Sussex County Municipal Alliance

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sussex County Municipal Alliance SUSSEX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND YOUTH SERVICES Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse 2013 NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY • Needs Assessments are done every 3-5 years • Each Alliance is required to participate • Part of this year’s Assessment included a survey of Sussex County residents o Online o Individualized for each Alliance o Each Alliance actively promoted and participated in the survey Respondents ranged in age from 13 to over 55. The largest group of respondents was in the 26-55 age group. Most of the respondents (74.9%) were parents. Youth under 18 Parent Business Media School Youth Serving Organization Law Enforcement Religious/Fraternal Organization Civic/Volunteer Group Health Care Field State/Local/Tribal Government... Other Organization Involved i... 0 20 40 60 80 100 82.0% of the respondents believe there is a substance abuse problem in their towns In your opinion, is there a substance abuse problem in your town? Yes 82.0% No 18.0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 94.2% believe there is a substance abuse problem in the county In your opinion, is there a substance abuse problem in your county? Yes 94.2% No 5.8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Those who believe it is a problem identified 16-18 year olds, 19-20 year olds, and 21-25 year olds as the three age groups having the most significant abuse problems <13 3.9% 13-15 29.5% 16-18 80.5% Age Group 19-20 75.9% 21-25 54.9% 26-55 19.9% >55 2.9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% * Percentages are based on total number of respondents to survey (923), not the number of respondents to this particular question because we do not have that information. Alcohol Cocaine Heroin K-2 Marijuana Prescription Drug Misuse Inhalants Methamphetamine Alcohol (71.9%) and Marijuana (70.9%) were Opana identified as significant problems for 16 to 18 Bath Salts year olds Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Alcohol Cocaine Heroin K-2 Marijuana Prescription Drug Misuse Inhalants Methamphetamine Respondents identified Heroin (69%) , Alcohol (61.2%) and Marijuana (60.3%) as Opana significant problems for 19 to 20 year olds Bath Salts Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% In your opinion, which of the drugs below are problems in your county?21 Show-25 us by checking those that are a problem and indicating among what age group. Alcohol Cocaine Heroin Heroin (58.1%) was identified as the most K-2 significant abuse issue for 21 to 25 year olds Marijuana Prescription Drug Misuse Inhalants Methamphetamine Opana Bath Salts Over-the-Counter Cough Medicine 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 21-25 The overall substance of abuse, according to the responses given, for all age groups was alcohol at 92.5% and heroin was identified by 85.5% of the respondents as the second most prolific abuse problem. Underage drinking has been identified as a significant problem in Sussex County. Adults that encourage underage drinking as 39.7% a "rite of passage" Adults that host underage drinking parties 52.8% Parents that have a problem with alcohol 54.9% abuse and/or alcoholism Lack of parental influence in mid-teens to 77.6% Lack of parental influence was late teens identified as the leading Lack of enforcement of underage drinking 22.5% contributing factor in underage laws drinking. Lack of enforcement of underage alcohol 12.8% purchasing laws Law enforcement that "looks the other way 10.9% because it's just alcohol" Other contributing factors that were identified Lack of knowledge by adults of legal 34.6% included parents that have a problem with consequences of underage drinking alcohol abuse or alcoholism, adults that host Lack of knowledge by youth of legal underage drinking parties, adults that 42.0% consequences of underage drinking encourage underage drinking as a “rite of passage”, easy accessibility to alcohol, and Alcohol is easily accessible to youth 60.3% the belief that it is not harmful by young people Youth believe alcohol is not harmful 65.5% Youth believe underage drinking is viewed 55.0% as OK by parents and is socially acceptable 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Marijuana use by youth and young adults is contributed to the perception that it is “natural” and not harmful and the belief by adults that marijuana is not harmful. Despite evidence that suggests that marijuana use in adolescence affects brain development. (*National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dec. 2012) Adults that promote recreational use of 39.7% marijuana Adults that believe marijuana is not harmful 56.2% Youth perception of marijuana as 'natural' and 78.9% not harmful Passage of medical marijuana legislation 35.9% leading people to believe it is a safe drug 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% *http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana Respondents identified Peer Pressure as the main contributing factor for why young people use drugs and abuse legal substances. The second most identified contributing factor is lack of parental awareness of the drugs that their kids are using. People also believe that drugs are used to make a person feel good or get away from their problems. The ease in which drugs can be obtained and boredom were the 4th and 5th most chosen contributing