Bath Salt
By Dominick Todaroand Vineel Eanuga
What are Bath Salts?
Bath Salts are synthetic drugs related to cathinone, a mild stimulant found in the khat plant. Synthetic versions of cathinone are generally much stronger and more dangerous. They usually are a white or brown crystal like powder. They are often sold as "bath salts" legally even though they are not even close to real Epsom bath salts and also sold as plant food, jewelry cleaner, and phone screen cleaner online. Often cheap replacements for cocaine and methamphetamine.
Brand names
Sold under brand names like:
- Flakka
- Boom
- Cloud Nine
- Lunar Wave
- Vanilla Sky
- White Lightning
- Scarface
How are they abused?
They are either ingested, snorted, smoked, or injected.
How do they affect the brain and the body?
Much is unknown but researchers do know that synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to amphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA. They lower inhibition, anxiety, and depression. People who have taken bath salts have reported energizing and often agitating effects. They can also raise heart rate and blood pressure. They can cause nosebleeds, sweating, nausea, dehydration, breakdown of muscle, and kidney failure.
Can Bath salts be addictive?
Yes, and they can cause uncontrollable cravings. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- depression
- anxiety
- tremors
- problems sleeping
- paranoia
Can you die from use?
Yes, and as there are no medications to combat heavy intoxication, death is almost certain after taking lots of bath salts.
How many teens use Bath salts?
0.40, 0.70, 1 percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders use bath salts respectively. In 2011 there were 22,904 reports of bath salts use during emergency room visits.