Despite what you may have heard from sensational media outlets, there is no “bath salts epidemic” sweeping the country However, that doesn’t mean that the drugs are harmless – they can still cause serious addiction problems for those who use them. And those who become addicted to the synthetic cathinones (commonly referred to as bath salts) often end up experiencing many dangerous symptoms and side effects.

A bath salts addictionis a serious concern that should never be ignored. In addition to the physical dangers, there are emotional and psychological complications that can arise when a person becomes addicted to these drugs. They will experience intense cravings, a lack of control over their behavior and their lives will begin to revolve around getting more bath salts. Eventually, they will do whatever it takes to get the drug, even if it means stealing from family members or committing severe crimes. This is because of the way that addiction rewires the brain, causing them to lose all sense of rational thought.

Bath salts are a type of synthetic stimulant, known as new psychoactive substances or NPS. These drugs are designed to mimic the chemical structure of other illicit drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine and ecstasy. They are largely manufactured in China and shipped to the US under different names, such as plant food or bath salts, in order to avoid scrutiny by law enforcement officials and the FDA.

Because the chemical makeup of bath salts is always changing, emergency physicians and treatment professionals don’t know what they are dealing with when they treat an addict. This also makes it difficult for a user to self-regulate how much of the drug they are taking, which can lead to overdose and other medical complications.

Those who are addicted to the drug may experience a wide range of side effects, including paranoia, hallucinations, panic attacks and increased sex drive. They may also be unable to sleep and have trouble with concentration and memory. The drugs can also raise dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in feelings of joy and alertness. They can also make people more sociable and prone to risk-taking behaviors.

Treatment for a Bath Salts addiction will typically involve behavioral therapy techniques. Some patients will also require medical detox, which can be done at an inpatient rehab center. This process allows a patient to be monitored for medical complications and will ensure that they receive the proper care while eliminating the harmful effects of the drug.

The best thing that loved ones can do is to be supportive and encourage the person to seek help for their addiction. This can be done through a support group for those who love an addict, such as Nar-Anon, and continued expressions of care and concern. It is also important to be firm with the person when it comes to setting boundaries for their use of bath salts.