When thinking of the words “bath salts,” you may picture small granules that are placed in bath water for their charming scent and soothing properties. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Bath salts are a group of synthetic substances that cause unpredictable and erratic behavior in humans. The notorious drug has caught the public’s attention in recent years due to its potential psychological effects, one of which is violence. [1]
Over the years, the number of aggressive and erratic behavior patterns related to bath salts has expanded, and a multitude of evidence has been collected to show how bath salts impact the brain and human behavior. With their popularity increasing, it is important to understand how bath salts compare to other stimulants, the consequences of long-term use, and the challenges of treating those who are addicted.
What Are Bath Salts?
A natural compound known as cathinone is found in the Khat plant. Bath salts have been synthetically created to mimic this stimulant; however, they are known to be far more dangerous and potent.
It should also be noted that a group of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have been skilfully created to avoid and bypass all existing drug laws and regulations. Bath salts fall into this category. [2]
Composition and Appearance
Bath salts appear as white or brown crystal powder and are often sold in small foil packages or plastic containers. The name on the packaging often reads as “plant food” or “research chemicals.”
This deceptive parcel is designed to conceal the purpose of the recreational drug. The active ingredients commonly found in bath salts are:
- Mephedrone: A synthetic chemical known for the euphoric effect it has on humans. Very similar to the effects of MDMA.
- Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV): This drug is extremely potent and hazardous as it is associated with psychosis and extreme agitation.
- Ethylone: A compound comparable to both amphetamines and MDMA.
Routes of Administration
Bath salts can be introduced to the body in many different ways. The drug can be snorted, ingested, smoked, or injected into the bloodstream. How the drug is administered is directly proportionate to the speed and intensity of the effects.
By injecting or snorting bath salts, the user increases the probability of severe adverse reactions, as well as violent tendencies, as the intense effects are accelerated.
Legal Status
Bath salts were once readily available in convenience stores, shopping malls, and online platforms due to them not being classified as controlled substances. However, governments have now recognized the dangerous effects that they are having worldwide. This has provoked a movement geared towards regulating a ban on synthetic cathinones.[3]
Psychological Effects of Bath Salts
It is crucial to understand the effects of bath salts when it comes to mental health and the ignition of violent behavior. Mental disturbances can range from feelings of anxiety and mood swings to full-blown psychosis.
Paranoia and Hallucinations
When bath salts are ingested, the brain begins to produce higher quantities of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are necessary for regular brain function, but when in excess, they can cause dangerous side effects. These can be visual or auditory hallucinations, causing users to see things that are not real. Users may also experience intense paranoia and distrust, leading to a fear of others around them.
The user could become defensive and violent as they might feel a sense of terror and believe they are being followed or attacked, which may cause them to feel threatened. The vivid hallucinations can be terrifying, adding to the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Psychosis
A common side effect of bath salts is psychosis, This can be described as a loss of contact with external reality. Some examples would be:
- Persecution or grandeur delusions.
- Difficulty with thinking and concentration as well as being unable to organize and maintain coherent thoughts.
- The possibility of endangering both the user and those around them through sudden erratic behavior.
This becomes exceptionally difficult for medical personnel and law enforcement to deal with as they often cannot predict the type of behavior that will occur from the psychosis.[4]
Why Do Bath Salts Change Your Behavior?
Intensified aggression and violence when under the influence of bath salts are caused by the drug’s ability to assume control of the brain’s reward and stress systems.
Altered Brain Chemistry
After taking bath salts, the brain no longer has the ability to reabsorb the excess dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin due to the synthetic cathinones found in the drug.[5] An accumulation of these neurotransmitters leads to:
- Euphoria (an elevated sense of pleasure and energy).
- Feelings of restlessness, irritability, and agitation.
- A lower threshold for anger and frustration, which can lead to extreme aggression outbursts.
After ingesting bath salts, the first effects will feel pleasurable. However, as the neurotransmitters in the brain begin to deplete, the user will experience a sudden crash. This typically leads to feelings of depression, irritability, and rage. This stage is usually where most violent outbursts are reported.
Dose and Frequency
The instances of violent behavior often depend on the dose and the frequency at which the drug is taken. When higher doses are taken, the effects are intensified, leading to higher chances of hallucinations, paranoia, and aggression. Frequent users of bath salts can end up with irreversible brain function changes in the long term.
Bath Salts vs. Other Stimulants
Bath salts are potentially more dangerous than other stimulant drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. However, they do share many similarities:
Potency
The effects of bath salts – both physical and psychological – are a lot stronger than many other drugs or stimulants, and even a small dose can have intense and long-lasting effects.
Behavioral Effects
Bath salts can cause aggressive behavior, even when a user has not been provoked. A mixture of hallucinations and paranoia caused by bath salts can lead to bouts of violence unlike those associated with any other stimulants.
