Bath Salts Abuse Treatment
Bath salts, also known as synthetic cathinones, are a group of drugs designed to mimic the effects of illegal stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine. Bath salts can be highly addictive and pose significant risks to physical and mental health. Overcoming bath salts addiction requires a comprehensive and tailored treatment approach. At Prescott House, we provide comprehensive bath salts addiction treatment in Prescott, AZ.
What Are Bath Salts?
Bath salts are a classification of substances typically taking the form of powder, crystals or granules that resemble true bath salts, such as Epsom salts, or additional bath-related items. These drugs are often sold in containers that are marked “not for human consumption” in an effort to thwart law enforcement while giving vendors plausible deniability about the way in which they are used. While actual bath salts are sold at major retailers, the type of bath salts we’ll talk about today are dangerous synthetic substances that produce any number of mind-altering effects depending on the ingredients used and the synthesization process.
Bath salt pharmacology is wide-ranging and the chemical compounds used are changed regularly to stay a step ahead of law enforcement. While federal, state and local law enforcement groups are well aware of bath salts, they can’t ban the ingredients contained within them fast enough to keep a newer, and often more potent active ingredient from taking its place. In short, the people producing the drugs are constantly experimenting with new substances in order to remain on the right side of the law while law enforcement continues to test and ban new compound contained within bath salts.
Get The Help You Need to Recover From Bath Salts Abuse at Prescott House
Negative Effects of Use
Bath salts can be snorted, injected, smoked or swallowed. Injection is the most dangerous form of ingesting the drug, as these products rarely contain a list of ingredients or dosages. Remember, these bags are marked “not for human consumption” which allows producers the ability to forego a list of ingredients, either active or otherwise.
Ingestion causes different reactions in users based on the compounds used to synthesize the drug, as well as metabolic rates.
Overall, they are thought to be similar in effect to other stimulants, such as methamphetamine in the way they work. Bath salts work by increasing the levels of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine which leaves users with a state of increased awareness and energy, euphoria, and overall feeling of well-being. Some doses even cause hallucinogenic effects such as those created by LSD and peyote.
Serious Health Risks
Bath salts are a growing problem, and users often experience symptoms ranging from a headache, decreased circulation (cold fingers, toes, ears), nausea, and dry mouth. More severe effects include hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety or panic attacks, shortness of breath, and decreased inhibitions.
Using bath salts in high amounts or for long periods of time have been associated with continued violent or aggressive behavior, kidney failure, liver damage (or failure), heart attack, stroke, self-harm and an overall decrease in bone and muscle density due to tissue loss.
Stats for bath salt abuse are hard to find, as bath salts encompass a wide variety of substances. While the exact number of users are unknown, there have been some downright terrifying instances of bath salt users behavior caught on camera.
Key Points to Know about Bath Salts Abuse
Bath salts abuse can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences. Here are some key points to understand about bath salts abuse:
Intense Stimulant Effects
Bath salts can produce intense stimulant effects, including increased energy, euphoria, heightened alertness, and reduced need for sleep. These effects can lead individuals to misuse bath salts seeking a “high” or to enhance their performance.
Health Risks
Bath salts abuse carries significant health risks. These substances can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior. In some cases, bath salts abuse has resulted in severe medical emergencies and even fatalities.
Psychological Impact
Prolonged bath salts abuse can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. The potent stimulant effects of bath salts can disrupt brain chemistry and exacerbate underlying mental health conditions.
Tolerance and Dependence
Continued use of bath salts can lead to tolerance, requiring individuals to consume larger doses to achieve the desired effects. With increased tolerance, dependence can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or cut down on use.
Social and Legal Consequences
Bath salts abuse can lead to strained relationships, isolation, financial difficulties, and legal issues. The illicit nature of bath salts and their association with harmful behavior can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and their families.
What’s Included In Our Bath Salts Addiction Treatment in Prescott, Arizona
Medical Assessment and Detoxification
The first step in bath salts addiction treatment is a thorough medical assessment to evaluate the individual’s overall health and determine the appropriate treatment plan. In cases of severe addiction, medical detoxification may be necessary to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and help the individual achieve physical stabilization.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is a critical component of bath salts addiction treatment. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, motivational interviewing, and individual counseling are commonly used. These therapies help individuals identify and modify problematic thought patterns and behaviors associated with bath salts use, develop healthy coping skills, and address underlying issues contributing to addiction.
Group Therapy and Support Groups
Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who have faced similar struggles. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other addiction recovery groups offer ongoing support, encouragement, and a sense of community during the recovery process.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many individuals with bath salts addiction may have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health conditions simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive care to support long-term recovery.
Education and Relapse Prevention
Treatment programs provide education about the dangers of bath salts and strategies to prevent relapse. Learning about the risks associated with bath salts use and developing relapse prevention skills can help individuals make healthier choices and maintain their sobriety.
Supportive Services and Aftercare
Successful bath salts addiction treatment often includes supportive services and aftercare planning. This may involve ongoing therapy sessions, outpatient treatment programs, sober living arrangements, and access to community resources. Continued support and follow-up care are crucial to help individuals navigate the challenges of early recovery and sustain long-term sobriety.
Family Involvement
Involving family members or loved ones in the treatment process can be beneficial, as it helps create a supportive network and enhances understanding of addiction and recovery dynamics. Family therapy or education sessions can foster healthier communication, improve relationships, and provide a stronger foundation for the individual’s recovery journey.
