Bath Salts

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Bath Salts

Bath salts are powerful stimulants. Because these drugs are new and some of their contents are unknown, their use presents many dangers. Many of these chemicals are sold over the Internet, in convenience stores, and in 'head shops.' Bath salts may be sold as white or brown crystalline powder in small plastic or foil packages labeled 'not for human consumption."

Mephedrone and MDPV (3-4 methylene-dioxypyrovalerone) are chemicals from a group called cathinones, most commonly found in 'bath salt' products. Users may call them by names such as blizzard, blue silk, charge+, ivory snow, ivory wave, ocean burst, pure ivory, purple wave, snow leopard, stardust, vanilla sky, white dove, white knight and white lightning.

How Are Bath Salts Used?

Bath salts are usually snorted, but can also been injected, smoked, orally ingested or used rectally.

They can produce agitation, euphoria, increased sociability and sex drive.

What Are the Risks Associated with Bath Salts Use?

Bath salts are a group of drugs whose full risks and effects are still unknown, but they seem to have many similarities to methamphetamine. Bath salts have caused rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pains, agitation, hallucinations, paranoia and delusions. Taking substantial amounts for a long period of time can lead to emotional and physical "crash-like" feelings of depression, anxiety and intense cravings for more of the drug.

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Additional Resources

Drug Enforcement Administration: Bath Salts Drug Facts Sheet

National Institute on Drug Abuse: "Bath Salts" — Emerging and Dangerous Products