The Harmful Effects of Using Bath Salts

Bath salts are an increasingly popular category of designer drug. The name originates from cases where the original drugs were disguised as bath salts. The crystals, powders, or white powders often look very similar to Epsom salt, but are different chemically.

Active agents in bath salts intoxication can cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking, and difficulty breathing. Other common side effects are tremors and hallucinations, respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, ringing in the ears, ringing in the head, and ringing of the stomach. People who experience these symptoms may believe that death is immanent or imminent, and panic. These feelings are heightened by the knowledge that bath salts can kill.

People who use bath salts may also experience allergic reactions, such as hives, nausea, and swelling of the face and mouth. There are very small traces of other drugs in bath salt; these include amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, codeine, and alcohol. These substances interact with each other and with the main chemicals of the body, causing greater toxicity than the combined amount of individual substances. The side effects of bath salts may be increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, respiratory depression, and seizures. These substances can also cause feelings of euphoria, increased sexual stimulation, and the illusion of well-being.

It’s not known how bath salts addiction progresses from occasional use to an addiction. Some people experience a single bout of addiction and go into a state of shock when they are cut off from the source of their enjoyment, which may include an Internet addiction or gambling addiction. With a longer period of use and additional use, the addiction becomes a “neat” pattern. It is possible for a bath salt addict to detox without entering a residential treatment facility, but most addicts will need inpatient therapy and be monitored by a therapist during the entire process.

Aftercare for bath salt users has to be carefully planned. Recovering addicts have to be encouraged to return to regular activities, such as going back to school, using the computer, or having social contact. People experiencing hallucinations while taking bath salts should be closely monitored. It is important for family and friends to understand the nature of the behaviors and feelings exhibited by a person who uses bath salts, including any fears or worries that may be associated with withdrawal.

Detoxification requires undertaking a regime that includes the use of a detoxifying agent, a period of strict dieting, and in some cases, therapeutic or psychotherapeutic group sessions. A doctor’s supervision is recommended for patients that are using bath salts due to their habituation to the effects of the chemicals present in the substance. Detox can also occur if a person begins to experience serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, or diabetes. If you are interested in learning more about detoxifying from bath salt, please visit my website today.