As little as three years ago, bath salts were legally available in head shops, gas stations and online. They were sold in foil packets under names like Blue Silk or Cloud Nine, with the words “not for human consumption” printed on them. This was done to escape legal restrictions, and because the drug technically used legal chemicals, it was able to be sold right underneath our noses.
What Makes Bath Salts So Dangerous?
For curious teens, a drug that was sold legally in their own community couldn’t be too harmful, right? Unfortunately, bath salts are designer drugs that use a cocktail of chemicals to achieve a high. They are some of the most unsafe drugs on the market.
Some good news: law enforcement has made many of the original chemicals in bath salts illegal since 2012 – MDPV, mephedrone and other ingredients – but the makers of bath salts stay one step ahead by modifying their formulas repeatedly. And, they aren’t afraid to put anything into the mix. This makes overdose, drug interactions and drug addiction more likely. Consider that MDPV is 10 times stronger than cocaine.
What Health Effects Can Occur With Bath Salts?
More light has been shed on the dangers of bath salts, so more young people realize that these drugs are nothing to mess around with. But it doesn’t stop all teens from avoiding the illegal drugs.
Bath salts remain highly desirable because they raise the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, giving teens an intense high.
They can also lead to a dangerously rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and violent behavior. Additional health effects, aside from drug addiction, include:
- Dehydration
- Panic attack
- Chest pains
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Kidney failure
What Is Being Done To Prevent Abuse?
Bath salts are very addictive, and just one use can create strong cravings in teens. President Obama signed into law the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, which bans certain ingredients. Keep in mind, however, that drug manufacturers find alternatives to use. This means that bath salts could still be sold right underneath our noses in small packets marketed as plant food or computer cleaner.
Thankfully, we are moving in the right direction by banning more chemicals, making it harder for synthetic drugs to be sold legally and encouraging teens and parents to recognize what these drugs look like. Additionally, more teens are aware of the intensity of these drugs, removing the once-innocent image they carried.
Teen Bath Salt Addiction Treatment
The River Source treats bath salt addictions in male teens, ages 13-17. Our program is specifically designed for teens and includes naturopathic detox, therapy sessions, nutritional counseling and other holistic therapies.
Call us now to start your journey to a drug-free life. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way!