Parents, Know the Facts! - Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts")

SYNTHETIC STIMULANTS OFTEN KNOWN AS "BATH SALTS" BELONG TO THE SYNTHETIC CATHINONE DRUG CLASS.

Synthetic cathinones are central nervous stimulants meant to replicate the effects of cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy). Synthetic cathinones are sold in tiny plastic or aluminium packages marked "not for human consumption." They may be branded as bath salts, plant food, jewellery cleaner, or mobile phone screen cleaner.

Forms of synthetic cathinones: white or brown crystal-like powder.

ADMINISTRATION

Synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") are often ingested by snorting or sniffing. Additionally, they may be taken orally, smoked, or dissolved in a solution and injected into veins.

EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC CATHINONES

There have been several cases of misusers enduring violent, psychotic, and life-threatening episodes. The following effects may be experienced:

Paranoia and extreme anxiety; excited delirium: agitation or violent behaviour toward oneself or others; increased sociability; increased sex drive; hallucinations, anxiety, delirium; elevated body temperature; rapid heartbeat and breathing; increased blood pressure; dilated pupils; sweating, with an unusual body odour; nausea; dehydration; nosebleeds; shortness of breath; dizziness; shaking and twitching muscles.

WITHDRAWAL

It is possible to develop a dependence of the substance when the brain adapts to the additional stimulation. Stimulant withdrawal can appear as soon as 90 minutes after the last misuse. These symptoms can include:

Lethargy, fatigue, depression, anxiety, slow thinking, intense cravings, tremors, feelings of foggy-headedness, nightmares, muscle aches, suicidal thoughts, inability to focus.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Insomnia, tremors, depression, anxiety, ongoing paranoia, muscle injury, infections, skin rashes, debilitation from accidental self-harm, rhabdomyolysis: the breakdown of skeletal muscles that then poisons the kidneys, leading to physical weakness and kidney failure, damage to the teeth and jaw from grinding, damage to cardiovascular system, brain swelling and brain death, death.