They are designer drugs that come with street names such as Vanilla Sky, Purple Wave, Bliss, and Ivory Wave. They are ‘bath salts’ and not Epsom salts or perfumed crystals that we put in bathtubs. They have been the reason for numerous calls made to poison centers in the U.S.
Bath salts are made of synthetic chemicals that may be the same as amphetamines. Some of the chemicals contained in bath salts are not known because they keep on ‘evolving.’ Some of the drugs are methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV with newer versions being created by illegal chemists.
Effects of Taking Bath Salts
- Agitation
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Increased pulse rate
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Paranoia
- High blood pressure
Suicidal thoughts and behavior can outlive the stimulatory impacts even after the bath salts effects are over. Some suicides have been reported and been publicized connected to the use of the bath salts just days following their use.
So, Are They Illegal?
The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of July 2012, made the possession, distribution or use of a number of chemicals illegal. Many of these chemicals are used in the making of bath salts. They include MDPV and Mephedrone. Methylone, which is one of the chemicals, remains banned by the DEA. There are 26 chemicals covered by the law that are ingredients of synthetic drugs.
The authorities are aware that they have not controlled everything, as there are many other chemicals out there used to make the illegal drugs. The chemicals are labeled schedule 1; this implies that they don’t have any medicinal value, yet they have a high abuse potential.
So far, the stimulants cause cravings, but it has been said that they may not necessarily be addictive. The long-term effects of their use are not known. However, it is known that tolerance for the drugs is increasing.
People inject, snort, smoke or mix them with drink and food.
The year 2010 was when bath salts caught the authority’s attention when the thousands of reports were made to the poison centers in the U.S.
Users have reported headaches, nausea, cold fingers, and panic attacks. Liver and kidney failure, as well as heart attacks and violent behavior, are also some of the effects that have been associated with the use of bath salts. When used during pregnancy they have been linked to premature delivery and increased miscarriage risk. Newborns may be malnourished, irritable and have sleep disturbances, particularly for weeks after their birth. Contact us for more information about FHE Health’s program.
