A dangerous trend that has been on the rise with adolescents is snorting, injecting and smoking bath salts. Bath salts are similar to “Spice” or “K2” (herbal incense) in which adolescents appear to be drawn to the attractive packaging and assume that the products are a safe alternative to street drugs since they are commonly sold over the counter. This could not be further from the truth. Parents, teachers, and lawmakers need to be made aware that the potential for these drugs to harm the lives of our children is quite significant and little is known about the long term effects. Doctors at poison centers all over the country have reported that bath salts mimic the effects of methamphetamine resulting in extreme anxiety, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, elevated heat rate and blood pressure. Since the use of bath salts is shown to raise blood pressure and reduces blood supply to the heart there is an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. If you suspect your adolescent is using bath salts or other substances please contact a mental health professional for assistance. Immediately seek medical attention for your child if you begin to see any of the following side effects:
- Elevated heart rate
- Euphoric feeling
- Elevated blood pressure
- Bloodshot eyes
- Pale skin
- Extreme anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Seizures
