Bath Salts Withdrawal and Detox

“Bath salts” are the street name for synthetic cathinones, a dangerous class of stimulants that are chemically similar to cathinone. Cathinone is a substance found in the khat plant, a shrub grown in East African and southern Arabia. When chewed, the leaves of the khat plant produce mild stimulating effects. Human-made, synthetic versions of cathinone (bath salts) elicit a far more dramatic response, and in some cases can be very dangerous. Bath salts are often marketed as cheap, accessible substitutes for stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine and Molly. These drugs are typically easier to get ahold of than other illicit substances because they can be sold legally. In many cases, synthetic cathinones are sold legally, marketed most commonly as bath salts. They’re also sold as jewelry cleaners, plant foods and phone screen cleaners. When bath salts are used over extended periods of time, people can develop a physical and psychological dependence on them, which means that when they stop using the substance, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. While some of these symptoms can be mild, others may be dangerous and even life threatening. Fortunately, with the help of a professional detox center, individuals impacted by bath salt addiction can detox safely and take the first step toward recovery. While withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, a professional detox and treatment center like The Recovery Village can help make the process easier and safer, and can provide you with the therapeutic necessary to stay sober for a lifetime. If you’re ready to begin the recovery process, reach out to a caring representative at The Recovery Village today.

Detox Bath Salts

After using bath salts regularly, the body becomes accustomed to their presence and eventually becomes both physically and psychologically dependent on it. To overcome an addiction to bath salts, a person must stop taking these substances for an extended period of time. However, because their body is dependent on the presence of the drug, they may experience symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to life-threatening after they discontinue bath salt use. 

If you or someone you love struggles with bath salts addiction, The Recovery Village is here to help. Reach out to a representative on our bath salts addiction hotline today for more information about bath salt detox, rehab and recovery. 

The process of discontinuing the use of a drug is called detox. An essential part of overcoming dependence, detox is crucial to any bath salt recovery plan. However, detox can be dangerous if undertaken outside of a professional setting, which is why it’s essential that people go through bath salt drug detox at a safe, designed center like The Recovery Village.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:

Safe Bath Salts Withdrawal

Because synthetic cathinones are powerful stimulants, withdrawal from bath salts can be uncomfortable at best and life-threatening at worst. To ensure safety during bath salts withdrawal, it’s vital that a person undergoes detox under the care of compassionate, trained professionals. 

During detox, bath salts gradually leave the body. While unpleasant withdrawal symptoms may be felt at this time, clinicians and physicians at The Recovery Village are present to ensure that clients stay safe and secure. With 24/7 monitoring, constant care, healthy, nutritious meals and medications available to aid with symptoms, clients can take comfort knowing that they’re in good hands. Care during medical detox will be tailored to each individual’s needs, with all medications and treatments administered according to a physician’s medical recommendations. 

Following detox, many clients at The Recovery Village begin a care plan that helps address the roots of their addictions, and sets a sturdy foundation for lifelong recovery. While many clients transition to inpatient rehab and work through a full continuum of care, others progress to outpatient treatment. When a client first arrives at one of our centers, case managers evaluate their current medical and emotional needs. Based on the results of the evaluation, they will recommend specific levels of care, and create a customized treatment plan. 

No matter the treatment path, the goal of rehabilitation at The Recovery Village is to help clients find renewed meaning in life outside of addiction, and build the skills and techniques needed to maintain sober living. By combining evidence-based therapies with 

Bath salt addiction treatment programs at The Recovery Village include:

• Comprehensive care plans
• Care for co-occurring disorders
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Recreational amenities
• 12-Step programming

Withdrawal Symptoms of Bath Salts

If a person used bath salts for an extended period of time, they will likely experience bath salts drug withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms of bath salts can vary in intensity depending on how long bath salts were used, and what quantities they were consumed in. 

Some of the most common symptoms of bath salts withdrawal include: 

• Intense cravings
• Fatigue
• Gastric distress
• Insomnia
• Difficulty sleeping
• Violent or unpredictable behavior

Psychological symptoms of bath salts withdrawal typically include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Amnesia
• Paranoia
• Trouble concentrating

The length of these symptoms can vary anywhere between 48 hours to one week. As time goes on, the intensity of symptoms gradually decreases, but while the worst physical symptoms typically subside within this range of time, some people may experience psychological symptoms that persist for several weeks. Resisting the urge to return to bath salts can be difficult during this period of time, but with the help of a team of trained professionals at The Recovery Village, a patient has proper care and guidance during the detox process. 

Why Bath Salt Detox Is Necessary for Recovery

Recent studies found that some bath salts impact the brain in a way similar to cocaine, but with effects that are at least 10 times more powerful. Like amphetamines and other stimulants, bath salts can significantly alter the body’s chemical composition, and trigger a whole host of harmful side effects. This is because bath salts alter the functions of the central nervous system, disrupting neurotransmitters — like norepinephrine and dopamine — that control feelings of physical and mental well-being. As bath salt use increases or remains constant, the body and brain become accustomed to its presence, and adjust accordingly. 

Over time, regular bath salt uses causes addiction and dependence. But the short-term effects of this drug can be just as damaging. After ingesting bath salts, people may experience:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Extreme paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Panic attacks
• Excited delirium 

The altered mental state that bath salts produce can cause people to act out in violent ways, putting themselves and others in danger. Over time, bath salt use doesn’t just nurture dependence and addiction — the short-term effects can also increase a person’s risk of developing a wide range of mental and physical health conditions. These include mood disorders, psychosis, ulcers, heart attacks and stroke. The dangers of bath salt use increase dramatically when combined with other substances, including alcohol. 

With so many negative side effects, cutting out bath salts can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. But before anyone can begin the recovery process, they have to stop using bath salts and allow the substance to exit their body completely. Only then can the body begin to heal itself. Once bath salts detox completes and the drug is removed from the body, people can begin to reap the benefits of a life free from the negative side effects of bath salts usage. 

Additional questions about bath salt addiction? Learning more about bath salt addiction can help you better understand the condition and available treatment options. Visit our bath salts frequently asked questions page today. For more information, check out our bath salts-related topics page. 

If you or someone you love struggles with a bath salt addiction, hope and healing are closer than you think. The Recovery Village offers bath salts detox at several locations  across the country, including:

• The Recovery Village Umatilla: Umatilla, Florida
• Orlando Recovery Center: Orlando, Florida
• The Recovery Village Palmer Lake: Palmer Lake, Colorado
• The Recovery Village Columbus: Groveport, Ohio
• The Recovery Village Ridgefield: Ridgefield, Washington
• The IAFF Center of Excellence: Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Reach out to a representative at The Recovery Village today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs. With care for clients of all ages, our clinicians and physicians can help you take the first step toward a better life. There’s no obligation to begin treatment, and all calls are toll-free and confidential.