Bath Salts | Addiction Treatment Strategies

DrugScope has responded to a joint report on new drugs published by Europol, the European law enforcement agency, and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. The two agencies state that a total of 41 new psychoactive substances were officially reported across Europe in 2010. This is almost double the 24 reported in 2009.
Most new drugs are slight modifications of the chemical structures of known substances such as ecstasy or amphetamine. While ‘designer’ drugs are not a new concept, the report suggests there is now an ever greater interaction between the illicit and non-illicit pharmaceutical markets….

Emergency rooms are seeing a growing number of people high on “bath salts,” new stimulant drugs that can cause long-lasting and dangerous effects. The New York Times reports that doctors are trying to determine the best way to treat people high on these synthetic drugs.
Bath salts have grown increasingly popular in the last year. The drugs come in powder and crystal form, and are snorted, injected or smoked. The American Association of Poison Control Centers says poison control centers received 3,470 calls about bath salts during the first six months of this year, a jump from 303 calls in all of 2010.
The article notes that at least 28…

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Sha is issuing an order to ban the sale of a substance sold as bath salts that packs as much punch as cocaine or methamphetamines when abused.
The amphetamine-type substance is resulting in hundreds of hospitalizations nationwide.
The substance is most often sold in small convenience stores. It causes hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, suicidal behavior and violence as well as chest pains and increased blood pressure.
U.S. Sen. Charles of Schumer of New York is seeking a nationwide ban.
The state health commissioner’s order issued Monday takes effect immediately. The commissioner can order a…