Bath salts are a collection of designer chemical substances created by Houdini. The name comes from cases where the drugs were disguised as dead sea salt. Today, however, bath salt is no longer used as a feminine beauty product. Rather, the bath salts are used as an alternative to bath salts by those who don't like the chemical fragrances in commercial bath products. The bath salts have a natural mineral flavor that some find objectionable, while others enjoy the distinctive scent bath salts create.
The bath salt industry has been targeted by drug and rehab centers for many years due to the illegal drug use associated with bath salts and their addictive properties. Many who seek treatment programs for addiction to these substances find that they are unable to overcome their addictions. Treatment programs, however, have discovered that bath salt from dead sea salt is a helpful and efficient alternative to other substance abuse treatment programs. The synthetic crystals, powders, or white flakes often resemble Epsom salts but are different chemically.
Body specialists use bath salts during detoxification programs because they have a much faster onset of action on the body than do prescription drugs and detoxification medications. Because the salts do not become addicted, there is no reason for the patient to develop a tolerance for the bath salts once they leave the treatment facility. Individuals who participate in spa treatments often report a sense of relaxation that they experience when they use bath salts. Some individuals who use bath salts to relieve muscle pain or muscle spasms find that the treatment products eliminate the pain because of the alkaline content of the bath salts.
Although bath salts may seem harmless, some health professionals discourage the use of bath salts as a means of pain relief. There have been reports of the adverse effects that prescription drugs may have on the body. People who have taken drugs may have experienced hypertension, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, numbness, headaches, and stomach cramps. Khat plant extract contains alkaloids, which may cause adverse effects when consumed by people who are already taking medication for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Individuals who take opiates may be at an increased risk for drug interactions if they also use bath salts to alleviate muscle pain.
The effects of bath salt consumption on some individuals may be mild and benign while others may experience serious mental disturbances such as hallucinations and panic attacks. Psychologists believe that the use of bath salts can lead to hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. Individuals who regularly consume this substance may develop thoughts that they are having a heart attack or stroke. Individuals experiencing paranoia may believe that strange men in black outfits are chasing them and possibly causing death.
Some common symptoms associated with drug use and abuse include dry mouth, sweating, a change in vision, difficulty breathing, a tingling sensation in the hands, increased heart rate, diarrhea, and vomiting. Many of these symptoms mirror the symptoms of high blood pressure, heart disease, or other medical conditions. Individuals with a history of drug use may also exhibit signs of paranoia such as seeing or hearing things that are not there. If you suspect that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to rule out any serious medical condition. Also, it is imperative to note that bath salts can have serious side effects that include elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate.
Because paranoia can often lead to more dangerous behavior such as suicide, drug addiction may eventually lead to psychotic disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts and actions. Individuals with paranoia may also resort to theft, fraud, prostitution, and violence in response to stress and depression. Abuse of bath salts can ultimately lead to severe chemical imbalances in the brain.
In spite of the bath salts ban in many states, they are still sold at parties, in rave circles, and online. Although the synthetic, stimulant-based chemicals contained in many "bath salts" have been banned by both the United States and the European Union, users continue to purchase them from dealers and sell them on online social media platforms such as Facebook. Although users claim that these substances do not actually addict users, those who have attempted to quit regularly state that the feeling of being so dependent on the substance is akin to an addiction. Substances such as ephedrine, a synthetic form of cocaine, are thought to have come from China and other parts of Asia. There are currently no current national laws against buying, selling, or distributing these drugs, although investigations into their sale continue.
