Authorities Concerned Over Abuse of Bath Salts
Over time, the substances that are available for abuse seems to have increased, and we have seen the occurrence of abuse involving otherwise legal substances. A report on the Chicago Sun-Times shares one such substance: bath salts that are ingested to induce hallucinations.
These chemical powders labeled as bath salts are being sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, according to the report. Authorities say that they can bring about hallucinations and cause paranoia, rapid heart rates, and suicidal thoughts.
The powders usually contain the stimulants mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MDPV. Users who abuse the substance snort, inject, or smoke the powders, which are reportedly available in small packets that can cost as low as $20. They can be bought legally from convenience stores, and on the Internet.
The Sun-Times shared the case of Neil Brown, who cut his face with a knife while hallucinating after he had ingested bath salts.
Lawmakers in the states of Mississippi and Kentucky are said to be looking into the possibility of banning the sale of these powders. It has already been outlawed via an emergency order in the state of Louisiana, a move prompted by the number of calls received by the state poison center, which could be associated with abusing the substance. In the last three months of 2010, the Louisiana poison center had received more than 125 calls due to exposure to the chemicals.
Unfortunately, the Sun-Times reported that these stimulants are not regulated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and it could take years before they could be restricted, according to DEA executive assistant Gary Boggs.
Tags: bath salts abuse, bath salts addiction, fake cocaine, fake cocaine abuse
