Bath salts are a designer drug of abuse that contain man-made chemicals which increase brain and central nervous system activity in much the same way as drugs like amphetamines or MDMA (Ecstasy) ). They are not a hygiene product used for bathing, as the name might imply, but are dangerous synthetic ("man-made") cathinones. Here are some details about bath salts:
Ingredients or materials
- The most commonly reported ingredient is methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), although other stimulants may be present, such as mephedrone and pyrovalerone).
- Bath salts come in fine or crumbly, pure white to light brown and sometimes pinkish crystalline water-soluble powder with a slight odor. They are sold in small 200mg, 250mg, or 500mg packets labeled “not for human consumption” .
- By Nieves, a company that sells bath salts, lists the following ingredients in their product: Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate), Sea Salts (Sodium Chloride plus microminerals), Kelp Powder (Ascophyllum Nodosum), Rosemary Essential Oil.
Positive effects
- Bath salts can cause users to have an out-of-body experience, elated mood, or feel delirious. These effects can last up to 3–4 hours.
Negative effects
- Bath salts can lead to serious, and even fatal adverse reactions. The drug effect is a high or "rush" that is similar to methamphetamine (speed) .
- Bath salts have caused a number of deaths and been blamed for a handful of suicides and murders.
- Short-term effects of bath salts include agitation and irritability, insomnia, dizziness, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations, distorted sense of reality, decreased ability to think clearly, mood disturbances, and psychosis.
- Physical effects of bath salts include decreased muscle and body control.
- Bath salts have a powerful addictive potential, as well as the ability to induce tolerance (more of the drug is required over time to get an equivalent "high"). Reports note intense cravings similar to what methamphetamine users experience. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
It is important to note that bath salts are illegal and extremely dangerous. If you or someone you know is fighting drug addiction, recovery is possible. Talk to your health care provider or check your state or local health department websites for help.
