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Medical Author:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Bath salts facts
• What are bath salts, and how are bath salts abused?
• What is the history of bath salts?
• Are bath salts addictive?
• Are bath salts legal?
• What are risk and protective (prevention) factors for bath salts abuse and addiction?
• What are the symptoms and signs of bath salts intoxication?
• What are the side effects, complications, and prognosis of abusing bath salts?
• How is bath salts abuse and addiction diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for bath salts abuse and addiction?
• Where can people find more information about bath salts abuse and addiction?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Bath Salts Abuse and Addiction Index

There are a number of biological, psychological, and social factors, called risk factors, that can increase a person's likelihood of developing a chemical-abuse or chemical-dependency disorder. The frequency that addictions to any drug, including bath salts, occur within some families seems to be higher than can be explained by the addictive environment of the family. Therefore, most substance-abuse professionals recognize a genetic aspect to the risk of this and other drug addictions. Mental-disorder symptoms that are caused by bath salt abuse or addiction include mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Social risk factors for bath salts, as for any type of drug abuse and addiction, include male gender, age 18 to 44 years old, unmarried marital status, and lower socioeconomic status. According to statistics by state, people residing in the West tend to be at higher risk for chemical abuse or dependency. As with substance abuse in general, prevention of bath salt abuse and addiction is increased by circumstances like receiving appropriate supervision, as well as clear messages from family members that drug use is unacceptable.

The signs and symptoms of bath salts intoxication include feeling euphoric ("high"), sexually stimulated, thinking one is more focused, and having high energy levels for two to four hours after taking the drug. Those symptoms tend to be followed by feeling very let down for several hours to days thereafter.