Category: International

A relatively new group of drugs hit the streets a few years ago and continues to cause havoc amongst hardened users. Anyone tempted to try Bath Salts should understand the very risky game of chance they are involving themselves in.

What’s with the name?

Those who produce these chemically packed substances did so using a wide range of legal ‘ingredients’ that were packaged as a product labelled “For a soothing bath, not for human consumption”.

Increasing concern regarding the use and reactions of users has led to a clampdown and the banning of certain key ingredients, but production still continues with sales now conducted by street dealers who are always keen to add to their arsenal of illicit substances.

Countless chemicals:

Seizures of the drugs have shown that up to 80 different chemicals are used in production with the finished result coming in small foil packages.

Users generally swallow, snort or inject, and apart from exposing themselves to countless chemicals with unknown individual and joint effects they should hope emergency medical treatment is the last thing they require.

This is due to the fact that detection and treatment of exactly what is causing them problems is difficult to establish and equally challenging to treat correctly.

A class of stimulants:

This group of drugs come under the category of “cathinones”; a type of strong stimulants that create hallucinations and aggression. The most commonly included drugs in a bath salts package are Mephedrone, Methylone, Pyrovalerone and MDPV (Methylenedioxypyrovalerone).

Users come from groups with differing drug experience, but Bath Salts particularly appeal to those who are committed cocaine or meth users. This fact has been put down to the powerful highs on offer.

Due to its highly addictive qualities many individuals rapidly find themselves using the drug on a regular basis. Once taken it will quickly fuel intense cravings for more of the same.

Once a person is hooked they generally continue use despite being fully aware of the consequences they are causing to themselves and those around them. This is because the ‘pull’ of the drug is far stronger than any willpower they have to stop using.

The highs and lows on offer:

Use of this drug is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The high can last between 3 and 4 hours and common effects include a strong sense of euphoria with a sharp sense of alertness to boot.

This is often accompanied by agitation and feelings of anxiousness. Hunger will not be something that registers and many forgo sleep while under the influence. Dilated pupils, tense muscles and headaches could well be an issue. Unwanted increases in body temperature and sudden nosebleeds are all part of a Bath Salts ‘experience’.

And that was the good news! Others will react differently. This may be due to the unpredictability of contents, or because increased amounts are taken. Serious effects include hallucinations, psychotic delusions, feelings and display of aggression along with persistent thoughts and attempts at suicide.

While all of these reactions are worrying enough, there is then the possibility of some highly damaging physical problems such as liver and kidney damage or failure, loss of bowel control, and in extreme cases a spontaneous breakdown of muscle fibre that is potentially fatal.

Highly addictive and extremely dangerous:

It cannot be stressed strongly enough just how addictive Bath Salts are. Those who are looking for ‘a bit of fun’, or those in search of a different drug experience should have this strongly in mind if they are tempted to dabble.

Many have found to their cost that rumours of rapid dependency are an actual reality once regular use becomes the norm. The highly addictive properties contained in this group of drugs presents serious cravings that most users find near-impossible to resist.

The resulting mental and physical effects an addict is faced with are damaging in the extreme, and in all honesty do not bear thinking about.

There have been many high profile cases where addicts fully under the influence of Bath Salts have completely lost control. The sad and sickening result has caused them to go on uncontrolled rampages, inflict self-harm, attempt and succeed suicide, aggressively attack innocent people and take the ultimate step of actually committing murder.

PLEASE do not even entertain thoughts of usage:

No drug or associated high is worth the frightening effects that Bath Salts can have on a person. Whatever you wish to call this highly addictive group of drugs that comes packaged and named with many aliases, it is certainly NOT ‘a bit of fun’.

Ketamine is a popular party drug, and on the face of it this very powerful dissociative anesthetic has a lot going for it.

Almost instant relaxed feelings and memorable highs are yours, but those involved with the drug need to be very careful that regular use does not creep up on them and leave dependence issues waiting in the shadows.

