The Dangers of "Bath Salts"

What are "Bath Salts"?

The bath salts that I am talking about are not epsom salts. They are considered a legal synthetic cocaine type drug sold legally in smoke shops and online. These bath salts have been making the news in many states and emergency rooms in the country. It is Presumed that most bath salts are MDPV, also known as methylenedioxypyrovalerone. The reason they can still be sold legally is they are label on the package that they are not for legal consumption.

How are they ingested?

Bath salts are mostly snorted through the nose like cocaine. Some others have been known to shoot it or mix it with food and drink.

The effects?

"Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, suicidality. It’s a very scary stimulant that is out there. We get high blood pressure and increased pulse, but there’s something more, something different that’s causing these other extreme effects. But right now, there’s no test to pick up this drug. The only way we know if someone has taken them is if they tell you they have.
The clinical presentation is similar to mephedrone [a chemical found in other designer drugs], with agitation, psychosis, and stimulatory effects. Both of these agents should be of concern, as severe agitated behavior, like an amphetamine overdose, has occurred.
A second concern is the ongoing suicidality in these patients, even after the stimulatory effects of the drugs have worn off. At least for MDPV, there have been a few highly publicized suicides a few days after their use," Horowitz says. (Retrieved from, http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/bath-salts-drug-dangers)

Why it needs banned?

This drug is being banned in alot of states already but you still can find it online. Which make it dangerous for people of all ages. The hallucinations effects of this drug are causing some that take it to commit suicide during their high, if that is not scary enough, I don't know what is. I am including some news videos and other videos that I think will be helpful in explaining more about this dangerous drug.

News Report  


 
Makes a person look real smart Ehhhhh?

   



The sad reality of it all.    

Tara Burke, RN

K2/Spice

 K2 and spice are known as two types of synthetic marijuana.  One may ask, what is synthetic marijuana?  Well, synthetic marijuana is a mixture of common herbs that are sprayed with chemicals that mimic the marijuana. K2 and spice are perfectly legal and sold in many tobacco stores throughout the country.  It is legal because it states on the packages that it "is not okay for human consumption."  Scary isn't it?  Thankfully 13 states have seen the horrible effects of K2 and spice and have banned the substances.  However more and more people smoke these substances each and every day, many of these people being teenagers and young adults.  Hospitals have reported teens coming in with increased agitation, elevated blood pressure and heart rates, seizures, and hallucinations all of which are believed to be side effects of K2 and spice.  K2 and spice has also cost many their lives.
Although I do not currently have any kids of my own to worry about, I do have a 14 year old brother.  I believe we need to better educate teens and even adults on the horrible effects of all substances, but especially the legal ones.  I think people believe just because K2 and spice are legal that they do not have harmful side effects.  This needs to change. K2 and spice need to be banned throughout the country.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHsExfQjVpk

Fertilizer

The drug is mephedrone, also known as “plant food” because it is the same ingredient used in the little plant food packets that come with flower bouquets.  There are many different names for mephedrone such as "meow meow", "drone", and "bubble".It is highly deadly.  It provides hallucinogenic feelings of euphoria similar to cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstasy.  Mephedrone abuse can cause bad nose bleeds, delusions, constricted blood vessels, rash, severe anxiety spells, paranoia, hallucinations and irritability.  Mephedrone comes in capsules, tablets, or powder that can be taken orally, nasally, or intravenously. 

In 2010, two men from Raleigh, N.C., died from an overdose of mephedrone. The drug is not regulated.  It is typically made in China and exported to the U.K. and Austria where it is legally sold online to people around the world.  Practically anyone can purchase it, or receive it with any flower purchase, which is causing an increase in serious injuries and deaths.

Just because “plant food” is legal, does not make it safe!  It can be just as harmful and deadly as illegal narcotics.  Especially with a harmless-sounding name like “plant food”, users often have no idea what they are getting themselves into.

As a healthcare professional, I feel the need to spread the word about these types of dangerous drugs. I have personally seen the effects substances such as "plant food" have on people.    Just because something is marketed as "harmless" does not make it so.  This drug can have serious, life-changing consequences.

Salvia

Salvia is not a synthetic drug but it is marketed as incense and the package reads NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. It comes from Mexico and the leaves of the plant are dried. The plant is chewed or smoked and causes hallucinogenic effects. Salvia causes a short intense high. Most people report that they feel as if their bodies are merging with other objects or stretching.

As a nurse working in behavioral health, I have seen the effects that synthetic drugs can have on people.  One case in particular was a retired marine. His use of synthetic drugs magnified his war flashbacks and post traumatic stress, causing him to go into periods of rage and psychosis. 

I have included a picture of Salvia packaging and a video that shows the effects of Salvia. 

 

Thank you for viewing our blog! 

Please feel free to leave questions or comments!

By Nurse Kelley

Cloud 9/ Potpourri

My Statement:
As a mother of 2 young children I would like to get the word out about the harmful effects of these "legal" drugs.  The fact is, they are dangerous and people, including young teens, are dying from using these products.

About Cloud 9/ Potpourri:
Cloud 9 is a synthetic drug marketed as potpourri.  The warning label says "not for human consumption", but people are smoking it anyway.  It can cause harmful side effects such as hallucinations, insomnia that lasts for days, and suicidal Ideations (just to name a few

Links I have found in regaurds to Cloud 9:
Poison Control center:
http://www.wwltv.com/home/Poison-center-warns-of-effects-of-Cloud-Nine-fake-bath-salt-used-to-get-high-112353419.html

Salt Lake city, Utah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFFZabzQj_A&feature=related



This link isn't cloud 9--it's a person high on bath salts.  I thought it was interesting...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh_nZiuFC4o&feature=related

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