Bath Salts

Bath Salts (also known as psychoactive bath salts or PABS) are a group of recreational designer drugs. The name derives from instances in which the drugs were disguised as bath salts. The white powder, granules, or crystals often resemble Epsom salts, but are chemically unrelated to them and are usually ingested, snorted, or injected.

Composition and Mechanism

Bath salts contain synthetic cathinones, which are synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring stimulant cathinone, found in the khat plant. The most common compounds found in bath salts are mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). These chemicals act as central nervous system stimulants, causing increased release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. The effects of synthetic cathinones can be unpredictable and are believed to be similar to those of amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA.

Effects

The effects of bath salts can include euphoria, increased sociability, increased sex drive, paranoia, hallucinations, and panic attacks. Physical effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, and in severe cases, can lead to heart attack, kidney failure, or seizures. Due to the high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, bath salts are considered a significant public health risk.

Legal Status

The legal status of bath salts varies by country and region. In the United States, the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 placed many of the synthetic cathinones found in bath salts into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, making them illegal for all non-research use. Similar bans have been enacted in other countries to curb the sale and possession of synthetic cathinones.

Health Risks

The use of bath salts has been linked to a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths. The unpredictable nature of the chemical composition of bath salts, combined with the potential for high doses, makes them particularly dangerous. Users may experience severe psychiatric symptoms and violent behavior, posing a risk to themselves and others.

Treatment

Treatment for bath salt intoxication involves supportive care and may include sedation, hydration, and monitoring for heart and kidney function. In cases of severe psychosis or agitation, antipsychotic medications may be administered. Long-term treatment may involve counseling and substance abuse rehabilitation programs.

See Also

• Designer drug
• Drug abuse
• Psychoactive drug
• Stimulant psychosis