"Bath Salts" : A Must-Know for Parents

I have just been reading some startling information about "bath salts," a new mixture of drugs that teens are using to create a meth-like high (but "bath salts" also cause hallucinations along with the normal stimulant effects).  Of course, these "bath salts" are not the regular bath salts that we use to relax in the tub.  


The major concern with this new drug is the rate of suicidality after the stimulant high - the reported feelings or attempts of suicide post-use are astounding.


The reason it is becoming so big, so fast is because it is readily available (legal to sell, so widespread on the internet, etc) and cheap (1g of meth is over $350; 1g of bath salts are $18!). 

I'm having a hard time finding out what exactly is in this new mixture, but some of the ingredients are the same as those that are used in pesticides.  It can be snorted, shot, swallowed, or smoked, and therefore comes in white powder (resembling traditional bath salts), capsules, or even dried leaves.

Many of the States are currently working on legislation to make this drug illegal (they are working towards making it a "Schedule 1" drug, the same as cocaine, etc).  It is legal and gets around the FDA laws because suppliers mark "not for human consumption" on the product. 


There is quite a bit of info online; here is a random website with a good overview to get you started:

http://www.burningtree.com/bath-salts-abuse/