Bath salts are simply a collection of designer drugs with different names. The name comes from cases where the drugs were disguised as bath salt. The bath salt, white powder, or tiny crystals can be similar to Epsom salts, although they differ biologically. Many bath salts contain traces of potassium and sodium. The real difference between bath salt and Dead Sea salt is that bath salt does not have any magnesium in it.
In a study conducted by the Monitoring the Future Survey, many different kinds of drugs were found in three public rest rooms. The most common drugs found were marijuana, cocaine, crack-cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines. Of these, it was noted that bath salt was the most commonly used, and the two other drugs had relatively small amounts. The fact that bath salt is relatively new has not deterred people from experimenting with this drug abuse.
The use of bath salts has become more widespread, and some medical professionals are taking notice. Recently, three medical laboratories located in California made a connection between bath salts and the current outbreak of Lyme disease. It seems as though bath salts may be responsible for increasing the number of ticks that feed on dogs. These medical professionals found that the number of cases of Lyme disease in four counties was higher among people who used them regularly. Lyme disease is an illness caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, and recent studies have linked other pathogens to it such as lice and tick.
Designer drugs are often laced with other substances. For example, the most popular oral remedy for acne, Accutane, contains the active ingredient isotretinoin. Other designer drug substances have also been linked to an increased incidence of colon cancer. Reports indicate that Accutane is probably the most frequently ingested designer drug in the world, with users coming in contact with the drug via a cream, lotion or mouthwash.
The FDA is currently looking into the dangers of bath salts and other designer drugs in light of these reports. Some of the substances being investigated include Clonidine, Flutamide, Methylone, and Spice. Each of these substances, when used or misused, may cause different health problems or complications. While the FDA is not aware of any incidents of adverse reaction associated with these substances, many consumers are concerned and have begun calling for safer product choices.
Methylone is one of the compounds commonly found in bath salts. This compound is known to be highly addictive and dangerous; it can also cause nausea, dizziness, headaches and even death. Users need to ingest large doses of the drug in order to achieve a high. Recently, the European Union banned the sale of all products containing ethylene.
The second substance found in bath salt compounds is synthetic cannabinoids. Like the previously mentioned chemical, synthetic cannabinoids are highly addictive and dangerous. Two of the more popular synthetic cannabinoids in use are smoked marijuana and heroin. Users need to consume large amounts of these compounds in order to achieve a high. They create a euphoric state through smoking, which can make users vulnerable to extreme risky behaviors such as driving dangerously while high.
Although bath salts and synthetic cathinones are highly dangerous, they are far from the only substances found in today’s “designer drugs.” With more research being conducted each day, new herbal and plant food combinations are being created. A few companies have begun producing natural herbal supplements that combine with other natural ingredients to provide consumers with everything from headache relief to anti-inflammatory pain management. Although synthetic cathinones and marijuana are still present in the market, users are now opting for a safer, more natural alternative.