Potently Powerful:

Most users will snort or inject the drug although it can be ‘dropped’ in pill form or smoked. Many will be unaware that gram for gram it is more powerful than cocaine or amphetamine. This fact alone puts it right up there in the strength and addictive leagues

It is also very well placed in the ‘instantaneous effect’ division. Because once Ketamine is taken there is no hanging around. Those taking it in the most common ways have between 2 and 5 minutes before the drug starts to take effect, those injecting will feel the wave 30 seconds after the syringe is emptied.

Full-Body Buzz:

A Ketamine high only lasts around 1 hour. It begins with the initial sensation of complete relaxation. This is sometimes referred to as a full-body buzz. Floating sensations are common and reports have mentioned being detached from the body.

Hallucinations are another fairly regular experience, although these can be positive or otherwise dependent upon your frame of mind and mood. It must also be remembered that these can stay with you after the drugs anesthetic effects have worn off.

Such a combination of feelings should be enough to satisfy anyone, but there are always those who look to step things up. This is achieved by taking much higher doses. These users have actually reported feelings of being completely detached from their bodies and this effect is known as the K-Hole.

Short-Lived = Need for more:

The relatively short and intense high is a problem in waiting for those using the drug. Because effects begin to fade fairly rapidly, many answer this call with repeat hits, indeed many Ketamine users accept this repeat ritual as part and parcel of a Ket-Fuelled night out.

Use of the drug in this manner is opening an unwanted door that leads to strong cravings for more of the same long after the party is over. If you bow to these constant, nagging cravings and venture out to ‘score’ more this could very well become a regular habit. It is sure to place a strain on your bank balance, as well as increasing the possibility that Ketamine dependence is heading your way.

More of the same will simply not satisfy:

Repeated use of the drug allows your body to build up a tolerance to it. So ‘more of the same’ will not do the trick. Users very quickly find that to achieve the same effects as previously experienced they need to take larger quantities of the drug.

This cycle of increasing Ketamine abuse leads to dependence and the multitude of health and social problems that come as part of this unwanted baggage.

Kick Ketamine into touch:

If you are just stepping out onto the Ketamine trail, or are using it on an occasional basis please make a conscious and strong effort to leave it alone for good, and if necessary seek professional help to assist you.

Those who think “It will never happen to me” in terms of Ketamine dependence are mistaken. Anyone exposed to this highly powerful and addictive drug stands the risk of becoming hooked.

If your use is further down the line and cravings are increasing, then professional help is a must. It is absolutely vital that you understand there is no shame in admitting this drug currently has the better of you. One thing is for sure, you will not be the first person and certainly not the last to seek such assistance.

Various treatment options are available:

Either arrange an appointment with your doctor to discuss the situation and treatment options available, or contact a well-established rehabilitation establishment for an initial discussion with one of their fully qualified counsellors.

These rehab centres are well versed in helping those who are struggling with Ketamine use, and once initial contact is made, things can progress in terms of treatment, counselling and support.

While outpatient rehab treatment is seen as a valid option, it is also important for those heavily dependent or suffering from full-blown addiction to strongly consider a course of treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation establishment.

This form of focused treatment, care and counselling is seen by many as the best chance to face up to, work through, and overcome drug dependence and addiction issues.

Addressing these challenges in such a positive way means you are taking the most positive step possible in terms of getting your life back on track.

There is a telling paradox relating to those who become dependent upon prescribed medication. The professionals who assess and then authorize a course of this treatment are generally the ones turned to if the patient becomes dependent upon the medicine given.

These medical professionals also have to deal with patients who are suffering from addiction to prescribed drugs caused due to excessive and unauthorized use.

High potential for dependence:

This very serious and widespread problem refers to those who use prescription drugs in ways that are not intended. We will look at this from two angles:

Those who are legally prescribed:

Patients assessed by medical professionals may be deemed to need a course of prescription medication to help with their condition. If this is the case they will be clearly advised on the recommended dosage and frequency of use.

