Bath salts are a specialized category of designer drug. The name stems from cases where the new drugs were disguiseously disguised as bath salts. The crystals, powder, or granules often look a lot like Epsom salts, yet are different chemically. There are hundreds of different chemical combinations possible with bath salt crystals, so salts can be very expensive.

Because of their chemical make up, bath salts are extremely powerful, and their use has been on the rise for several years. The main reason is the confusion these drugs cause with one’s overall well-being. These synthetic chemicals can produce side effects from a high, to a depression, to hallucinations, and even to fatal highs. Although they are considered legal, and not subject to the same scrutiny as illegal drugs, bath salts can be dangerous and addictive, and can cross the line from recreational substance to dangerous medication.

Many people have reported experiencing panic attacks after taking bath salt, and these are not isolated incidents. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, bath salts “may also have an effect on patients who have no previous history of mental illness or psychiatric disease.” This can be especially dangerous, particularly when mixed with other substances that increase the likelihood of creating panic attacks and other disorders.

Another drug often mistaken for bath salts is methamphetamine or crystal meth. Meth, also known as crank, ice, glass, bricks, or ball, is a powerful stimulant. Crystal meth is about 60 times as strong as cocaine, and users need extremely high dosages to achieve a high. As with bath salts, crystal meth can also create many different physical and psychological problems in the user. It can also produce a manic state called euphoria, which can quickly lead to irrational behavior, including violence.

Unfortunately, the abuse of bath salts and other synthetic cathinones can also lead to serious health problems, such as liver disease, depression, diabetes, kidney damage, heart attack, and respiratory arrest. This is mainly due to the speed of the drug. Methamphetamine needs to be injected to reach the brain, and this process leaves behind a highly concentrated, highly toxic solution. This solution, often mixed with other chemicals, passes through the lungs, and mixes with the blood stream, causing dramatic spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. When it reaches the brain, the spikes in energy can cause hallucinations, delusions, and even psychosis.

Crystal meth and bath salts do not necessarily cause these types of problems, but they are highly addictive. The only way to avoid this serious health risk is to avoid the use of bath salts completely, if you can. This means not using them when they are sold legally, and not mixing them with anything. This simple step can drastically reduce your chances of getting into an accident, and will reduce the likelihood of long-term side effects. By choosing to avoid the problem, you can protect yourself and your family from the negative consequences of addiction.