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.

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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.

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

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.