Gil Kerlikowske, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, warned this week of the dangers of using the newest fake drugs. These drugs are often sold as "bath salts" online or in stores selling drug paraphernalia.
The powdered salts are called "Ivory Wave" or "Purple Wave." This year alone, the synthetic stimulants in the drugs has made many people across the country ill. One person in Mississippi apparently died as a
result of using the drugs.
"They pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of young people and anyone who uses them," said Kerlikowske. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 251 calls have been received related to "bath salts" this year alone. This is compared to 236 calls to poison control centers last year. And it is only February. The stimulants in the drugs can cause chest pains, high blood pressure, increased heart rhythm, agitation, rage, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusional thoughts.
Senator Charles Schumer of New York recently drafted a bill that would make the chemicals in the bath salts, not yet controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration nor the Food and Drug Administration, on the list of
federally controlled substances.
"The so-called 'bath salts' are nothing more than deadly narcotics and they are being sold cheaply to all comers no questions asked at store counters around the country...we want to nip this in the bud before it becomes an epidemic," said Schumer.
The proposed bill is quickly gaining support from legislators, physicians and drug experts.
"Just because something is not illegal, does not mean it's safe," said Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
