Definition of ?bath salts? has undergone a sea change over the years.
Initially meant to denote salts which were added to bathing water (for a variety of reasons), they now refer to street drugs which have been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late
Bath salts: Original Meaning
What are bath salts, exactly?
Initially, the term ‘bath salts? was meant to imply salts which were added to bathing water to change the osmotic balance of water, so that lesser water would be absorbed by the skin.
Bath salts: Old/ Original Meaning
These salts would dissolve readily in water and act as mild cosmetics (if they had added perfumes, colors or oils) besides helping to clean the body more effectively during bathing and serving to pamper the user. Some of these salts also acted as water softeners and made bathing with hard water easier than it would otherwise be.
Examples of such salts are:
? Table salt (sodium chloride)
• Baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate)
• Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)
• Sodium citrate
• Borax, etc.
The inspiration of these bath salts were the naturally occurring salts found in hot water springs or natural mineral baths.
Foaming agents were often added to these salts to produce more lather and give a more luxurious bathing experience.
Good old days!
Bath Salts: The New Meaning
Today, bath salts refer to street drugs which are ?legally? banned by most countries yet continue to be available freely from dubious sources.
Bath salts: Changed/ New Meaning
Called ‘bath salts? because these drugs look like bath salt crystals, they are drugs which INITIALLY create hallucinations and ecstasy among users.
Side effects of Bath Salts
The side effects of bath salts include the appearance of the following symptoms:
? Increased pulse rate
? Higher blood pressure
• Paranoia
? Agitation
• Severe chest pain
• Suicidal tendencies
Inspite of the harmful effects associated with them, they are being sold by nefarious drug dealers in the form of cigarettes or loose powder which the users can mix with food or add to their drinks.
Getting high with bath salts is an alarming trend which seems to be catching on. Some snort it or take injections of the same. Some of them are even available in the form of tablets and capsules!
Available by the street names like, ?Vanilla sky”, ?Ivory Wave?, ?Tranquility”, ?Purple Wave”, “Bliss?, ?Cloud 9”, etc, they are the ‘designer drugs? (??) of the century.
In the news for having become the cause of suicides among many youngsters last year, it is shame that they continue to sell.
Infact, their sales in the US alone doubled in 2011 as compared to 2010.
Bath salts: New Definition
Kids getting high on bath salts are a common sight. Yet, there seem to be no rules or regulatory authority which can help stem the rot. The average user age was calculated by a leading NGO at 28 years, while they were popular among the ages 20-55.
There is no evidence to suggest whether bath salts are addictive, because they have not been around for a long time. It has, however, been confirmed that they do cause cravings if consumed regularly.
Though banned by the DEA in 2011, they continue to be available much the same way heroin, marijuana and cocaine are.
Conclusion
“The old order changeth yielding place to new?, said Tennyson.
While some changes and advancements have brought a million smiles, there are some like these ?bath salts’ which we would be much happier without!
Please share your views on the widespread use & changed definition of bath salts here with us!
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