While all patients will begin a course of treatment following these guidelines, the unfortunate fact is that many do not stick to them.

This is not because they are rebellious. It is because these powerful pills and medicines react differently from user to user. Many benefit from a course of treatment, others find themselves unable to resist taking more than the recommended dosage and do so on an increasingly regular basis.

This is due to the effects the pills and medicines are having. If this excessive use is allowed to continue then dependency can become a real issue.

Those who’s supply come from alternative sources:

There are millions of users who have experienced the effects prescription drugs can offer. This is thanks to previously approved use. Anyone from this group who want more of the same often have no justification for repeated prescriptions.

There are also many who regularly experiment with illegal substances that are keen to sample the effects offered from prescription medication.

In the vast majority of cases the drug in question will have been purchased via the thriving black market. This source appears to have an endless supply of illegal and controlled drugs available.

These pills and medicines offer a high potential for addiction due to the initial pleasant feelings and ‘highs’. Unfortunately, these feelings need to be chased

The result is that many get into a habit of taking excessive quantities over far longer periods than are legally recommended. Fairly quickly users find they cannot do without their ‘fix’.

This never ending, but rapidly expanding cycle of abuse leads to addiction and the devastating effects it brings.

One group of users with serious problems:

The numbers of people worldwide who are regularly using, dependent upon, and fully addicted to prescribed medication number millions and affect men and women of all ages.

In terms of those with dependence issues created by the purchase and use of these substances via unregulated routes there is a clear trend.

It is the younger generation that have a particular problem, and this problem continues to grow.

Examples of prescription drug abuse:

We will give two examples of the wrong way to take prescription medication The first is at the lower end of the scale but is important to understand why it is mentioned. The second example tops this type of drug abuse. It should be crystal clear as to why this route should be avoided at all costs.

Lower end abuse:

Take those who pick up a painful ache or sprain while working or playing sport. Rather than booking a doctor’s appointment they will find a family member or friend who is currently being prescribed painkillers and ‘borrow’ a few to ease their pain.

While this type of use may seem unworthy of concern it is important to understand that each person reacts differently to the medicines and pills prescribed. Potential allergy problems also need to be taken into account.

If your health professional has assessed your past and current condition and issues a prescription, they are doing so because that particular medication suits you and your current situation.

Those popping any pill they can lay their hands on to ease what they see as a temporary problem need to be aware of this. Whether they view their current condition as trivial or not, it is strongly recommended they seek a professional opinion and accept any prescription treatment offered from that. This is a far better and safer route rather than experimenting with medication supplied to others based on their needs.

Top of the tree – Out of your tree!

The most serious and concerning use of prescription medication abuse relates to those who will beg, steal, borrow and purchase these prescription pills from the thriving black-market.

They are seeking the powerful ‘highs’ offered when excessive amounts of the drugs are taken at once. There are various ways in which the pills are consumed; this includes the desperate and quite frightening method of grinding the pills into powder and either snorting or injecting them.

It goes without saying that as this type of use continues it will become a compulsion. Users will be aware of the extremely negative effects this abuse is creating, but will be unable to stop abuse without the assistance of some serious professional rehabilitation assistance.

Compulsive sexual behaviour comes with a variety of different names. It is more often than not call sexual addiction, but other terms are hypersexuality. sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Satyriasis is the term used for men suffering with this condition, while for women it is Nymphomania.

Whatever term you wish to use, compulsive sexual behaviour is a problem that must not be kept hidden away.

Here is an explanation of what the condition is, why many suffer in silence, what the dangers are, and how treating this difficult addiction can be achieved.

What is compulsive sexual behaviour?

Contrary to what many believe would be an enjoyable condition to suffer from, addiction to sex is seen as a form of obsessive compulsive behaviour with risk taking being a major factor.

