While some bath salts are intended for bathing, the term also refers to synthetic drugs available on the black and gray markets for recreational use. Bath salts can induce dangerous and enduring effects, including physical dependence and addiction. Fortunately, at Clearbrook in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, our bath salts detox program is equipped to support individuals struggling with dependence on these substances.
What Are Bath Salts
Available in powdered, crystalline, tablet, or capsule form, bath salts are sold in brightly colored packages these synthetic, or designer drugs are labeled under labels and names like “not for human consumption.” Bath salts are often marketed as innocuous products such as plant food or cell phone cleaners to evade legal scrutiny. They can be found on shelves in music stores, head shops, and gas stations, or they can be ordered online. Due to false labels, there are many myths about bath salts regarding their use and side effects. Since they can be purchased over the counter, people may think they’re safer than illegal drugs. However, this isn’t true.
The fact is that bath salts are synthetic cathinones, which produce similar side effects to cocaine and meth, such as increased heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and respiration rate, along with increased energy levels, sociability, excitement, focus, and pleasure. These drugs may also reduce the desire to sleep and eat, which can contribute to dehydration.
Bath salts may also contain substances that are similar to amphetamine, like mephedrone, methylone, or MDPV (3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone). Due to their dangerous and unpredictable side effects, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) placed these drugs under federal control in 2011, classifying them as Schedule I drugs.
Schedule I substances are illegal to possess or sell, have a high potential for abuse, and do not have medical use. Even though the three most common chemicals to make bath salts are illegal, drug manufacturers are finding ways to alter their chemical composition enough to escape regulation and control. This means that many of these products are being sold to the public and made accessible to recreational users.
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Common Bath Salts Withdrawal Symptoms
Due to their impact on dopamine levels, prolonged use of bath salts can lead to dependence as the brain becomes accustomed to the heightened stimulation. The brain's reward center starts craving the substance, particularly for its euphoric effects. Over time, this dependency leads to physical withdrawal symptoms.
When a person abruptly stops using bath salts or loses access to them after long-term abuse, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms primarily stem from the brain's reduced ability to produce dopamine, which is common in stimulant withdrawal. The brain struggles to regulate dopamine levels after prolonged use, leading to a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms of bath salts include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Feelings of foggy-headedness
- Inability to focus
- Intense cravings
- Lethargy
- Muscle aches
- Nightmares
- Slow thinking
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tremors
In addition to these withdrawal symptoms, bath salts carry a high risk of potentially fatal overdose and psychotic behavior. Known by street names like Bliss, Cloud 9, Meow Meow, Blue Silk, Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, Stardust, Snow Leopard, White Lightning, Red Dove, Explosion, and Tranquility, synthetic cathinones are dangerous, mind-altering substances that can be deadly.
While stimulant withdrawal itself is not typically life-threatening, medical complications can arise, especially with prolonged and heavy use. The longer and more intensely someone uses bath salts, the more severe their withdrawal symptoms are likely to be. Among these, severe depression and suicidal thoughts pose the greatest danger. Therefore, individuals looking to quit bath salts should seek support from a medical team during the detox process.
Bath Salts Withdrawal Timeline
The bath salts withdrawal timeline and the symptoms experienced vary depending on certain factors, such as the dose used, the length of time bath salts were used, and the last dose. There are genetic factors that may affect the nature of withdrawal symptoms, too. For instance, individuals with a predisposition to mental illness or a history of suicidal thoughts are more likely to experience intense withdrawals.
Additionally, bath salts withdrawal tends to follow a timeline in two distinct phases: a crash and cravings. The initial crash is marked by depression and lethargy, followed by a withdrawal that includes intense cravings. Stimulant withdrawal can occur as quickly as 90 minutes after the person’s last use, with bath salts having a shorter half-life similar to that of cocaine.
A drug’s half-life refers to the time it would take for half of the substance to leave a person’s system. Amphetamines that are sometimes mixed into bath salts have a much longer half-life, which can impact the withdrawal timeline. Overall, bath salts withdrawal can take more than a week to stop, lasting anywhere from seven to 10 days.
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Bath Salts Detox Treatment at Clearbrook
While bath salts withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening, it remains unpredictable and can lead to severe physical and psychological symptoms. The intense cravings, agitation, paranoia, and potential for self-harm during withdrawal make seeking professional care crucial for a safe and effective recovery. At our inpatient drug rehab, we prioritize your safety and comfort with a medically supervised detox overseen by experienced professionals. Our team provides 24/7 care to manage challenging withdrawals, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications to alleviate discomfort, and addressing any complications that may arise.
After detox, our commitment to your recovery continues with tailored medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and a gradual tapering regimen. Our approach is designed to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. We create a secure, supportive environment where you can focus on your healing without external pressures or triggers.
Our residential bath salt addiction treatment program extends far beyond detox. We offer a comprehensive range of therapies and programs, including individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and holistic approaches such as mindfulness and art therapy. These therapies aim to address the root causes of addiction, equip you with coping strategies, and support your long-term journey to sobriety. Our dedicated team is here to guide you or your loved one through every step of recovery from bath salts abuse, offering the care and support needed for a successful and lasting recovery.
Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers or call us today at (800) 582-6241 for more information about our bath salts addiction treatment and medical detox.
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