In an effort to thwart law enforcement, synthetic drugs have increased in popularity over the past decade. One example of this is synthetic cathinones or bath salts. Marketed as a jewelry cleaner, plant food, or even ordinary bath salts, many contain chemical compounds similar to meth. Bath salts effects are dangerous and come with a high risk of addiction. Look for these signs and side effects of bath salts that will let you know if someone you love has a problem.
Do you need to know more about bath salts addiction treatment? Call us today at 866.262.0531.
Dangers of Synthetic Bath Salts
Many bath salts contain compounds similar to cathinone, which comes from the khat plant. Khat is an East African shrub that is renowned as a stimulant in many parts of the world. Synthetic cathinone has even stronger properties than its natural version, leading to bath salts effects such as:
- Hallucinations
- Excessive paranoia
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Extreme paranoia and mood swings
Bath salts effects can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending upon the compound. The subsequent crash that follows is often very drastic, leaving people with severe symptoms that could require an emergency room visit.
Most people use bath salts by snorting, injecting, or inhaling them. Another way is through keying, or placing a bit of powder on a key and then inserting it into the nose. If you notice someone has extra keys containing a white, powdery residue, he or she is likely keying.
Bath Salts are Commonly Abused
Many people begin taking bath salts because they seem innocent. After all, they do somewhat resemble the Epsom salts that you can purchase over the counter. As such, users are often unprepared for the extreme side effects that follow.
Others experience extreme euphoria and begin using bath salts more frequently. You may have an addiction to bath salts if you are constantly experimenting with new formulas or continue using them despite the risks to your health. For example, you might notice extreme weight loss, sinus issues, or heart problems after repeated use.
Treatment for Bath Salt Addiction
At Crestview Recovery, we understand that overcoming a bath salt addiction requires professional care, which is why we recommend detox first. Detoxification allows you to minimize withdrawal symptoms and better manage cravings, so you no longer desire the bath salts effects. Following detox, you may also engage in:
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling focuses on helping the individual understand and manage their addiction. It provides an opportunity to explore any underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of the addiction and to provide guidance on how to cope effectively with cravings, triggers, and other challenges related to ongoing recovery from substance use disorder.
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves several people meeting together in a safe, supportive environment to discuss their experiences and feelings related to their addiction. This type of therapy can be helpful for individuals with similar issues, such as substance use disorders, by allowing them to share their stories, receive support from others who are in recovery, and gain insight from peers who have been through similar challenges.
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps families understand the impact that addiction has on their lives and relationships. It provides an opportunity to explore underlying issues, address misunderstandings or resentment, learn how to support each other through recovery and develop a plan together for continuing care.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment that focuses on helping individuals identify and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. DBT helps people learn new skills for managing difficult or overwhelming situations, such as cravings or triggers related to substance use disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people understand their thoughts and behaviors related to substance use disorder. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative patterns of thinking, such as unrealistic expectations or beliefs about addiction, that may be contributing to addictive behavior.
12-Step Program
The 12-step program is a set of guiding principles for recovery from addiction. These include admitting that one has an addiction, accepting help from others, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and making amends to those affected by one’s addictive behaviors.
Gender-Specific Treatment
Gender-specific treatment focuses on the unique needs of individuals based on their gender. This type of treatment can be beneficial for people who may feel more comfortable discussing gender-specific issues in a safe, supportive environment and can provide tailored strategies to help them manage cravings and triggers related to substance use disorder.
Contact Crestview Rehab Center Today
You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about seeking help for a synthetic cathinone addiction. At our bath salts drug addiction rehab center, we provide compassionate, confidential care to help you overcome your dependency. Contact us today at 866.262.0531 to find out more.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
