Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts)

There is a variety of substances that continue to be large issues within our society. Some of these are derived partially from natural sources, such as marijuana and cocaine. Whereas others are synthetically created, meaning that they are made by humans within a lab. Some of these synthetically created substances are made for the purpose of use in the medical realm, whereas others do not really serve any purpose other than for individuals using them to recreationally get high. One of the latter that has become much more prominent over the past few years is bath salts, which are synthetic cathinones. Cathinone is a stimulant found in the khat plant, which grows in East Africa and Arabia, and its leaves are sometimes chewed on for mild stimulant effects.

These substances are within a category called, “new psychoactive substances” (NPS). NPS’s are highly concerning to public health officials, as they are unregulated mind altering substances that have been showing up on the marketing and mimic the effects of illegal drugs. Some of them may have been around for quite some time, but variations can also show up on the market. While bath salts is a street name, it is not to be confused with the common household items that are actually placed in baths. These synthetic cathinones are actually used to substitute compounds within other substances as well, such as meth, Molly, and cocaine.

The Effects of Bath Salts

Typically, these drugs will take the form of a brown or white powder that is crystal like and contained within a small plastic baggy. They are sometimes labeled “not for human consumption,” but this is generally just a way to hide the substance from regulation. It is a sort of guise to say that it is not a consumable substance, although that is what people will be doing with it. A large problem with substances like this is that it has been tough for the DEA to crack down on them. Every time they discover these types of substances and regulate or illegalize them, another variation is created and entered into the market.

Bath salts can have a variety of effects upon an individual, such as:

• Increased Sociability
• Hallucinations
• Heightened Sex Drive
• Panic Attacks
• Delirium

Of course, bath salts can have the potential for addiction and other more severe effects. Some of the most adverse effects involve those who snort or inject them, which can potentially result in overdose or death, though swallowing or smoking them could also result in this.

A person could also develop a physical dependency, which can bring accompanying withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Sleep Difficulties
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Excited Delirium

Various Names for Synthetic Cathinones

These are unfortunately often sold in gas stations and convenience stores under various names to disguise their true purpose, such as “plant food,” “jewelry cleaner,” or “phone screen cleaner.” And as mentioned above, they will be labeled not for human consumption. Labeling these substances as such allows them to get away with being sold in these stores. In addition, the internet has made it easier than ever to obtain these and many other substances. Various websites may offer bath salts for sale, and there are also black markets on the dark web that will sell them and various other substances.

They can come under a variety of name brands or street names, such as:

• Bloom
• Cloud Nine
• Vanilla Sky
• White Lightning
• Lunar Wave
• Flakka

These types of substances can lead to erratic behavior. In addition, there can be numerous negative health effects such as nosebleeds, sweating, and nausea. For those that experience an excited delirium, they could end up suffering from dehydration, skeletal muscle tissue breakdown, or kidney failure. The increasing sale and use of these substances have resulted in numerous cases where people had to receive emergency medical care. If an individual seems to be experiencing any of the above a result of their use, they should immediately seek medical attention.

When Seeking Help with a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

More people continue to fall into addiction to substances like bath salts and many others every day. And a large amount of these individuals are going to require comprehensive addiction treatment to be able to overcome it. Fortunately, there are many different types of addiction treatment facilities and modalities that individuals can attend to achieve this. The large amount of options out there can make it difficult to know what the best choice is, but that is what we are here to help with. Our advisors are knowledgeable and familiar with the facilities across the country. They can explain the various centers and their offerings, as well as help find the best fit in a facility for you or your loved one. Take the first step toward a new and sober life, and give New Beginnings a call today.