Bath Salts and Substance Use

“Bath Salts Drug Suspected In Miami Face-Eating Attack”

This is the title of a news story that is generating a lot of interest. There are times when the issue of substance use and abuse is almost surreal, almost as if it doesn’t exist unless it touches your life. This particular news story demonstrates the pervasive nature of addiction; it consumes your life, affecting everything and consuming all your thoughts. If you have someone in your life who has an issue with addiction, you know what I am talking about.

One of the things we do at Holistic Behavioral Solutions is following our passion; I love working with kids and helping them get to their next step ( it is the same process as adults but with a little more hopefulness on their part). The topic in my adolescent substance prevention group this week was “bath salts” and what they can do to us, knowingly or unknowingly.

In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of designer drugs, often marketed as legal highs or innocent-sounding substances. Some of these substances are K2, Cratom, Juul, or, in this case, “bath salts.” Every year, another substance threatens our youth’s growth and development. Despite the seemingly harmless name, these synthetic drugs can have dangerous consequences for those who use them.

Substance Use: What Are Bath Salts?

Bath salts are synthetic cathinone, a class of drugs chemically similar to amphetamines. They are designed to mimic the effects of amphetamines and other stimulants, resulting in increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. These drugs are often sold as white powder in small packages labeled “bath salts,” “plant food,” or “cleaners” to evade legal restrictions. The packaging is intentionally misleading, as these substances are not meant for bathing or cleaning.

Substance Use: The Appeal and Misconceptions:

Bath salts have gained popularity due to their accessibility, affordability, and the false belief that they are safe. This misconception can lead users to underestimate the risks associated with these drugs. Bath salt users can experience a variety of effects, including:

Euphoria

Health Consequences and Addiction

Bath salts can also lead to a variety of health issues, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and body temperature. Users may experience severe anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. Most people may not realize it, but the stimulating and euphoric effects of bath salts can be highly addictive, making it challenging for users to quit.

The stimulant properties of bath salts can lead to aggressive or violent behavior, posing a danger to both the user and those around them. The composition of bath salts can vary significantly from one batch to another. Users are often unaware of the specific ingredients they are consuming, which increases the risk of adverse reactions.

Unfortunately, chronic use of bath salts can have long-term consequences on physical and mental health, including cardiovascular issues, cognitive impairments, and a higher risk of psychiatric disorders. Chemically induced schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are frequently diagnosed in acute treatment populations.

The Importance of Prevention and Education:

Preventing bath salt use and its associated risks requires a multifaceted approach. Raising awareness about the dangers of bath salts is critical, as many users are unaware of the true nature of these substances. Building a strong and supportive community network can provide a safety net for individuals at risk of substance use. Additionally, we can ensure that individuals struggling with substance use have access to treatment, and support is essential for their recovery.

Within the past year, I have personally seen the devastation that smoking bath salts has caused for families whose youth have been exposed to this substance in Central New Jersey. According to the CDC, the rate has risen by 2013% between 2010 and 2012, and to date, many of the youth who have consumed this substance have not recovered. They have been unable to function, go to school, or be in the community, often sitting at home for weeks at a time, staring into space. We are not sure what the rest of their lives hold.

Bath Salts and Substance Use? Act now!

It is critical that our kids realize that they take their lives into their own hands when they go out with their friends to “celebrate” and either consume illicit substances or put themselves at risk by being drugged by others. EVERYONE is at risk whether we realize it or not, and sometimes, the safest course of action is vigilance. 

How can we be vigilant as parents? By parenting with the end in mind. We can talk to our youth about what we expect from them as community members. We can tell them the positive and healthy ways we can celebrate in our own lives and tell them of a time when we struggled to cope. When we teach our kids that they don’t have to be perfect, we give them the freedom to make mistakes. We also give them healthy boundaries to let them know we value them and they should value themselves. 

Finally, ask your children if they would give their own children or siblings this substance. Their answer might surprise you. But until next time, let’s keep talking.

The Holistic Store

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