoria, heightened alertness, increased energy, and in many cases, paranoia, hallucinations, and extreme agitation. The fast onset of smoking contributes to higher abuse potential and more unpredictable acute reactions compared to oral administration.
Synthetic cathinones are highly unpredictable due to variable potency, chemical instability, and the unknown composition of most street products. They produce extreme paranoia, violent behavior, hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature), and cardiovascular complications that can be rapidly fatal. Medical staff treating acute bath salt intoxication face some of the most unpredictable and dangerous presentations in toxicology.
Yes. Synthetic cathinones frequently cause acute psychosis -- paranoid delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior -- even at first use. In some individuals, psychotic symptoms persist beyond acute intoxication. The combination of psychosis and extreme agitation makes bath salt intoxication particularly dangerous.
Excited delirium is a state of extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and disorganized behavior that has been associated with synthetic cathinone use. It carries a high risk of cardiac arrest and requires emergency medical intervention. It is one of the most dangerous acute consequences of synthetic stimulant use.
Yes. Synthetic cathinones produce intense compulsive use patterns rapidly. Animal models and clinical observations suggest they may have higher addiction liability than cocaine in some cases. The intense rush followed by severe dysphoria drives rapid compulsive redosing.
Call 911 immediately. Do not leave the person alone. Keep the environment calm and minimize stimulation. Do not attempt to physically restrain someone in excited delirium -- this increases cardiac risk. Inform emergency responders of the substance used if known.
WhiteSands Treatment provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for synthetic stimulant use disorders, including the psychiatric consequences of bath salt use. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the substance use and any persisting mental health effects.
Most major insurance plans cover addiction treatment, including detox, residential, PHP, and IOP. Contact WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470 or visit whitesandstreatment.com to verify your benefits.
Most synthetic cathinones are Schedule I controlled substances in the United States. However, new chemical formulations are continuously developed to evade scheduling, creating a perpetual regulatory cat-and-mouse situation. The Federal Analogue Act provides some coverage for novel chemical analogs.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.
