Designer Street Drugs

“Bath Salts” are a synthetic street drug in powder form, containing various amphetamine-like chemicals. Although banned in most states, bath salts are sold online and in stores under names like “Ivory Wave,” or “Purple Wave” These chemicals act as a stimulant in the brain and are known to be used as a substitute for cocaine. These drugs are taken orally, by inhalation, or by injection and have been reported to trigger intense craving and can be as addictive as methamphetamines.

Ingesting or snorting “Bath Salts” can cause increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and delusions. Mephedrone, one of the ingredients in bath salts, is a central nervous system stimulant, causing psychological symptoms such as delusions, paranoia, psychosis and hallucinations. Addictive properties have been described with chronic use of bath salts. The most profound side effects from large overdoses include seizures, renal failure, and even death.

Other designer street drugs like “Spice” are drugs containing chemical additives with psychoactive (mind altering) effects. Spice is marketed to people who are interested in herbal alternatives to marijuana and regular users can become addicted and experience withdrawal symptoms. Spice can produce a variety of mood and perceptual effects. Spice abusers who have been taken to the hospital report symptoms of rapid heartbeat, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations. Because the chemical composition of the various products sold as Spice is unknown, it is likely that some varieties of the drug have substances that can produce stronger effects than desired by the user.