factors. Drugs are easy to get 61.5% People use drugs because they don't think they 37.7% are harmful Parents aren't aware of the drugs their kids and 70.3% their friends may be using Parents don't give a clear "no use" message 45.3% regarding alcohol and other drug use Drugs make a person feel good and help them 63.2% to get away from their problems Drugs help people to feel less stressed and 57.4% more comfortable in stressful situations Boredom 60.3% Pressure from peer group 78.5% Everyone is doing it 38.7% Drug use by youth is normal teen risk-taking 16.9% behavior 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% What Now? • Each Alliance will review the results of their own surveys • Develop new programs based on results • Improve existing programs • Additional Information for their Needs Assessments will come from; DMHAS Chart Book Key Informant Interviews Focus Groups Municipal Alliance Committees by the Numbers 11 (Committees) 21 of 24 (Municipalities represented) 122 (Active/Volunteer members) Countless (facilitators &participants) 85 Current programs being conducted 1 (GOAL) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Stephen Gruchacz, Administrator – Department of Human Services Melissa Latronica, Director – Division of Community and Youth Services Ayla Satter, Survey Facilitator – Center for Prevention and Counseling - Created the Charts used in this presentation Municipal Alliance Committee Chairpersons, Coordinators, Members Almost 1,000 respondents who took the time to answer our questions Presented by: Nicholas Loizzi, Municipal Alliance Coordinator .
Recommended publications
  • Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programs Annual Notification
    MCCCD DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION PROGRAMS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION STATEMENT ON DRUG-FREE CAMPUSES In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Act), the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is distributing this notification to all students and employees to inform them of MCCCD’s comprehensive program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. This notification summarizes MCCCD’s programs, resources, policies, and standards of conduct; discusses health risks; highlights treatment options; and provides an overview of sanctions. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT It is the goal and policy of Maricopa County Community College District to provide a drug-free environment for all college students and employees. To achieve this goal and to comply with federal law, MCCCD prohibits the unlawful sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, and use of controlled substances on MCCCD property or as part of any of its programs and/or activities. Students, faculty, staff and visitors of any MCCCD campus are advised to become familiar with federal, state and local laws regarding alcohol and other drugs in accordance with the campus location. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors on any MCCCD campus must: 1) abide by MCCCD policies regarding alcohol abuse and illicit drugs; 2) abide by local, state and federal laws regarding alcohol, drugs, and controlled substances; and 3) act to reduce the risks associated with the use and abuse of these substances. MCCCD students and employees are subject to all applicable drug and alcohol policies including, but not limited to: AR 2.4.7 – Abuse-Free Environment AR 4.13 – Use of Alcoholic Beverages See also the Auxiliary Services section for Tobacco-Free Environment and the ​ ​ ​ ​ Appendices/Student Section Medical Marijuana Act of the Administrative Regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana: an Emerging Threat by Rommie L
    Continuing Education Course Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana: An Emerging Threat BY ROMMIE L. DUCKWORTH TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 135 YEARS To earn continuing education credits, you must successfully complete the course examination. The cost for this CE exam is $25.00. For group rates, call (973) 251-5055. Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana: An Emerging Threat Educational Objectives On completion of this course, students will 1) Define the term “Designer Drug”. 3) Determine what constitutes Bath Salts, and their effects. 2) Learn how regulation is not inhibiting the production of 4) Determine what constitutes Synthetic Marijuana, and its designer drugs. effects BY ROMMIE L. DUCKWORTH emergency responders, and healthcare providers. Designer drugs are chemical compounds that are newly created, modi- April 5, 2011. Spanaway, Washington: Medic and Army Ser- fied, or repurposed to provide abusers with effects similar to geant Dave Stewart, high on bath salts bought at a local pipe currently illegal recreational drugs. They are often relatively shop, killed himself and his wife during a police pursuit. Their five-year-old son was also found dead in the car. easy to make and, because of their ever-changing ingredient list, are also extremely difficult to regulate. August 21, 2011. Bowling Green, Kentucky: Teenager Ashley The term “designer drugs” originated in the 1980s, but Stillwell became paralyzed while smoking 7H, a form of syn- the idea of marketing legal chemical combinations related thetic marijuana, with her friends. She lay on the floor, helpless, to regulated or banned drugs dates back to the 1920s. Such as her friends discussed what to do, including how to dispose of her body.
