Bath salts are a synthetic drug that has been used in the United States since 2009. They are a synthetic drug that resembles the look of Epsom salts, thus the name bath salts. Abuse of the drug first started in Europe and then in the US. It has become a popular drug with abusers with dangerous psychotic side effects.
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Bath Salts Explained
1. Bath Salts Explained
Bath salts are a synthetic drug that has been used in the United States since 2009. They are a
synthetic drug that resembles the look of Epsom salts, thus the name bath salts. Abuse of the
drug first started in Europe and then in the US. It has become a popular drug with abusers with
dangerous psychotic side effects.
What are Bath Salts?
Bath Salts have a similar stimulant effect as cocaine or MDMA (ecstasy or Molly.) Street names
for bath salts include Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, Cloud Nine, White Lightening, Purple Wave and
Meow-Meow. It comes in a powder form and is sold in small foil packets. They are usually
white, off-white, yellow or brown in color. They are sold in 200-500 mg amounts and the
average dose is 5-20 mg. The drug is usually snorted but can also be injected, smoked or taken
orally. Snorting or injecting it produces the most serious results.
The Effects of Bath Salts
Users of bath salts are seeking a high like cocaine but oftentimes end up with much different
side effects. The most common effects of the drug are rapid heart rate, raised body
temperature, agitation, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. This altered state can cause
users to act out in violent ways to themselves and others including, self-mutilation, suicide or
homicide. It is difficult to reason with users when high as they become disassociated with
reality.
How Bath Salts are Sold
Until 2012, bath salts were deemed legal and easily attainable. Now the chemicals used to
manufacture it on the schedule I controlled substances list and cannot be sold under any
circumstance or prescribed for medical reasons. These banned chemicals are MDPV,
mephedrone and methylane. Prior to the ban, bath salts and its derivatives were easily found
in convenience stores, gas stations, smoke shops or over the Internet. Manufacturers of the
drug, in attempts to circumvent DEA laws have begun to package it with labels like ‘not for
human consumption’ or as novelty items, plant food, potpourri, jewelry or cell phone cleaner.
Get Accurate, Reliable Results
Bath salts have the potential to become highly addictive and users are continually upping their
dosage to achieve their original high. In addition to its dangerous side effects, producers of the
drug are always changing the formula to elude the DEA. With these changes come different
combinations of unknown substances which can lead to deadly side effects. If you feel
someone you know may be using bath salts, or any controlled substance, and you need drug
testing, contact National Screening Centers for fast, accurate and reliable results.