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How to Help a Bath Salts Addict

Are Bath Salts Addictive?

Bath salts are addictive. The drugs are notoriously known for producing serious side effects that may be damaging from the first hit. They are a synthetic type of cathinone—found in nature in the khat plant. Cathinones are similar to amphetamines, which is why the amphetamine and bath salts addiction processes are similar.

The addictive properties of bath salts can lead to users losing touch with reality and losing their self-control. The drug works on the neural pathways of the brain, altering how the brain works and leading to addiction. Addiction to bath salts can be devastating, but personalized addiction treatment programs are available and can get you or a loved one started on the path to recovery.

Approaching a Loved One With an Addiction

If someone you know is addicted to bath salts, they are likely dealing with several physical, emotional, and mental issues. Family, friends, neighbors, and even coworkers can provide support and love during the addicted individual’s time of need.

It is important to keep in mind that your loved one may be defensive about his or her drug use. The best thing you can do is offer support and care on their journey to recovery. Make it clear to them that no matter what, you are there for them. Continued support and ongoing expressions of concern and encouragement for them to get help can be what your loved one needs to agree to treatment.

It is important to maintain a positive relationship with the addicted individual, and if you have enabled, or helped them use drugs in the past, it is best that you stop those behaviors immediately. Enabling behaviors may include:

  • Paying for drugs.
  • Making excuses for the addicted individual.
  • Giving the person rides to see their dealer and pick up drugs.
  • Paying their rent.

If you are thinking of approaching a bath salts addict, prepare ahead of time and consider enlisting the help of a professional. You can also get support in navigating the difficult waters of a loved one’s addiction through:

What Are the Signs of Bath Salts Addiction?

There are many indications of someone being addicted to bath salts. Some of these signs are easy to see, while others only develop after long-term use of the drug. Some signs you might see include:

  • Psychosis.
  • Dizziness.
  • Ulcers.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Paranoia.
  • Confusion.
  • Combative behavior.
  • Mood disorders.
  • A loss of coordination.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Problems with the heart.
  • Severe depression.
  • Suicide attempts.
  • Delirium.

Addictions that are not treated can lead to serious injury and potentially death. Cardiac arrest is possible in cases of high dosages and bath salts overdose. Those with heart problems may also suffer cardiac issues if they’ve taken this drug.

Am I Addicted to Bath Salts?

Bath salts aren’t used medically, so any use of the drug is unsafe.

If you’ve taken the drug and crave it, this is a potential sign of addiction to bath salts.

Withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug and a growing tolerance to it are both signs of a growing addiction problem.

Bath Salts Addiction Treatment Types

Regular use of bath salts can result in serious health consequences. It is important to consider treatment if you or a loved one is addicted to this drug.

Recovery from abuse and treatment for addiction are completed in three parts. The first part is detoxification. During this stage, you will be supervised by medical professionals. If you choose to detox under supervision in a medically supervised inpatient facility, you will be monitored by medical professionals who will provide 24/7 support for withdrawal symptoms and take action if any complications arise. Detox can be an uncomfortable process—since your body has depended on the drugs for some time—so having medical and psychological support in a supervised facility can go a long way toward preventing relapse.

Bath Salts Withdrawal Medications

Currently, there are no medications approved to specifically treat bath salts dependence. However, medical professionals may prescribe the following medications to help mitigate some of the more serious bath salt withdrawal symptoms:

  • Antipsychotics: Careful, short-term administration of some antipsychotic medications can help to manage symptoms of stimulant-related psychosis. As the psychotic features associated with stimulant abuse and withdrawal will likely abate in short order, antipsychotic medications should be reserved for severe symptoms as they may lower a person’s seizure threshold, putting the patient at a slightly higher risk of seizure.
  • Benzodiazepines: These drugs may be used to manage any extreme anxiety and/or agitation that may arise during bath salt withdrawal.

Therapy and Aftercare

During the second stage of treatment, you may participate in emotional and psychological therapies. These will help you work on behavioral conditioning and better prepare you to live a sober life. During this step, therapists help patients work through depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring afflictions. Mental health issues occur alongside addiction more frequently than not. Because the two are interrelated, it is important to address both during treatment.

Finally, the final step of aftercare takes place. During this time, recovering patients may head to sober living houses or back to their own homes. Sober living homes serve as stepping stones between the drug rehab facility and home. They may be used to help prevent the chance of relapse as a person gets back on his or her feet. Aftercare may also include group assistance and support programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Find Bath Salts Addiction Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one is suffering dangerous outcomes of bath salts abuse, seek help today. Rehab programs are located throughout the U.S., and a variety of treatment types are available. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government’s website, do a web search for your state name and ‘.gov.’

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. Our 24-hour hotline is always available and trained treatment advisors will talk you through the process of getting help. Please contact AAC free at to learn about rehab programs and treatment options with us. There are also free drug abuse hotline numbers you can call.

You can also quickly and easily check your insurance coverage for free by filling out the form below.

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