What are the effects of bath salts?

What are bath salts?

Bath salts are a designer drug of abuse with reports of dangerous intoxication from emergency departments across the US. "Bath salts" are not a hygiene product used for bathing, as the name might imply, but are dangerous synthetic ("man-made") cathinones. Cathinones are stimulants found in the khat plant, grown in East Africa and southern Arabia.These mind-altering drugs are strong central nervous system stimulants that inhibit the dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake system (neurotransmitters in the brain).

Balt salts can lead to serious, and even fatal adverse reactions. The drug effect is a high or "rush" that is similar to methamphetamine (speed). They are often sold on the street as cheap substitutes for other stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

What’s in bath salts?

Depending on the core ingredients of the bath salts you are using, bath salts can contain the following:   
Magnesium, Bromide, Chloride, Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, Iodine, Sulfur, Zinc.

Types of Bath Salts

Dead Sea Salts

• Contain more minerals than regular salt that cleanse, detoxify, and restore skin.
• Rich in zinc and bromide to soothe itchy skin and improve circulation.

Epsom salts

• Manmade compound of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur to relax muscles and joints.
• No scientific evidence it provides the same benefits as natural salts.

Himalayan Salts

• Different mineral composition from Dead Sea salts.
• Naturally rich in magnesium to aid sleep and sulfur to disinfect.
• Packed with minerals for a calming soak.

What are the effects of bath salts?

Bath salts are noted for producing a "high" similar to methamphetamine: the sought after effects may include:

• euphoria
• increased wakefulness, concentration
• elevated sex drive
• hallucinations
• talkativeness
• empathy
• a "rush".

Acute side effects may include:

• rapid heart rate
• chest pain
• high blood pressure
• hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
• excess sweating (diaphoresis)
• pupil dilation (mydriasis)
• vessel constriction
• reduced appetite
• muscle spasm or tremor
• seizures.

Higher doses can lead to serious behavioral and psychiatric effects such as:

• severe panic attacks
• psychosis (hallucinations, delusions)
• paranoia (extreme distrust)
• agitation
• confusion
• insomnia (inability to sleep)
• irritability
• violent behavior.

Uses for Bath Salts

1. Control oily T-zone - Gently massage fine salts into the nose and forehead area for 3 minutes, then squeeze from bottom to top.
2. Reduce acne scars - Massage bumpy areas in a spiral with salt for 5-6 minutes. Avoid active breakouts.
3. Lighten skin spots - Circle spots with wet salt using light facial massage motions.
4. Prevent dandruff - Mix salt and water, massage into scalp after shampooing, then rinse out.
5. Deodorize underarms - Apply salt directly as an antibacterial. Can also use salty cotton pads daily.
6. Relieve body acne - After a warm shower, massage salt into back with a brush for 1 minute, then apply salt water.
7. Freshen feet - Rub coarse salt thoroughly over toes, soles, and between toes to remove odors.