First Dangerous Drinks, Now Bath Salts? Yes, Bath Salts Are the New New York High.
I have blogged about the dangers of four loko, a highly-caffeinated cheap alcoholic drink, and incense, widely available to all and known as the "legal pot." Through responsible government action, four loko was removed from store shelves in New York City. We are still waiting for the "zero tolerance" law to be passed which would prohibit the sale of synthetic marijuana. However, a new danger is facing Island parents - bath salts. Yes, bath salts have now been labeled a "drug of concern" by the DEA.
Don't let the name fool you. These salts contain a stimulant with effects similar to that of methamphetamine or cocaine With names such as Ivory Snow, Hurricane Charlie or Ivory Wave, these chemicals have raised concern with authorities throughout the U.S., with many lawmaker's preparing bills banning their sale. The effects of the drugs contained in the bath salts are so powerful that one user slit his face and stomach repeatedly while under its influence. Another is reported to have committed suicide after the bath salts caused three days of delirium.
These bath salts contain mephedron and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or MPDV, drugs that are made in a lab and not regulated because they are not intended for human consumption. The salt powders are snorted, injected or smoked by the user and immediately affect the central nervous system. The salts can increase your blood pressure to dangerous levels, trigger a heart attack or stroke, and are highly addictive. They are also widely available on-line and in convenience stores. Once again, a life-threatening drug has been placed in easy reach of our children and we, as parents, are unable to do anything to stop it. Legislation banning this drug could take years before becoming effective. What will happen in the meantime? Will this drug become the designer drug of choice for many addicts? How many people will die and how many lives will be ruined before this drug is banned. Urge your senators and congressmen to act now, before more of our children are lost forever.
