Bath Salts are the new drug of choice on the streets it seems, but it begs the question, why? When it causes those who take it to react in such extreme and volatile ways – it is beyond me why someone would choose to pay money to put themselves in such a state.
According to a Good Morning America article, the use of the drug is rising rapidly across the United States and the number of poison control calls related to bath salts rose dramatically from around 300 in 2010 to over 6,000 in 2011.
With that in mind and the recent case of one man reportedly eating off a part of the face off of another man due to this drug, we as parents should really be educating ourselves and then educating our children through open communication about this harmful drug.
Currently, there is a temporary ban on bath salts but that ban will expire soon if decisions are not made as to which drugs to ban and how to handle those who traffic them. Regardless of whether that ban becomes permanent, we all know that drugs are never completely unavailable simply because they are illegal – so it’s on us to work hard to educate our children on the harmful consequences of taking these drugs as well as others.
But first, we must educate ourselves.
What Are Bath Salts?Â
While these drugs are labeled in a benign manner, they are not the sweet smelling bathtub additives that you might use to soak in while relaxing after a long day. “Bath Salts” are MDPV or methylenedioxypyrovalerone primarily although they are finding new mixtures on the streets that are being created regularly.
What Do Bath Salts Do to the User?Â
Bath Salts cause the user to experience feelings of extreme paranoia, they often hallucinate, become volatile in behavior, as seen in recent news reports all over the country, and they can even become suicidal. Bizarre behaviors often follow the use of this drug including the recent cannibalistic attack that occurred in Miami mentioned above.
Where Do People Purchase Bath Salts?
Novelty shops and convenience stores often carried them. While there is a ban in place, they can still be found online.
Common Names of Bath Salts:
- Ivory Wave
- Bolivian Bath
- Purple Wave
- Vanilla Sky
- Bliss
Bath Salts are not the only drug of concern by any means, and at a young age, you should begin having conversations with your children about drugs.
This article at KidsHealth.org offers age appropriate advice for how to discuss drugs with your kids starting at preschool age when those “teachable moments” come up through the teen years where more frank conversation and education should be occurring in your home.
There isn’t a single person that is immune to the potential for drugs to enter their world, so starting young and having open dialogue as the norm in your home is key.
How do you talk to your kids about drugs? Had you heard of Bath Salts before this recent surge of reports?
Article Sources: WebMDÂ and KidsHealth.org
Image: Randy Son of Robert
