Is bath salt addictive?

YES. You can easily become addicted to taking bath salt. More about what bath salt is made of, bath salt addictive-ness and the potential risks of bath salt here.

3
minute read

YES. Bath salt is addictive.

What’s in bath salt that makes it so addictive? How do you know if you have are addicted to bath salts? We’ll review these questions here. And we invite your questions about bath salts at the end.

What is bath salt used for?

So-called “bath salt” isn’t really used for bathing at all, but is a name for several designer drugs to help them slip under the radar. The bath salt drug has nothing in common with actual beauty products used in bathing, and such products (for example, Epsom salt) will not get you high. Bath salt has no legitimate medical purpose and is only used for its psychoactive effects.

What is bath salt made of?

Bath salt can contain the drugs mephedrone, methylone, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). These drugs are synthetic versions of the Schedule I drug cathoinone. The inactive ingredients in a particular batch of bath salt depends on the brand – it’s usually impossible to know exactly what drug you’re getting, and what else might be mixed in with the powder. That’s part of what makes the effects of bath salt so unpredictable – bath salt effects have been compared with everything from cocaine, to ecstasy, to LSD.

How addictive is bath salt?

Bath salt is extremely addictive. Many people have reported feeling uncontrollable cravings for bath salts after using them for only short periods of time. Because bath salt is not regulated in all jurisdictions and may be legally sold in some states, it’s easy to access this drug and experiment with it. There’s also generally no dosing instructions provided with bath salt, making it easy for people to overdose or develop an addiction.

How do you get addicted to bath salt?

You’re more likely to become addicted to bath salt if you have a history of drug abuse, but anyone who takes large doses of bath salt, or who takes bath salt for an extended period of time, can end up with an addiction. And if you make the conscious choice to abuse this dangerous drug, it’s very likely you will become addicted. Some ways that people misuse and abuse bath salt are:

  • swallowing the bath salt powder
  • snorting bath salt powers
  • dissolving bath salt in water and injecting it intravenously
  • taking high doses of bath salt
  • taking bath salt frequently
  • binging on bath salt

Signs of bath salt addiction

Bath salt addiction involves both a psychological and physical dependence on any or all of bath salt ingredients: mephedrone, methylone, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone. You may be unable to go without bath salt because of withdrawal symptoms. Other signs of bath salt addiction include:

  1. Continued bath salt abuse despite negative consequences
  2. Craving bath salt and using it compulsively
  3. Seeking bath salt in order to stimulate the “reward center” of the brain

Recognize these signs and symptoms of bath salt addiction in yourself or someone close to you? If YES…don’t wait to get help. Learn what it’s like to seek help from Bath Salts Addiction Treatment Programs and how you can choose the best treatment type, duration, and therapies for you. OR call 1-877-960-2430 NOW for immediate addiction help and appropriate treatment options referral.

Bath salt addiction potential questions

Do you still have questions about bath salt addiction potential? Please leave them here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference sources: Michigan State Public Fact Sheet: “Bath salts” frequently asked questions
DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Bath Salts or Designer Cathinones (Synthetic Stimulants)
NIDA: “Bath salts” Emerging and Dangerous Products 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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