The Dangers Of Bath Salts
A brand new designer drug called "bath salt" has become very popular among young people who are looking for a cheap and quick high. Poison control centers all over the country have reported a growing number of calls regarding this synthetic stimulant. More and more states are banning the drug, however, there is currently no federal law in place prohibiting its sale.
Production
Don't be misled by the name as these bath salts are not the kind you would use to take a soak with. The belief amongst the medical community is that bath salts is comprised of MDPV, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, and is being made by illegal street chemists with derivatives of pyrovalerone. Unfortunately, nobody really knows what is in bath salts because there is no way to test for these substances yet.
Retail
Retailers are selling the drug as bath salts and labeling them as being "not safe for human consumption". This is so they can avoid them from being labeled illegal. They can be purchased at mini-marts and smoke shops around the country or online under names like Ivory Wave and Bolivian Bath. While several states have outlawed their sale, ultimately it will have to be a federal law that takes them off the shelves and out of the hands of young people for good.
Status of Legality
The government would need to classify bath salts as a schedule 1 drug to make this happen. This schedule status states the drug has no medicinal value and comes with a high potential for abuse. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has recently invoked its "emergency scheduling authority" to expedite this process. The DEA plans to define the possession and selling of bath salts illegal in the United States. This short-term action will remain in effect for one year, during which time the government is expected to call for permanent ban.
Effects
The side effects of bath salt use are similar to that of cocaine or ecstasy. Agitation, paranoia, and chest pain are all felt by users. High blood pressure and increased pulse rate is also common. However, currently there is no test to determine if someone has actually ingested bath salts. The only way to determine if someone has taken bath salts is if they tell you.
There has not been conclusive research on the designer drug yet to define what long-term effects it can have on an individual. Today, acute toxicity is the main problem being faced by doctors. If you think you may be addicted to this new drug you should find a young adult drug treatment program as soon as possible.
Production
Don't be misled by the name as these bath salts are not the kind you would use to take a soak with. The belief amongst the medical community is that bath salts is comprised of MDPV, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, and is being made by illegal street chemists with derivatives of pyrovalerone. Unfortunately, nobody really knows what is in bath salts because there is no way to test for these substances yet.
Retail
Retailers are selling the drug as bath salts and labeling them as being "not safe for human consumption". This is so they can avoid them from being labeled illegal. They can be purchased at mini-marts and smoke shops around the country or online under names like Ivory Wave and Bolivian Bath. While several states have outlawed their sale, ultimately it will have to be a federal law that takes them off the shelves and out of the hands of young people for good.
Status of Legality
The government would need to classify bath salts as a schedule 1 drug to make this happen. This schedule status states the drug has no medicinal value and comes with a high potential for abuse. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has recently invoked its "emergency scheduling authority" to expedite this process. The DEA plans to define the possession and selling of bath salts illegal in the United States. This short-term action will remain in effect for one year, during which time the government is expected to call for permanent ban.
Effects
The side effects of bath salt use are similar to that of cocaine or ecstasy. Agitation, paranoia, and chest pain are all felt by users. High blood pressure and increased pulse rate is also common. However, currently there is no test to determine if someone has actually ingested bath salts. The only way to determine if someone has taken bath salts is if they tell you.
There has not been conclusive research on the designer drug yet to define what long-term effects it can have on an individual. Today, acute toxicity is the main problem being faced by doctors. If you think you may be addicted to this new drug you should find a young adult drug treatment program as soon as possible.
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