How can bath salts get you high

However, the drugs that contain synthetic cathinones can produce powerful feelings of euphoria, as well as paranoia, hallucinatory delirium, and psychotic behavior. Bath salts are available as white or brown powdery crystals and are often sold in small packages with names like "Vanilla Sky," "Ivory Wave," and "Scarface. Bath salts are comparatively inexpensive and because of their chemical similarity to amphetamines, there is growing concern over the potential for abuse and addiction.

Since bath salts became widely available in the U. Poison control centers and emergency rooms have seen a sharp rise in bath-salt-related calls and visits, and police have become familiar with a condition known as " excited delirium ," as part of which users exhibit violent and psychotic behavior. According to a new online PSA produced by the U.

Navy in an effort to prevent their sailors from trying synthetic drugs, the paranoia induced by bath salts can persist for days or weeks after the drugs have been taken.

There have been numerous reports of suicides thought to be a result of the drug's terrifying and lingering effects. The patient's condition is also not a reliable guide. Am J Med. Because bath salts are so potent, high doses of sedatives may be necessary to prevent users from harming themselves and others. In addition, users of bath salts may be taking other drugs simultaneously. Should bath salts wane in popularity, authorities say they have no doubt new psychoactive designer drugs will take their place.

Clinicians can help prevent the lethal consequences of the next generation of illicit drugs by reporting any cases of drug toxicity to poison centers, advises Ryan. Slomski A. Coronavirus Resource Center. Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy Continue. Save Preferences. Privacy Policy Terms of Use.

Twitter Facebook. View Correction. This Issue. Views , Citations 4. View Metrics. You may also see them labeled as other consumer products such as jewelry cleaners, screen cleaners or plant food. In reality, bath salt drugs belong to a family of chemicals known as synthetic cathinones. These man-made substances get their name from the stimulant plant called khat , a native of Arabia and East Africa that serves as their inspiration. People who use synthetic cathinones can experience a range of unpleasant or harmful mental effects, including:.

A synthetic cathinone user affected by excited delirium can develop severe, potentially fatal health complications such as:. In addition, repeated consumption of a synthetic cathinone can lead to the onset of addiction.

So, are bath salt drugs really bath salts? Know the difference between these two substances could be the difference between using something to relax and using something because you have an addiction.