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BATH SALTS: A 'VERY BAD PROBLEM'

Synthetic Drug Use Causing Alarm Among Local Officials

CUMBERLAND -- