Designer Drugs: Bath Salts

As reported by CBS News in February 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is increasing its interest in the growing use of “bath salts” in America. Although not yet a scheduled substance as part of the Controlled Substances Act, measures are in place to do so in many states as well as at the federal level (Read Drug Scheduling and the DEA).  Confused?  Although the nickname may sound like an additive for a relaxing, hot soak in a tub, they are actually a type of addictive substance that is growing in popularity despite the associated risks.

What are bath salts?

Marketed under such names as “Aura” or “Zoom 2,” bath salts are synthetic, “designer” drugs that are similar to the amphetamine class of drugs (Read Then and Now: Past and Present Use of Amphetamines).  They can be purchased online or even in some retail locations.  Sometimes called “plant food,” “Ivory Wave,” “Energy 1,” “plant fertilizer,” and “Vanilla Sky,” one specific type is methylenediozypyrovalerone (MDPV).  First seized in 2007 by authorities in Germany and popular in Australia and Europe, MDPV is chemically similar to Ecstasy (MDMA) (Read Club Drugs: Time to Stop the Party?).  In the United States, authorities have found it in such states as Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin among others.  Its use seems to be most prevalent among young adults, and it is believed to have been implicated in at least four deaths in the United States (Read How to Talk to a Teen about Drugs). There are a number of other types being made by amateur chemists (Read What You Don’t Know Can Kill You). Business Week also reported that bath salts have been associated with a number of hospitalizations and suicides (Read Emergency Visits for Substance-Related Medical Problems and Suicide and Substance Abuse: Know the Risks).

What are the dangers of using bath salts?

The effects of bath salts last from 3 to 8 hours.  In studies of mice, MDPV increased levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a common denominator for many addictive substances and behaviors (Read The Brain on Drugs). As central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, bath salts cause similar effects as other CNS stimulants like cocaine and crystal meth (Read The Dangers of Home Meth Labs).  They raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to physical problems such as stroke, heart attack, or chest pain and psychological problems such as psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia (Read Substance-Induced Psychosis).  Other potential problems that have been found to be associated with bath salt abuse include motor automatisms, vasoconstriction, tremors, sweating, and possibly insomnia.  Because it is such a new problem, it is unlikely that the DEA and other agencies have a complete understanding of the physical and psychological problems that use can cause, but addictions are possible (Read Talk the Talk: Medical Terminology Defined).

How can I help someone whom I suspect to be abusing bath salts?

Like any other addiction, addiction to bath salts may be difficult and potentially dangerous to try to fight without professional assistance (Read Why You Shouldn’t Fight Addiction Alone).  Family and friends may need to arrange an intervention if the addict is in denial (Read Dealing with Addiction Denial and Intervention FAQ).