    [Show full text]
  • 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone) [“Bath Salt,” Bk-MDMA, MDMC, MDMCAT, “Explosion,” “Ease,” “Molly”] December 2019
    Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (Methylone) [“Bath salt,” bk-MDMA, MDMC, MDMCAT, “Explosion,” “Ease,” “Molly”] December 2019 Introduction: discriminate DOM from saline. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) is a Because of the structural and pharmacological similarities designer drug of the phenethylamine class. Methylone is a between methylone and MDMA, the psychoactive effects, adverse synthetic cathinone with substantial chemical, structural, and health risks, and signs of intoxication resulting from methylone pharmacological similarities to 3,4-methylenedioxymeth- abuse are likely to be similar to those of MDMA. Several chat amphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). Animal studies indicate that rooms discussed pleasant and positive effects of methylone when methylone has MDMA-like and (+)-amphetamine-like used for recreational purpose. behavioral effects. When combined with mephedrone, a controlled schedule I substance, the combination is called User Population: “bubbles.” Other names are given in the above title. Methylone, like other synthetic cathinones, is a recreational drug that emerged on the United States’ illicit drug market in 2009. It is perceived as being a ‘legal’ alternative to drugs of Licit Uses: Methylone is not approved for medical use in the United abuse like MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Evidence States. indicates that youths and young adults are the primary users of synthetic cathinone substances which include methylone. However, older adults also have been identified as users of these Chemistry: substances. O H O N CH3 Illicit Distribution: CH O 3 Law enforcement has encountered methylone in the United States as well as in several countries including the Netherlands, Methylone United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden.
    [Show full text]
  • Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts")
    Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts") What are synthetic cathinones? Synthetic cathinones, more commonly known as "bath salts," are synthetic (human- made) drugs chemically related to cathinone, a stimulant found in the khat plant. Khat is a shrub grown in East Africa and southern Arabia, and people sometimes chew its leaves for their mild stimulant effects. Synthetic variants of cathinone can be much stronger than the natural product and, in some cases, very dangerous (Baumann, 2014). In Name Only Synthetic cathinone products Synthetic cathinones are marketed as cheap marketed as "bath salts" should substitutes for other stimulants such as not be confused with products methamphetamine and cocaine, and products such as Epsom salts that people sold as Molly (MDMA) often contain synthetic use during bathing. These cathinones instead (s ee "Synthetic Cathinones bathing products have no mind- and Molly" on page 3). altering ingredients. Synthetic cathinones usually take the form of a white or brown crystal-like powder and are sold in small plastic or foil packages labeled "not for human consumption." Also sometimes labeled as "plant food," "jewelry cleaner," or "phone screen cleaner," people can buy them online and in drug paraphernalia stores under a variety of brand names, which include: Flakka Bloom Cloud Nine Lunar Wave Vanilla Sky White Lightning Scarface Image courtesy of www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia- library/image-gallery/bath-salts/bath-salts04.jpg Synthetic Cathinones • January 2016 • Page 1 How do people use synthetic cathinones? People typically swallow, snort, smoke, or inject synthetic cathinones. How do synthetic cathinones affect the brain? Much is still unknown about how synthetic cathinones affect the human brain.
