Bath Salts: The Latest Drug Problem?
Via the AP: Officials fear bath salts becoming the next big drug menace:
Law enforcement agents and poison control centers say the bath salts, with their complex chemical names, are an emerging menace in several U.S. states where authorities talk of banning their sale. Some say their effects can be as powerful as those of methamphetamine.
From the Deep South to California, emergency calls are being reported over exposure to the stimulants the powders often contain: mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as MDPV.
Sold under such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss, White Lightning and Hurricane Charlie, the chemicals can cause hallucinations, paranoia, a rapid heart rate and suicidal thoughts, authorities say. In addition to bath salts, the chemicals can be found in plant foods that are sold legally at convenience stores and on the Internet. However, they aren’t necessarily being used for the purposes on the label.
This does sound troubling, although as is normal for these types of stories there is one example (and a distressing one at that) and little else by which to judge the situation (save indications that it is a bad idea to abuse these chemicals).
This is only a problem if you’re drinking the bathwater. If so, you have other problems, too!