Addiction To Bath Salts In Young People

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Addiction to bath salts in young people in Arlington County, Virginia

We have seen them on the news: the potent and addictive designer drugs known as bath salts quickly gain infamy as we saw young adult abusers of bath salts turn into savage monsters.  But what is the real deal with bath salts?  What are they, and how, exactly, do they affect the body?

 

As of July 2015, poison centers had received reports of 316 incidents related to bath salts in 2015 alone.  The drug trend arrived in 2011, and while the drug is not as popular as it was in recent years, bath salts are still being abused by young adults around the country.

 

Contrary to the name, bath salts are not used for bathing.  They are not Epsom salts.  Instead, bath salts are powerful, psychoactive drugs which are illegal nationwide.  The family of substances that contain synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, an amphetamine-like drug, is constantly evolving.  

 

While cathinone is found within the khat plant, its relatives are made in the lab: Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Mephedrone (Meph) and Methylone are some of the bath salts which are the most widely used.  A study found that MDPV, which is the most common synthetic cathinone which is found with bath salts, is at least ten times stronger than the stimulant cocaine.

 

Bath salts are taken orally, intravenously, or inhaled.  The worst outcomes of taking the drugs are with needle injection, but most users administer the drug orally.  Taking bath salts delays the onset of effects for up to an hour and a half after the drug has been ingested.  The high from bath salts, though, can last up to four hours.  The chemicals produce a stimulating effect which is similar to amphetamines or cocaine.  It can also produce psychedelic effects similar to those of ecstasy.

 

The term “bath salts” was created for marketing purposes: to deter governments from stopping sales of the drug.  The term also acknowledges the form of the drug, as bath salts are usually found as a white or brown crystally powder.  Until recently, they were sold legally in gas stations and convenience stores.  These drugs are now marketed as plant food or jewelry cleaner, but are not tested for safety.

 

Alongside K2 and other synthetic drugs, bath salts were made Schedule I, and therefore illegal, in 2012.

 

Warning signs of addiction to bath salts

Since the ban on bath salts, we have seen a decline in the use of bath salts and addiction.  Abuse of bath salts is still an area of concern, mainly as they are still available for young adults.  Because of this, it is vital that you watch out for warning signs of abuse of bath salts.  Your child might be at risk of experiencing the detrimental effects from addiction to bath salts.

 

Initially, synthetic cathinone in bath salts produces feelings of euphoria, an increased desire to socialize, and an increased sex drive.  Many users, though feel adverse effects when they take these chemicals.  Even after the first use, users can experience agitation, paranoia and hallucinations.  Some people go so far as to act upon their impulses, resulting in suicidal and violent behavior as a result of their abuse of the drug.

 

Addiction treatment for bath salts in Arlington County, Virginia

Cathinone drugs such as bath salts have a high potential of abuse and addiction.  With regular use, users can experience severe withdrawal symptoms coupled with intense cravings, with leads them to escalate their intake of drugs, or use the drug again.  As bath salts are so addictive, it can be difficult for users to stop using by themselves.

 

Due to the mental and physical damage that addiction to bath salts can do, it is recommended that professional treatment is sought.  Rehabilitation treatment, such as outpatient drug treatment, is likely to be required.

 

Often, people who are addicted to baths salts have a co-occurring mental disorder.  This will mean that the addicted person will need treatment for their medical condition, as well as care to make sure that the user is safe.  Dual diagnosis treatment should be initiated at the same time as the bath salts addiction treatment.

 

Bath salts often produce dangerous side effects, which pose a threat to the user and the people around him.  If you believe that your child is abusing bath salts, do not allow your inclination to fall by the wayside.  Contact a treatment center now, to talk about whether your child may need outpatient drug treatment, or another form of treatment for their condition.






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