    [Show full text]
  • Alcohol Consuming Energy Drinks Mixed with Alcohol Results in an Increase in the Number of Alcohol-Related Injuries Because the Perception of Impairment Is Diminished
    ® DRUG FACT SHEET Alcohol Consuming energy drinks mixed with alcohol results in an increase in the number of alcohol-related injuries because the perception of impairment is diminished. Class of drug: Depressant Main active ingredient: Ethanol/Ethyl alcohol, which is made by fermenting or distilling grains, fruit and vegetables, is the main ingredient. Alcohol is found in beverages like beer, wine, coolers and hard liquor like rum and vodka. What it looks like: Liquid, either clear or colored A standard drink is equal to .6 oz of pure alcohol, which is equal to 12 oz of beer, Street names: Booze, Juice, Spirits, Brew, Sauce 8 oz of malt liquor, 5 oz of wine and 1.5 oz or a “shot” of 80-proof liquor (e.g. gin, How it is used: Taken orally rum, vodka). Duration of high: Effects of high can last from one to four hours. The effect of alcohol on the body by volume is the same. It is the amount of ethanol consumed that affects a person most, not the type of alcoholic drink. Withdrawal symptoms: Restlessness, sweating, tremors, insomnia, anxiety, c onvulsions, death Detected in the body: With a healthy liver, an average person can New York information eliminate one drink (.6 oz of alcohol) per hour. In 2011, 19 percent of high Detection time in urine is one to two days. school students in New York re - Effects: Physical —small amounts can produce relaxed ported that they drank alcohol muscles, headache, nausea; somewhat large for the first time before the age amounts can cause slurred speech, double vision; very large amounts can cause respiratory of 13.
    [Show full text]
  • 10.30.19 Didactic
    STIMULANTS PART II Michael H. Baumann, Ph.D. Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH Baltimore, MD 21224 Chronology of Stimulant Misuse 1. 2000s: Methamphetamine 2. 2010s: Bath Salts 3. Summary 2 Topics Covered for Each Substance Chemistry Formulations and Methods of Use Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Desired and Adverse Effects Chronic and Withdrawal Effects Neurobiology Treatments 2000s: Methamphetamine Methamphetamine, a synthetic stimulant 5 Formulations and Methods of Use Methamphetamine (i.e., Ice or Crystal) Smoking using pipes Methamphetamine HCl Intravenous injection of solutions using needle and syringe Intranasal snorting of crystals Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Pharmacokinetics Smoked and intravenous drugs reach brain within seconds Intranasal drug reaches brain within minutes Much longer half-life than cocaine Metabolism N-demethylation to form amphetamine (bioactive) Hydroxylation to form inactive metabolites Desired Effects Enhanced Mood and Euphoria Increased Attention and Alertness Decreased Need for Sleep Appetite Suppression Sexual Arousal Adverse Effects Psychosis Arrhythmias, Palpitations, Heart Attack Hypertension, Stroke Hyperthermia, Rhabdomyolysis Multisystem Organ Failure 11 www.facesofmeth.us. “METH Mouth” 12 Molecular Sites of Action SLC6 Monoamine Transporters Dopamine transporter (DAT) Norepinephrine transporter (NET) 5-HT transporter (SERT) Other sites Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2) Trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR1)
    [Show full text]
  • Getting Through Amphetamine Withdrawal – a Guide for People
    Amphetamine_wdl_220404.qxd 28/04/2004 12:19 PM Page i GETTING THROUGH AMPHETAMINE WITHDRAWAL A guide for people trying to stop amphetamine use Amphetamine_wdl_220404.qxd 28/04/2004 12:19 PM Page ii GETTING THROUGH AMPHETAMINE WITHDRAWAL CONTENTS About this book x Making the decision to stop using amphetamines x Amphetamine withdrawal x What is withdrawal? x How long will the symptoms last? What kinds of symptoms will I have? x Getting started x Organise a safe environment x Organise support x Structure your day x The role of medication x Getting through withdrawal x Cravings x Sleep x September 1996 Relaxing x Revised May 2004 Mood swings x © Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre Inc. Strange thoughts x 54-62 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065 Eating again x T: 03 8413 8413 Aches and pains x F: 03 9416 3420 High-risk situations x Counselling x E: [email protected] It’s all too much x www.turningpoint.org.au Sex and withdrawal x Original edition by Dr Nik Lintzeris, Dr Adrian Dunlop and After withdrawal x David Thornton What next? x Updated (2004) by Dr Adrian Dunlop, Sandra Hocking, Dr Getting back on track if you ‘slip up’ x Nicole Lee and Peter Muhleisen Notes for supporters x Cartoonist: Mal Doreian Useful contact numbers x ISBN 0_958 6979_1_4 1 Amphetamine_wdl_220404.qxd 28/04/2004 12:19 PM Page 2 GETTING THROUGH AMPHETAMINE WITHDRAWAL MAKING THE DECISION TO STOP USING AMPHEATMINES ABOUT THIS BOOK This book is written for people who are thinking about You may find it helpful to make a list of the positives and the or trying to stop using amphetamines, even if just for a negatives about using amphetamines.
