Drug Addiction News 2008: Bath Salts Hit the News in a Remarkable Way

I remember sometime ago, as a kid, seeing bath salts on the wet shower floor, seeping into the water, as something my mother used when she bathed. As a child I could only guess what it was. I never asked about it; there was no reason to. Twenty plus years later, I turn on the news and hear that a bizarre happening took place in South Beach Miami, due to consumption of the very same chemical.

The news led to a bigger question in the matter: “How could a drug drive a man to harm another living human?” Not to mention the same strange chemical my mother used for cleansing herself? I thin back and wonder–“Were they the same exact same chemicals?” Well, not exactly. In fact, not even close.

These bath salts are actually a concoction of chemicals. Three of these chemicals have been banned nationwide, and mere possession could result in federal charges. The fact that they are manufactured by street chemists makes it much harder to maintain and track down by the government. And there is no medical test to determine whether or not you have used bath salts, so often authorities have a very hard time arresting someone using the drug when they can’t prove such a case. Indubitably, this makes the drug significantly more dangerous.

How do bath salts negatively effect the body? The only thing that’s conclusive is that it drastically alters your perception of reality.

In some states, bath salts are legal. In fact, you can even buy it on websites. Perhaps it is most commonly referred to as bath powder. And while it is the newest designer drug, it’s not really new in its production. In fact, it was first formulated in France in the 1920’s. In 2004, bath salts were sold in Israel under the name “hagigat.” It was declared illegal in 2008. In the UK, it was distributed at concerts and festivals, and was readily available at head shops.

While reports at poison control centers have skyrocketed, increasing over 20 times in one year, it’s not an epidemic. At least, not yet. The primary market demographic is most likely young kids. There are some serious physiological symptoms that set in when the drug enters the body. The general effects on the human body include (among others): panic attacks, vivid and extreme hallucinations, dangerously high body temperature, high heart rates and blood pressure, paranoia, sleeplessness, hostility and aggression, unusual eye motions, heavy sweating, and suicidal thoughts. One would think that after experiencing these heavy symptoms, nobody would return for more. But the opposite occurs–studies show that people tend to have an intense desire to use it again.

When a kid hits puberty, their behavior and attitude change. Parents often think these changes are related to puberty. Although this is possible and likely, parents cannot ignore or undermine the fact that behavioral changes can also be caused by the effects of drugs. By the time parents know enough, it’s often too late. Perhaps now is a good time to take action and let everyone know: “Once you’ve taken bath salts, there is no turning back; you cannot “un-take” it.” It might be a good idea to educate our school boards of this malicious poison, or perhaps educate parents and teachers, and bring distribution of this highly addictive drug to halt before it becomes the next cocaine, or heroin, and all other drugs that have harmed Americans for decades.

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