The latest trend among those looking to find a legal way to get a rush similar to that of cocaine or meth, have opted for trying a bath salts high, often with deadly consequences. News reports from all over the country discuss homicides and suicides related to the use of bath salts. The widespread use of this drug has resulted in 38 states in the United States to ban the possession, use and manufacture of bath salts. As of October 21, 2011, the US Drug Enforcement Administration banned the three primary ingredients of bath salts: methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), merphrone (MDMA), and methylmetcathione (M-Cat). All of these compounds are synthetically derived components of the herb khat. Medical professionals report they think that these compounds are more powerful, and potentially more addictive, than crack, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine.
What Happens During a Bath Salts High?
A person seeking a bath salts high smokes, inhales, or injects the bath salts, after which the person will experience a sense of euphoria for 30 minutes to an hour followed by what users of bath salts describe as a "harsh come down." The uncomfortable effects of the perpetual state of arousal and stimulation that persist after the initial bath salts high lead the user to crave more of the drug. The persistent ingestion of the drug leads not only to addiction but also to the more severe effects of bath salts according to medical professionals.
What are the Ill-Effects of a Bath Salts High?
Physicians and medical professionals attribute the intensity of the bath salts high and severe crashes to the high numbers of suicides associated with the use of the drug. Other ill-effects of a bath salts high include the following:
- Panic attacks
- High blood pressure
- Hair loss
- Peeling skin
- Rambling and incoherent speech
- Hot flashes and chills
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Disorientation
- Renal failure
- Liver failure
Authorities report once bath salts hit the streets in communities, there is an almost immediate surge of calls to poison control centers and emergency room visits due to people trying to get high from bath salts. Additionally, there is a correlation between a rise in homicide rates and the introduction of bath salts into a community. The combination of paranoia, extra human strength, agitation, and irritability associated with bath salts leads people to act aggressively and cause a risk of harm to others. For this reason, there is also an increase in psychiatric admissions when people start using bath salts in a particular area. Medical professionals report they see similarities between the highs produced by bath salts and those produced by PCP.
The Treatments for the Ill-Effects of a Bath Salts High
There is no known antidote for the active ingredients in bath salts, so the medical interventions used focus on keeping the person from injuring themselves or others. Physicians use benzodiazepines to sedate the person, and in serious cases, general anesthesia is used.
Given the serious risks involved, getting high from bath salts is very ill-advised.