    [Show full text]
  • MDPV) (Street Names: “Bath Salts,” “Ivory Wave,” “Plant Fertilizer,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Energy-1”) December 2019
    Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) (Street Names: “bath salts,” “Ivory Wave,” “plant fertilizer,” “Vanilla Sky,” “Energy-1”) December 2019 Introduction: reported for stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a designer MDPV has been reported to induce subjective effects in drug of the phenethylamine class. MDPV is structurally humans similar to those induced by cocaine, amphetamine, and related to cathinone, an active alkaloid found in the khat MDMA. The subjective effects induced by substituted plant, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cathinones are feelings of empathy, stimulation, alertness, methamphetamine, and other schedule I phenethylamines. euphoria, and awareness of senses. Other effects reported from MDPV, like some other substances in this class, is a central the use of MDPV were tachycardia, hypertension, nervous system (CNS) stimulant. MDPV is also reported to vasoconstriction, and sweating. MDPV has also been reported have hallucinogenic effects. MDPV has been identified in to cause intense, prolonged panic attacks in users. Repeat products that are falsely marketed as “bath salts,” “plant users have reported bouts of psychosis and a craving or a strong food,” and “research chemicals” and is sold over the Internet desire or urge to use again. There have been reports of deaths and at local retail shops. in which MDPV was either implicated or ruled as the cause of death. Licit Uses: Users of MDPV anecdotally reported that they take 25 mg MDPV is not approved for medical use in the United or less per session. The duration of the subjective effects is States.
    [Show full text]
  • Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio (OSAM)
    OSAM Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio June 2014 - January 2015 Legend Akron-Canton region Columbus region Athens region Dayton region Cincinnati region Toledo region Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Cleveland region Youngstown region Office of Quality, Planning and Research Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network Surveillance of Drug Abuse Trends in the State of Ohio June 2014 - January 2015 Prepared by: Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Office of Quality, Planning and Research Sanford Starr, Deputy Director — MSW, LISW-S R. Thomas Sherba, OSAM Principal Investigator — PhD, MPH, LPCC Beth E. Gersper, OSAM Coordinator — MPA Table of Contents OSAM-O-Gram ...........................................................................................................................................................3 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................................5 Drug Abuse Trends by Region Akron-Canton Region ............................................................................................................................................ 21 Athens Region .......................................................................................................................................................... 39 Cincinnati Region ...................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Public Comment on Synthetic Cathinones, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Synthetic Cannabinoids Dear Judge Pryor
    FEDERAL DEFENDER SENTENCING GUIDELINES COMMITTEE Lyric Office Centre 440 Louisiana Street, Suite 1350 Houston, Texas 77002-1634 Chair: Marjorie Meyers Phone: 713.718.4600 October 26, 2017 Honorable William H. Pryor, Jr. Acting Chair United States Sentencing Commission One Columbus Circle, N.E. Suite 2-500, South Lobby Washington, D.C. 20002-8002 Re: Public Comment on Synthetic Cathinones, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Synthetic Cannabinoids Dear Judge Pryor: Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids are “understudied substances.”1 Not enough information is available about these substances at this time for the Commission to make informed and just guideline amendments to address these drugs either individually or as a class. A far better approach is to amend Note 6 to give courts meaningful guidance on determining which of the listed substances are most similar to the unlisted substance. Specifically, we recommend guidance that will focus courts on the relative potency or impotency of unlisted substances and on medical and public health evidence of direct harms of the different drugs. With this approach, over time, courts and researchers will study these substances in a way that may, at some point, provide enough information for the Commission to specifically address them in the guidelines. We recognize the strong urge to do something to address the harms from synthetic drugs. And we share it. Unfortunately, amending the guidelines to specifically address these synthetic substances individually or as a class will not deter their production, sale, or use. As discussed below, despite a strong belief by many that we can stop people from certain actions by lengthening the threatened punishment, the research shows that lengthening punishment does not deter.
