Bath Salt Usage Disorder
Bath salts, also known as Dead Sea salts, are a unique category of designer therapeutic drugs. The original name was derived from cases where the medicines were disguised as bath salt. The crystals, powders, or white flakes often look like Epsom salts, although differ chemically. There is no question that bath salts have become very popular in recent years and are used widely for many different medical reasons.
People who take them for relaxation, stress reduction, pain management, and for mood control, have often reported having strange, almost supernatural experiences. Some of these are a result of the combined action of the chemicals in the bath salt, which stimulate both the brain and the nervous system. Often it has been seen that people who suffer from panic attacks and/or hallucinations while driving or while flying, can calm their nerves by taking a bath salt in which they believe is filled with a calming substance. Although these are not the only incidents involving the supposed psychotropic properties of bath salts, there seems to be enough anecdotal evidence that supports at least some of the claims.
It should be noted that bath salts misuse can also lead to paranoid behavior and mental confusion. This occurs when a person takes bath salts intending to relax, but uses them in ways that are more suggestive of prescription medication. For example, someone who has taken a bath salt that has a calming effect may begin to take them in order to calm down. Over time, the use of bath salts with potentially harmful side effects can lead to severe mental health problems.
A second common citation used to describe bath salts involves children. These products are often presented to children as gifts on birthdays and Christmas. Many times a confused young person will open a package to find candy-like “bath salts” inside. Unfortunately, this is a false representation and these products are not therapeutic in any way. Even if a child does ingest bath salts – which should not be consumed on a regular basis – the ingestion of candies is completely harmless.
People have reported having hallucinations and psychotic symptoms after the ingestion of bath salts. In one case, a man was hospitalized after apparently taking drugs in order to reduce symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Medical staff suspected that he had ingested cocaine rather than the bath salts. After performing various tests, it was determined that the man had in fact taken cocaine.
A third common citation refers to using bath salts to treat paranoia and depression. Two people were arrested in Florida in March of 2021 after police noticed them making bizarre statements. Upon further questioning, police discovered that the suspects were under the influence of cocaine. The men later said that they did not know that the substance was illegal and did not intend to do anything illegal. They were subsequently arrested and charged with felony counts of possession with intent to sell and distribute.
In considering the above citation, it is important to remember that bath salts may not necessarily lead to the use of illegal drugs. However, they certainly can result in a host of psychological problems. The psychological effects of bath salts can range from mild irritations such as mild anxiety and panic attacks, to more severe conditions such as psychosis and hallucinations. It is important that anyone who has become aware of this issue contact medical professionals for professional consultation.
Although bath salts use disorder is relatively new, it is not unknown. Many people experience strange mood swings, uncontrollable sweating and tingling in their hands and feet. It is also worth noting that bath salts abuse is not limited to young people. Many elderly people, children and even infants have had the drug experiences strange and often inexplicable side effects. It is therefore important to note that bath salts misuse is not merely a problem for teenagers.