Synthetic cathinone most commonly referred to as “bath salts” is a man-made stimulant drug.  It is not the same product that you would buy and place in your tub for a nice relaxing bath.  It is most commonly used by teenagers and young adults because of its relatively easy accessibility.  “Bath salts” can be found in gas stations, convenience stores, and most commonly, head shops and online.  This specially-made white powder sells for about $25 to $30.  They are also known as party salts, party powders, and have also been sold as plant feeder, stain remover, and insect repellent.  They come in a variety of different brand names and packages.  The packages range from what looks like moist towelettes to small capsules or vials (commonly seen being sold in Herkimer). In Herkimer County “bath salts” are commonly known or referred to as Blizzard.  “Bath Salt” can be purchased in the Village of Herkimer and is being sold as “glass cleaner”. Most packages are labeled “not for consumption” or “for novelty use only” however that has not stopped individuals from snorting or orally ingesting this product.  Some packets have may even be printed with “not illegal.”    

Methylenedioxyprovalerone (MDPV) Mephedrone and Methylone

MDPV, Mephedrone, and Methlone are the most commonly found chemicals in “bath salts”.  These drugs are not required to follow any standard formula or regulations so one packets chemical make-up may be completely different from the next.  The high from “bath salts” has been reported to be similar to cocaine or methamphetamine but much more intense.  The high usually last four to six hours.  Because  the chemical composition may vary from one package to the next, a person’s high can be different each time they use the drug.      

As of October 21, 2011 it is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess mephedrone, methylone, or MDPV unless authorized by the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. 

Side Effects

• Stimulation or alertness
• Euphoria
• An awareness of senses
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Severe paranoia
• Extreme agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Hypertension
• Chest pain
• Serious Injury
• Suicidal thoughts
• Combative or violent behavior
• Hallucinations or psychosis
• Death

According to the DEA’s Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section high dose users of MDPV have reported cravings showing signs of dependence or addiction.  The DEA also reported that MDPV in high doses have been known to cause…

• Rapid heartbeat
• Increase blood pressure
• Vasoconstriction; narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels
• Sweating
• Prolonged panic attacks
• Sleep deprivation induced psychosis

Europe has seen the circulation of MDPV since 2007.  Heath officials there report users are being treated in mental institutions and are “losing touch with reality”.  

The long-term effects of “bath salts” are still unknown since the drug has only been widely used in the past few years. 

Poison Control Center Statistics:

• In 2010, 304 calls about exposure to bath salts were reported to poison control centers.
• In 2011, that number rose to 6,138 calls.
• Projected data based on January 2012 indicates that poison control calls for bath salts exposure will remain far above 2010 levels in 2012. 

Sources:
About.com Alcoholism. What is Fake Cocaine? (2011, Jan 26). Retrieved from http://alcoholism.about.com 
Click Orlando. Synthetic Cocaine Sold As ‘Bath Salts’. (2011, Jan 17). Retrieved from http://www.clickorlando.com 
Hendricks, B., The Herald Dispatch. Synthetic Coke Sold As Bath Salts. (2010, Nov 24). Retrieved from http://www.herald-dispatch.com 
Join Together. Specialty ‘Bath Salts’ Linked to Hospitalizations, Suicides. (2011, Jan 24). Retrieved from http://www.jointogether.org 
The Partnership at Drugfree.org. Parents360 Synthetic Drugs: Bath Salts, K2/Spice A Guide For Parents and Other Influencers. (2012. Feb. 16). Retrieved from http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Parents360-Synthetics-Bath-Salts-K2-Spice-Parents-Guide-FINAL-2-13-12.pdf 
U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control. Rules – 2011 Temporary Placement of three Synthetic Cathinones Into Schedule I. (2011, Oct. 21). Retrieved from  http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2011/fr1021_3.htm 
 Yahoo! News. Bath Salts: For Bathing or the Latest High?  Willingway Hospital Warns Legally-Purchased Product Can Be Fake Cocaine. (2011, Jan 17). Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com