Synthetic Drug Use On Dramatic Rise Nationwide -- Abuse Of "Bath Salts" Among Them

Nation's Emergency Physicians Press for Legislation and Warn: Educate Children Now Before It's Too Late

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's emergency physicians are seeing an alarming increase in the amount of patients being treated in emergency departments for synthetic (or chemically enhanced) drug use. For example, in 2010, there were a little fewer than 2,900 calls to poison control centers regarding synthetic marijuana exposure.  That number nearly doubled in the first 8 months of 2011. 

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"As emergency physicians, we witness first-hand how these dangerous synthetic drugs are harming users," said Dr. David Seaberg, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).  "These products contain chemicals that imitate the hallucinogenic or stimulant properties of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine, which can create severe paranoia that may cause users to harm themselves or others."

One of the major concerns involves the use of so-called "bath salts."  Dr. Seaberg said to make no mistake, these are not actually bath salts or any type of bath products.  Their only known purpose is for consumption as a recreational drug.  These drugs are intentionally mislabeled by their manufacturers as "bath salts," "plant food," "air freshener," etc. in order to trick the purchaser into thinking the drugs are mild or innocuous.  In 2010, there were about 300 calls to poison control centers related specifically to bath salts.  In the first 8 months of 2011, that number was already more than 4,700.

Emergency physicians treat patients every day for a variety of different symptoms associated with synthetic drug use including, chest pain, elevated blood pressure, nausea, erratic heartbeat, agitation, paranoia, muscle breakdown and/or hypothermia. 

These bath salts can have very harmful effects on its users.  Users have reported impaired perception, reduced motor control, extreme paranoia and violent episodes.  These synthetic drugs have been popular among teens and young adults, and are sold at retail outlets and over the Internet.  These drugs can also be highly addictive to its users.