Bath salts are designer drugs, or recreational drugs, whose chemical makeup is similar to Epsom salts. Despite the similarity in appearance, bath salts are not the same. They contain synthetic cathinones and are highly addictive. For this reason, they have been illegal for years. They are most often a white powder.
Synthetic cathinones
Despite the many benefits of bath salts, there are concerns surrounding the substances contained in these products. Among them are synthetic cathinones, which are psychostimulants. Among the most common of these is MDPV, which increases dopamine levels in the brain in a similar way to cocaine. However, this compound is at least 10 times more potent than cocaine.
Bath salts contain a variety of synthetic cathinones, which are chemically similar to amphetamines and MDMA. While the majority of these chemicals have been banned by the federal government or state governments, bath salts manufacturers still modify their formulas to avoid legal restrictions. The products are sold illicitly on the internet and by overseas vendors.
Synthetic cathinones were first created in the 1920s in France, but did not make it to the market for decades. They only became widely known in 2004 when an underground chemist published a recipe on the Web. However, this site was shut down, and the drug was subsequently banned in Israel. But this didn’t stop manufacturers from tweaking the formula and peddling the drug under different names. But even these slight changes can violate the law.
As a recreational drug, synthetic cathinones are highly addictive. They have similar self-administration patterns to methamphetamine. Bath salts users often report intense cravings and a compulsive need for the substances. They can build up tolerance and dependence, which results in very strong withdrawal symptoms. Because of their addictive nature, the sale of these substances is illegal in the United States.
Bath salts contain chemicals similar to other stimulants, but the effects of synthetic cathinones are more noticeable. They produce effects similar to a combination of cocaine and methamphetamine. However, the chemical reactions depend on the amount and combination of the different chemicals. In severe cases, people may experience psychosis when the levels are too high.
Moreover, they can cause violent behavior. A study conducted by Baumann, M. H., found that bath salts users have a behavioral pattern similar to those of methamphetamine users. The drug causes intense cravings that are similar to those experienced by methamphetamine users. Additionally, the unknown composition of the substance makes it more dangerous.
The first step to treating addiction is to stop taking bath salts immediately. These products are not a replacement for prescription medications and should only be used by those who are addicted to them. Instead of putting your health at risk, seek professional addiction treatment. A treatment program should start with detoxification and continue with long-term counseling to help you recover.
Many users have reported severe medical complications as a result of bath salts. Some of these chemicals cause severe dehydration, breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, and even kidney failure. The effects can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. In some cases, bath salts have even caused fatalities.
These drugs are increasingly popular and are available OTC. They are sold as a crystalline powder and can be ingested, injected, or inhaled. The most recent MTF survey found that 0.9% of American adults used bath salts. The survey also reported that bath salts are also being sold under other names such as plant food and jewellery cleaner.
There are no safe dosage levels for bath salts. Toxicity studies have found that there are 40 different types of compounds in bath salts. This means that a daily dose of one “brand” of bath salt might be too high or too low for you. The amount of bath salts is constantly changing, and new compounds are continually being discovered.
As with any new drug, bath salts are subject to new names, formulations, and forms, but they aren’t going away anytime soon. As long as they are available, bath salts will continue to wreak havoc on people’s lives. It’s important that people who use bath salts remain vigilant and aware of any new developments.
Synthetic cathinones can be addictive and have high abuse potential. There is no known safe dosage for bath salts, but it’s recommended to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about your health or addiction. Even in small doses, the risk of overdose can be substantial and fatal.