    [Show full text]
  • Bath Salts : New Substance Abuse Drugs
    Bath Salts : New Substance Abuse Drugs What are “Bath Salts”? “Bath Salts” are new designer drugs, which can be easily purchased over the internet and in convenience stores and smoke shops in many states. “Bath Salts” may contain a number of synthetic chemicals including Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP), Mephedrone and Methylone. They have similar effects to Methamphetamine and Cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration has temporarily scheduled these chemicals as Schedule 1 substances, meaning they have a high potential for abuse. However, federal laws banning these drugs are pending legislative approval. ***Bath Salts are ILLEGAL in Vermont, Maine and New York*** What do they look like? Common names for these drugs: Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, Pure Ivory, Whack, Bolivian Bath, Purple Wave…and many others Forms Available: Capsules, Powder, Dry Leaves How can people use this drug? Smoke, Inject, Snort, Oral Bath Salts: Cost Why are they so &Comparison popular? Bath salts per gram: $18.00 Easily available Marijuana: $8.33 Cheap Ecstasy: $140.00 Legal in some countries Cocaine: $166.90 Doesn’t show up on drug Meth: $365.79 tests Causes euphoria, elevated mood, stimulation, etc. What are the health effects of “Bath Salts”? Violent behavior, homicidal & suicidal tendencies, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, increased heart rate, hyperthermia, kidney failure, heart attack, seizures, muscle damage, stroke, necrotizing fasciitis, death. These drugs make users unusually psychotic: people have committed horrible acts of violence against themselves and others, believing that monsters, demons and aliens are out to get them. Are Bath Salts addictive? Yes, bath salts are highly addictive. Despite having a horrible “trip,” users experience such strong cravings that they are unable to stop using the drug without undergoing treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts): an Emerging Domestic Threat Cox Broadcasting
    U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center July 2011 Situation Report Product Number 2011-S0787-004 Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts): An Emerging Domestic Threat Cox Broadcasting. Cox Broadcasting. Executive Summary The National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) assesses with high confidence that the distribu- tion and abuse of synthetic cathinones will increase in the United States in the near term, pos- ing yet another challenge to U.S. law enforcement officials. Poison control centers and medical professionals around the country are increasingly reporting patients suffering adverse physical effects associated with abuse of these drugs, further compounding the problem. Available data and law enforcement reporting suggest increasing levels of synthetic cathinone availability and abuse, but such information is limited and precise levels are unknown. U.S. Cus- toms and Border Protection (CBP) currently tracks seizures of synthetic cathinones at U.S. ports of entry (POEs), but many synthetic cathinone products are disguised or mislabeled to impede detection. Because common field test kits, drug-detecting canines, and routine urine drug screens do not detect synthetic cathinones, law enforcement officials are challenged in interdicting such drugs and prosecuting their manufacturers and distributors. Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts): An Emerging Domestic Threat Synthetic cathinones, typically marketed as “bath salts” and “plant food,” are sold legally un- der various names (Ivory Wave, Blizzard, etc.) in most areas of the United States. The products are generally sold in retail establishments such as adult stores, independently owned convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, and skateboard shops. The products, as well as their raw chemi- cal components, are also sold on many Internet sites, including popular Internet auction sites.
    [Show full text]