Duration of Effects
The effects of bath salts depend on how the drug has been administered, but they can typically last for several hours. Beyond this, the risk of chronic aggression and psychotic episodes tends to increase when a user relies on the stimulant for extended periods.[6]
Long-Term Effects of Bath Salt Abuse
While the initial symptoms of bath salt use are immediate, using the drug long-term can be even more damaging. The effects of long-term use can cause brain damage, which in turn increases the risk of violent and erratic behavior.
Neurological Damage
The brain’s structure and function are altered by the synthetic cathinones in bath salts. Unfortunately, in many cases, this is irreversible as it damages the dopamine and serotonin systems in the brain.
These systems are an important part of controlling our moods, behavior, and cognitive function. Bath salts users may experience:
- Severe and chronic depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Loss of memory
- Problems with decision-making
Psychological Dependence
The addictive qualities of bath salts cause users to experience extreme cravings that lead them to actively seek out the drug. It is at this stage that they have already begun to exhibit signs of psychological dependence. Eventually, the addiction turns into a never-ending cycle of aggression, fueled by the desperate need to take another dose. This is especially true during periods of withdrawal.[7]
Treating Bath Salt Use Disorder
The treatment for bath salt addiction can be especially challenging. It requires an approach that is based both on the psychological and physical needs of the patient. Treatment should ideally be focused on:
Emergency Care
For users who are severely intoxicated, emergency intervention may be necessary. This is done by giving the patient sedatives and calming agents. This includes benzodiazepines, which suppress agitation and reduce the risk of users harming themselves or others. If, however, the situation calls for more extreme measures, an antipsychotic medication may be administered to manage psychosis and hallucinations.[8]
Rehabilitation
During rehabilitation, a specialist will normally use a combination of therapy and other support services. One such treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps users identify what triggers them to use the drug and build coping mechanisms to help them regain some control of their lives. Additional support is also offered with outpatient programs.
Challenges in Treatment
With the stigma surrounding drug addiction, many people are often too afraid or embarrassed to look for help. In many cases, users may even be unaware of the substances that they have taken. This is because the formulations of synthetic cathinones are continuously evolving, making it an even bigger challenge to combat the effects of bath salt addiction.
It is important to be aware that bath salts are one of the most dangerous drugs out there, and their impact on the brain’s chemistry can ultimately lead to dangerous psychological and behavioral changes. It is no wonder that this drug has been singled out from other stimulants because of its high risk of addiction, its intensity, and the risk of psychosis, violence, and paranoia.
Final Thoughts
To save lives and reduce the harm caused by bath salts, early intervention is not only necessary but crucial. Those who are battling with their addiction must be aware of what treatment options are available. While regulation of the substance continues to be an ongoing battle, it is important to look for professional help if you or someone that you love is battling bath salt addiction.
- John, M. E., Thomas-Rozea, C., & Hahn, D. (2017). Bath salts abuse leading to new-onset psychosis and potential for violence. Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses, 11(2), 120–124. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24951715/
- Sajwani, H. S. (2023). The dilemma of new psychoactive substances: A growing threat. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016423000099
- ScienceDaily. (2024). Synthetic stimulants called ‘bath salts’ act in the brain like cocaine. [Online] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120723151034.htm [Accessed 11 Dec. 2024]
- Altun, B., & Çok, İ. (2020). Psychoactive bath salts and neurotoxicity risk. Turkish Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17(2), 235–241. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7227911/
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource. (2023). Understanding brain chemistry: Key chemicals and their functions. [Online] Available at: https://www.nhnscr.org/blog/understanding-brain-chemistry-key-chemicals-and-their-functions/
- Baumann, M. H., Solis, E., Watterson, L. R., Marusich, J. A., Fantegrossi, W. E., & Wiley, J. L. (2014). Baths salts, Spice, and related designer drugs: The science behind the headlines. Journal of Neuroscience, 34(46), 15150–15158. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25392483/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Synthetic cathinones (bath salts). [Online] Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts
- Vazirian, M., Jerry, J. M., James, J., & Dale, R. M. (2015). Bath salts in the emergency department. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 9(2), 94–98. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25525943/
Our Medical Affairs Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience who actively contribute to the development of our content, products, and services. They meticulously evaluate and review all medical content before publication to ensure it is medically accurate and aligned with current discussions and research developments in mental health. For more information, visit our Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.
Samir Kadri is a medical writer with a non-profit sector background, committed to raising awareness about mental health.
Jennie Stanford is a dual-board certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine, holding an MD, FAAFP, and DipABOM. She has experience in both clinical practice and peer-quality reviews.
Medical Reviewer:
Our Medical Affairs Team is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience who actively contribute to the development of our content, products, and services. They meticulously evaluate and review all medical content before publication to ensure it is medically accurate and aligned with current discussions and research developments in mental health. For more information, visit our Editorial Policy.
MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.