These substances, also referred to as bath salts or monkey dust, are recreational designer drugs that are commonly used in the UK. They are often disguised as bath salts. The white powder or granules they come in often look similar to the substance known as Epsom salts, but they have different chemical properties. In an attempt to circumvent the country’s drug laws, they are often labeled as plant food or powdered cleaner.
Unlike traditional medicines, bath salts are available as powdery substances and can be mixed with water. They are often sold in convenient stores and smoke shops. They can also be ordered online.
These drugs were first legalized in Israel in 2004. The drug is a synthetic version of the plant khat, a type of cannabis with a mild stimulant effect. The Israeli company Neorganics developed the drug and began selling it as liquids and pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration eventually banned it in 2011.
There have been a number of different variations of bath salts since then. Among them are alpha-PVP, commonly known as “flakka” in Miami, and MDPV, which is known by the slang terms “meow,” “drone,” and “meph.” The US Senate passed the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011 that puts several of these chemical compounds in the most restrictive category of controlled substances.
The ingredients (The ingredients vary, but are typically sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), glycerin, magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), and borax.) in these salts can cause serious psychological and physical changes in users, including euphoria, severe agitation, extreme paranoia, extreme physical dependence, weight loss, kidney failure, and distortions of reality. The drug’s effects may be short-lived, but are more likely to last for months
The History of Bath Salts
In the 1920s, the first synthetic versions of the substance known as mephedrone were produced. These were then rediscovered by underground chemists during the 21st century. Because of their legal status in various jurisdictions, they were commonly used as designer drugs.
In 2009, and 2010, the use of synthetic cathinones started to rise in the UK and other European countries. Reports about the illegal substances, which were marketed as bath salts, started to come in to US poison centers.
Most of the drugs sold in the US were purchased from websites. However, they were also commonly sold in small packets at independent stores. This made them more accessible than alcohol and cigarettes.
In addition to these, there have also been reports about the use of various designer drugs, such as synthetic cannabis and methylhexaneamine. These are often created to avoid being controlled by the authorities.
In the US, the number of calls about the use of illicit substances, such as bath salts, increased from 304 in 2010 to 6,138 in 2011. Then, calls related to the substances started to decrease.
Pharmacology
Bath salts typically contain one or more of the following drugs: mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone, or a combination of these. The chemical composition of these drugs varies widely. In Europe, the main synthetic version of mephedrone is known as mephedrone. On the other hand, in the US, the main synthetic version is known as MDPV.
It is unknown how bath salts interact with the human body and how they are metabolized. Because of their dangerous effects, scientists believe that they can be addictive. These substances are known to cause a spike in the concentration of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Compared to amphetamines, bath salts are generally less able to penetrate the blood brain barrier. This is because they have a beta-keto group, which increases their polarity.
The Usage of Bath Salts
Inhaled, ingested, smoked, or injected bath salts can have detrimental effects on a person’s health. They can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and erratic behavior. Their wakefullness-promoting effects can also lead to insomnia.
The drug is a synthetic version of the plant khat, a type of cannabis with a mild stimulant effect. The Israeli company Neorganics developed the drug and began selling it as liquids and pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration eventually banned it in 2011.
There have been a number of different variations of bath salts since then. Among them are alpha-PVP, commonly known as “flakka” in Miami, and MDPV, which is known by the slang terms “meow,” “drone,” and “meph.” The US Senate passed the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011 that puts several of these chemical compounds in the most restrictive category of controlled substances.
The ingredients in these salts can cause serious psychological and physical changes in users, including euphoria, severe agitation, extreme paranoia, extreme physical dependence, weight loss, kidney failure, and distortions of reality. The drug’s effects may be short-lived, but are more likely to last for months.
These designer drugs are highly addictive. They are especially dangerous to teens’ developing brains. Some of the active ingredients are similar to other stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine. They are sold in small, packet-like tablets, typically for about $30. They are also available in agglomerated forms, such as bath beads and bath oil. The additives in bath salts include glycerin, which acts as a lubricant.
Interaction with alcohol
In 2015, a study revealed that alcohol and mephedrone interact in a way that enhances the effects of mephedrone. The study, which was conducted on alcohol and mephedrone, revealed that the former’s psychostimulant effects are enhanced by alcohol at low doses. This effect is mediated by the increase in synaptic dopamine, which is a component of the brain’s dopamine system.
Effects
These substances are commonly referred to as monkey dust or bath salts. They can be ingested, smoked, or injected. Their effects are similar to that of cocaine or MDMA. Both substances cause an immediate onset of action and stimulant toxicity. In large doses, they can cause similar symptoms to those that are commonly seen in individuals with serotonin syndrome.
Some individuals who use bath salts experience psychotic episodes. Some reports suggest that these episodes are rare.
In addition to the psychiatric and physical side effects of these drugs, the use of bath salts can lead to kidney failure, anorexia, and weight loss. Antipsychotic medications may help manage the emotional withdrawal symptoms that result from the drug. Other treatments include benzodiazepines, which are used to treat seizures.
Due to their rapid emergence, synthetic variants of bath salts are known to have high addiction potential. These substances are often used at the same time as traditional psychoactive drugs. Individuals who have overdosed on these drugs often display symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and seizures.
Legality
Many authorities have responded to the increasing prevalence of these drugs by putting them on an emergency ban list. The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks laws on the use of bath salts, which include strict warnings about the dangers of these products. The majority of states have now banned them. Some of the newer varieties are sold in convenience stores and are even available on the Internet.
In the United States, 57 poison centers have received calls about bath salts abuse. These centers have gotten less calls in recent years, as clinicians have learned how to respond to this emerging trend.
Recent Comments