The individual is obsessed with sexual thoughts. These interfere with their daily activities. It affects their ability and concentration while working, and any other responsibilities or obligations will always take a back-seat as this obsession is extremely time consuming.

If they are in a permanent relationship an additional burden is the fact they need to work very hard to keep their secret life away from their partner.

How many people does this condition affect?

This is one of the great unknowns, many who suffer are simply too embarrassed to seek help and will maintain a stubborn and solitary silence.

By doing so things will not get better, indeed the chances are they will continue in a downward spiral. Bigger risks will be taken, and there is a good possibility that these individuals will become involved in even more bizarre sexual experiences.

One of the problems with this ‘anything and everything goes’ attitude is that they can blur lines between what is sexually legal and what is against the law.

It is unlikely that accurate figures will ever be established in terms of the numbers struggling with this condition. This is due to the reluctance of many to seek help out of embarrassment or shame.

An added barrier preventing them from seeking much needed treatment is denial. This thought process is similar to those struggling with a dependence upon alcohol or drugs.

A person addicted to sex will convince themselves they have everything under control and constantly self-justify their actions. This attitude helps them to avoid facing the depth and reality of their situation.

Dangers of compulsive sexual behaviour:

Those involved in risky sexual behaviour are leaving themselves wide open to danger. Here are three examples of this.

Personal health should be a major concern. The chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a real hazard, the desire for sexual experiences stretches well beyond excessive watching of porn and constant masturbating.

They will pay for sex on a regular basis, will do their best to find multiple casual partners, and often go to extremes by making it very obvious to complete strangers that sex is on the menu.

The thrill and excitement of performing sex acts in public places is accepted by many, quickly arranged visits to motels, hotels or even the strangers home are accepted.

These risks and the fact they have no knowledge of the person they are offering themselves to leave them dangerously exposed to possible violence and harm.

The final danger is that of crossing the line into unlawful sex acts. As their compulsions and fantasies increase so can their actions. Some will progress to having sex with animals or feel compelled to involve children

It goes without saying that if such incidents do occur and are brought to the attention of the authorities, then prosecution is a given.

A Positive Treatment Option – Inpatient Rehabilitation:

The basis of addiction treatment is to help the person suffering understand the reasons behind their addiction, and work with them towards the ultimate goal of living a life free from the substance that caused addiction in the first place.

In the case of sex, it is not reasonable to expect a person to give up sexual activity for the rest of their lives.

This means that while a major part of the treatment will be to understand the underlying issues causing them to think and act in the way they are, the aim is also to make them understand and adhere to what is accepted as ‘normal’ and natural sexual activity.

Comprehensive therapy and in-depth counselling is required if this goal is to be achieved.

Many who suffer from compulsive sexual behaviour find that a stay in a respected inpatient rehabilitation centre is a very positive beginning to what will undoubtedly be long term treatment.

This should be an extended stay where they are taken from their normal environment into one that allows them to focus on their problems.

They will receive therapy in a variety of different ways. Such a stay will include daily supervised exercise suited to their level of ability, many find Yoga and meditation to be helpful, and a routine of daily activities with set meal times in calm, peaceful and very comfortable surroundings helps immensely.

Add to this crucial, in-depth one-to-one counselling sessions that are targetted at putting them on the right track to lead a life where sex is an important, but not all-consuming factor and the basis for recovery is established.

Aftercare – A ‘must’ for recovery progression:

It is important to understand that this positive starting point needs to be followed through in the form of aftercare.

Clients who opt to stay at a quality rehabilitation establishment will have comprehensive aftercare options explained to them. They will also receive assistance in terms of putting this in place before departure.

Many going through the recovery process also find voluntary organisations such as Sex Addicts Anonymous a positive influence.

By attending regular meetings, they will be amongst others who have similar issues. The frank, open discussions that take place are seen as a way of helping acknowledge and maintain the changes necessary in their lifestyle and sexual activity.