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Bath Salts Treatment and Rehab

Written by Jonathan Strum

& Medically Reviewed by Dr. Deep Shukla, PhD, MS

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Last Updated - 7/15/2020

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Updated 07/15/2020

Treatment of a bath salts addiction involves behavioral approaches, including individual and group therapy, family therapy and participation in social support groups. Enrollment in an inpatient or outpatient rehab can reduce the chances of relapse.

Long-term use of synthetic cathinones, commonly known as “bath salts,” can lead to the development of dependence on the drug. Dependence on bath salts may be severe enough to cause social and occupational impairment and eventually lead to addiction.

Treatment for bath salts addiction involves behavioral therapy and participation in support groups. The process usually involves detoxification followed by enrollment in an inpatient or outpatient rehab, depending upon the severity of symptoms.

Bath Salts Treatment and Therapy Program Options

Treatment for bath salts addiction generally involves behavioral approaches, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves identifying thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use and learning to cope with those thoughts.
  • Motivational enhancement therapy is based on strengthening the individual’s motivation to end substance use. This is done through the help of a psychotherapist’s counseling. This form of therapy does not involve step-by-step guidance from the therapist. Instead, it requires initiative from the individual to come up with strategies to overcome drug use.
  • Contingency management involves the reinforcement of desirable behaviors. For example, reinforcement for abstinence can be done by providing rewards for successful drug screenings (i.e., gift vouchers). These programs can help ensure abstinence during outpatient rehab while the patients learn new skills to help them resist drug use.

Treatment at a rehabilitation center can help people learn skills for coping with triggers that may lead to drug use. It also teaches interpersonal skills and personal responsibility to help people reintegrate into society after finishing rehab.


Inpatient Rehab for Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

Inpatient or residential rehab involves 24/7 care and supervision in a safe and structured environment. Inpatient rehab involves intensive treatment that allows the patient to focus on the issues associated with their drug use. Inpatient rehab may also involve some form of medical care.

Inpatient bath salts addiction treatment involves behavioral therapy in the form of individual and group counseling, family therapy, support groups and other activities. Treatment at an inpatient rehab is suitable for individuals with a severe dependence on bath salts.

Outpatient Rehab for Bath Salts Treatment

Outpatient rehab does not involve staying in a facility and instead involves single or multiple treatment sessions each week. The intensity and the type of treatment provided at an outpatient rehab may vary considerably. Intensive outpatient rehab provides individualized treatment that is similar to inpatient treatment, involving individual and group therapy and participation in support groups. Intensive outpatient rehab can provide structure for people after finishing inpatient rehab.

Treatment at a regular outpatient rehab involves fewer visits and hours than intensive outpatient treatment. Regular outpatient rehab can help continue the recovery process for patients who have finished inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment. Treatment at an outpatient rehab tends to be less expensive than treatment at an inpatient facility.

Group Therapy Rehabilitation

Group therapy counseling involves a professional counselor leading a group of six to 10 people who have similar problems. Discussion among peers can help to improve each person’s interpersonal skills and provide the social reinforcement necessary to lead a sober life. The counselor monitors the progress of each participant and fosters a trusting atmosphere.

Group therapy can take various forms and may include education about substance misuse, development of coping skills and cognitive behavioral therapy. Group therapy rehabilitation involving cognitive therapy can be as effective as individual counseling.

Paired Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment

Drug addiction frequently occurs alongside other psychiatric or substance use disorders. The symptoms of these co-occurring disorders become intertwined with each other, making it difficult to treat one disorder at a time.

Dual diagnosis treatment involves combined treatment of the addiction and the co-occurring mental health or substance use disorder. Effective treatment of co-occurring disorders requires a comprehensive understanding of both disorders and the interaction between symptoms.

Aftercare and Sober Living

Recovery from drug addiction is a lifelong process, and it requires therapy to continue after rehab has ended. This can be done through aftercare programs. Aftercare generally involves participation in social support groups and individual or group therapy at an outpatient clinic.

Some people may not be ready to transition back to normal life after finishing rehab, or they may not have a supportive home environment. Sober living communities provide housing for these people. These communities place residents with others who have had similar experiences and provides a supportive and drug-free living environment. Sober living communities have strict rules regarding household chores and visitor hours, and participation in house meetings and support groups is mandatory.

Medications Used for Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

There are currently no medications approved for the treatment of bath salts addiction. However, medications may be used to treat individual withdrawal symptoms, such as depressionanxiety and irritability. Benzodiazepines may be used for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, and antipsychotics may be used if symptoms of aggression, agitation and depression occur during withdrawal. Certain antidepressants may also be effective in the treatment of depression.

Choosing a Bath Salts Treatment and Rehab Center

Choosing a rehabilitation center for bath salts addiction may seem difficult. Many treatment facilities provide similar treatments, so it is important to ensure that the facility provides evidence-based treatment delivered by accredited and well-trained medical staff. Other factors to consider include:

Location

It is generally preferable to choose a facility in the city of residence. This can facilitate family visits and even family therapy sessions. Support from family members can be critical in aiding recovery from drug misuse.

Cost

Given the high cost of treatment, it is important to find out if treatment at a specific facility is covered by the person’s health insurance plan.

Effectiveness of Treatment

The rehabilitation center should offer individualized treatment provided by a well-trained and experienced multidisciplinary team. The rehabilitation center should have the staff and amenities needed to provide a variety of treatments and individualized care.

Our Drug Detox and Inpatient Rehab Center

The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health
4905 Lantana Rd
Lake Worth, FL 33463

Duration of Bath Salts Treatment and Rehabilitation

The duration of treatment for bath salts addiction at a rehabilitation center tends to vary from person to person. The duration may depend on the severity of the patient’s dependence, the presence of co-occurring disorders and the individual’s response to treatment. A treatment duration of at least three months is recommended, as shorter durations are associated with a higher risk of relapse.

Paying for Bath Salts Addiction Rehabilitation

Treatment at a rehabilitation center can be expensive, which is one of the biggest obstacles for individuals with substance use disorder. Treatment at a 24/7 clinic can cost approximately $750 per day, and outpatient treatment can cost at least $250 per day. Most insurance plans cover at least some part of the cost of treatment.

For individuals without insurance, federal or state grants and private loans may help cover part of the cost of treatment. State-funded rehabilitation facilities are another alternative, but it may be difficult to get admitted to these clinics due to a large number of applicants. Some insurance companies may also provide discounts or accept payments on a sliding scale.

Does Insurance Pay for Bath Salts Treatment and Rehab?

Most health insurance plans will partially or fully cover the cost of bath salts addiction treatment. It is essential to ensure that treatment at a particular rehabilitation center is covered under the specific insurance plan.

Plans purchased under the Affordable Care Act cover from 60% to 90% of the cost of treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot penalize individuals for having a preexisting condition, including substance use disorders. Find out whether your insurance plan is accepted at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health.

View Sources

National Institute of Drug Abuse. “Synthetic Cathinones.” February 2018. Accessed July 28, 2019.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.“Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy.” 2005. Accessed July 28, 2019.

National Institute of Drug Abuse. ”Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).” January 2018. Accessed July 28, 2019.

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