When you think of bath salts, you probably think of Epsom salts that you put in your bathtub. But bath salts in this case are the substance that people are using to get high. The use of bath salts, sold in mini-marts and smoke shops nationwide are on the rise.
Bath salts are often the source of extremely erratic behavior. Just look at these recent bath salt related true stories…
- A man ditches his car on the thruway and started running into traffic because “he thought his car was melting and electricity was following him”
- Man jumps in front of a vehicle on I-35 close to Salina, killing himself
- Medina man allegedly goes bonkers after taking bath salts
What are bath salts?
Bath salts are stimulants. Most bath salts are actually methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone or methylone. Bath salts are sold in stores and packaged and labeled as “plant food” or “not for human consumption.” Product labels do not list the ingredients. Common names of such salts include, Vanilla Sky, Ivory Wave, Bolivian Bath, California Spice, plant fertilizer, Cloud 9, m-CAT, Mad Cow, and M1.
How are bath salts taken?
Bath salts can be taken various ways – snorted, mixed with food and drink, etc.
What does one experience when he/she takes bath salts?
Bath salts cause intense stimulation, euphoria, elevated mood, and a reportedly pleasurable “rush.” Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, and suicidal ideation have all been reported as results of taking this drug. Physical affects include high blood pressure and increased pulse. Physical risks include seizures, cardiac arrest, stroke, coma, death, and others.
Are bath salts illegal?
The people who make these substances have skirted the laws, thus being able to sell this drug legally. While several states have banned the sale of bath salts, ultimately it will have to be a federal law that labels these as a schedule 1 drug, which means it has no medicinal value but a high potential for abuse, and declare them illegal.
Where to get help?
If you suspect that someone you love is using bath salts to get high – this can be a very dangerous situation. Call Horizon today at (716) 831-1800. Our counselors can help you or someone you love.
Sources:
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/07/bath-salts-dangerous.html
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/crazy-stories-about-people-being-arrested-high-on
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