Bath salts are one of the newer and more dangerous drugs to arrive on the scene. Although their name does not imply dangerousness, these they are comprised of MDPV, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone. There are also individuals who are making synthetic versions that have similar effects. Regardless of how bath salts are manufactured, they tend to be easy to find and potentially very dangerous to use. Although they cannot be sold legally in many states, they continue to be available online.

What does one experience when taking bath salts? Individual responses vary considerably, but there are some common experiences. Because they are a stimulant, they tend to lead to increased pulse and blood pressure. Some users have described the physical sensation as a “panic attack that won’t end”. Individuals who have used bath salts may appear extremely agitated and they may believe that everyone is out to get them (paranoia). They may experience hallucinations (see things that are not there). Of particular concern is that individuals who use them frequently experience suicidal thoughts. There is no drug test that can consistently identify bath salts, so if a person has used and arrives in an emergency room or drug rehab center with extreme agitation, there is no easy way for ER staff to know that the person has been taking bath salts. Emergency rooms are finding that often times, sedatives are not effective in helping these patients and there have been cases where patients are so agitated and violent upon admission to the ER that they have to be sedated with antipsychotic medication or even general anesthesia.

Although many of the side effects of bath salts wear off after the patient has detoxed at the rehab center, it is noted that some of these individuals have ongoing thoughts of suicide. There also seem to be significant cravings for more. It is remarkable that a substance that can cause so many negative symptoms can also lead to severe cravings and a strong desire to use it again.

There are cases of highly functioning individuals, professionals in their fields, who have started using bath salts and in a short period of time have become chronically suicidal and lost almost everything in their lives (e.g., careers, families). Although the effects are similar to drugs like methamphetamine, it appears that bath salts are leading to more severe paranoia and suicidal thoughts, as well as the potential for long term after effects. It is relatively common to find a person who has not used for months but who continues to have some paranoia and suicidal thoughts, even if they never experienced these symptoms prior to bath salt use. Ongoing use of bath salts can cause long term, possibly irreversible damage to your emotional health, not to mention increased risk of suicide and aggression towards others. » Read more: Bath Salts Increase Risk for Suicide