Up until recently, bath salts were virtually unheard of as a drug. Nowadays, it seems they are making news everywhere. If you are still unclear of the information surrounding bath salts, you should familiarize yourself right away. The following facts will shed some light on this very dangerous new drug.
1. What type of drug are bath salts?
Bath salts are considered a synthetic, designer drug because they are made from dangerous, manmade chemicals that mimic amphetamines. The chemicals most often found in bath salts are mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), both of which carry a high risk for overdose. These powerful chemicals act as stimulants to the central nervous system and can cause serious effects to users. Because bath salts are such a new drug, many of the other ingredients remain unknown.
2. What do bath salts look like?
Bath salts are usually found in the form of a crystallized powder. The powder is usually packaged and sold in packets labeled with brand names such as Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Vanilla Sky, White Dove, and Blizzard. Although the brand names may vary from location to location, the risks of the drug remain the same.
3. How are bath salts used?
Although bath salts are typically crushed and snorted, they can be used in a multitude of ways. Users have also been known to smoke, inject, or even ingest this harmful drug. Regardless of the method of use, bath salts pose an extreme threat to users.
4. What happens when someone uses bath salts?
When someone uses bath salts, the signs and symptoms can vary. The drug has been known to cause irregular and rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, chest pains, extreme hallucinations, increased body temperature, paranoia, aggression, and delusional thoughts. Many users have described the high from bath salts as “horrifying.” Because the drug is relatively new and can affect users differently, the full extent of its signs and symptoms is not completely understood.
5. Where can bath salts be found?
Unfortunately, the use and sale of bath salts has not yet been regulated in many locations. Although some countries and states have banned the use and sale of bath salts, they are still widely available online and in certain convenience stores and head shops. Because they are easy to purchase and relatively affordable, many people turn to bath salts as an alternative to cocaine and methamphetamine.
6. What are the long-term effects of bath salts?
Since bath salts are fairly new to the drug world, the long-term effects are not fully known. Many users of the drug have been known to be very combative with others after using the drug for extended periods. Both short and long-term users may experience intense cravings, feelings of depression and anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. As with any hardcore drug, bath salts also carry the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
7. What is being done to fight the manufacture, sale, and use of bath salts?
Since the rapid increase of injuries and poison center calls related to bath salts, many counties, states, and countries have introduced legislation that bans the manufacture, sale, and use of the drug. With enough awareness and education, the drug will hopefully be banned in all 50 states and throughout the world.
Guest post from Payton Price. Payton writes for TermLifeInsurance.org.
