A New, Highly Dangerous Drug: “Bath Salts”
You may have heard of one of the newest designer drugs being linked to a case of cannibalistic behavior, as well as psychosis, and death. This drug is called “bath salts”, but has nothing to do with what we use to relax in the tub. The designer drug has been being sold as: Bath Salts, Ivory Wave, Blue Silk, Lunar Wave, Vanilla Sky, Hurricane Charlie, and more. It’s found on the streets, in some smoke shops, and online. Some sources say they have been found in gas stations. They are called bath salts and labeled “not for human consumption” so the designer drug can be marketed and sold in a way to skirt the law and make the drug more easily accessible than well-known illegal drugs.
Because this drug is so new, knowledge of its chemical structure and short and long termed effects are limited. However, it has an amphetamine-like effect and causes agitation, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, high blood pressure, chest pain, suicide, and more. The drug’s symptoms can last for extreme lengths of time. The paranoia, hallucinations, and suicidal tendencies can last for weeks after the drug is taken.
These symptoms have been demonstrated in recent cases reported in Miami, Texas, and New York. In Miami, a man was shot by police while he chewed on another man’s face. The Texas man shouted incoherently until police were called. After police subdued him and he was being treated by paramedics, his breathing stopped. In New York, a mother ran into the street naked after beating her 3 year old son. She was arrested, then died of cardiac arrest.
This drug is so new to the market that there are no tests to find out if someone has taken it, and there isn’t any real information on the long-term effects. However, it’s been classified as a Schedule I drug, and is supposed to be highly addictive. Additionally, it’s been found that this drug is extremely easy to overdose on.
If you know anyone who is taking bath salts or other designer drugs or amphetamines, contact us at (877) 850-7355. In the interest of saving lives, please call.
Sources: NIDA, News.com.au, Dailymail.co.uk, Huffingtonpost.com, YNN
