What are bath salts? The synthetic form of cathinone, which in its natural form is derived from the khat (Catha) plant native to southern Africa, is known colloquially by the name bath salts. This lab-synthesized stimulant, much more potent than the original, is becoming increasingly common along with other so-called designer drugs. This addictive and often dangerous drug is often sold in foil packages labeled as plant food, jewelry cleaner, phone screen cleaner, or bath salts and marked as “not for human consumption.” For people who abuse or become addicted to synthetic cathinone, drug addiction treatment is the safest and most effective way to stop using.
At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge, we offer treatment for stimulant abuse and addiction in a range of inpatient and outpatient programs with faith-based therapy options. All our therapies are evidence-based and provided by skilled, compassionate staff. If you have questions about what synthetic cathinones are, how they affect the brain and body, and their addictive qualities, feel free to reach out to us anytime. You can complete this online form or call us at 844.442.8673.
What Are Bath Salts?
Synthetic cathinones are taken as a powder, usually white or brown, that can be ingested, snorted, smoked, or injected. Though they were first synthesized in the 1920s, they are part of a group of drugs known as new psychoactive substances (NPS). Bath salts:
- Have no medical use
- Are currently unregulated
- Mimic the effects of controlled substances such as meth or cocaine
- Are mind-altering, addictive, and potentially deadly
- Are sometimes used to cut other drugs like MDMA (Molly)
Public health officials are increasingly concerned by the rise in the use of this uncontrolled substance. If you are worried about your abuse of this drug or concerned about a loved one, consider reaching out to PAATC for help. Our number is 844.442.8673.
Synthetic Cathinones and the Brain
There have not been many studies yet regarding cathinone’s interactions in the brain and the drug’s long-term effects. However, we do know that, due to their similarity to cocaine, meth, and other stimulants, the effects are similar, though it’s estimated that bath salts are often ten times more potent than those drugs.
Some signs of synthetic cathinone abuse are:
- Distrustfulness to the point of paranoia
- Increased friendliness and decreased aversion to risk
- Increased sex drive
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Extreme agitation
- Violent outbursts
Other (physical) side effects of synthetic cathinone abuse and addiction include:
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Breakdown in muscle tissue
- Kidney failure exacerbated by dehydration
Synthetic cathinone intoxication or overdose can lead to death. If you are abusing this drug, please reach out for support.
How PAATC Can Help
Professional addiction treatment is recommended for the abuse of bath salts. At PAATC, our medically supervised detox center provides a safe way to withdraw from synthetic cathinones, with medications provided to reduce the most difficult symptoms. During cathinone rehab, you will be supported by professionals so you can:
- Learn new life skills for sobriety
- Explore your addiction in therapy
- Recalibrate your mental and physical health
- Manage the depression and/or anxiety that often accompany the early stages of recovery from this drug
- Engage in family therapy to rebuild trust and communication with those closest to you
- Benefit from peer support, proven to be a significant factor in recovery
- Improve your long-term sobriety outcomes
For information about how to begin your recovery, answers to any questions you have about stimulant abuse, synthetic cathinone, or any other controlled or uncontrolled psychoactive drug, and compassionate conversation about what you are experiencing, reach out today. PAATC staff can be reached via this online form or by calling 844.442.8673.
