The name “bath salts” generally refers to a variety of drugs that are produced from the plant Khat, a shrub that grows in northeast Africa as well as some parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Khats produce cathinones, which are similar to amphetamines. Khats are stimulants that affect the central nervous system and are said to improve reaction times and to increase alertness. The most famous incident of apparent bath salt abuse involved a horrific attack of cannibalism in Florida, which turned out to be inaccurate.
Side effects of bath salts include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and dilated pupils. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke during even short-term use of the drug.
Ongoing use of bath salts and similar drugs result in effects similar to amphetamine abuse:
Ultimately, the most serious side effect of bath salts abuse seems to be addiction. The stimulation of certain neural pathways indicates that these drugs work in a similar way to amphetamines, creating similar addiction profiles. Additionally, bath salt users tend to lose touch with reality and lose their sense of self-control.
Bath salt addiction treatment is available for those who suffer from chronic abuse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used to deal with and reduce the psychological effects following detoxification.
Call now if you or a loved one is suffering from bath salt addiction. Our supportive team is here to help. We can discuss your individual situation and can help get you placed in a drug treatment center that meets your individual needs.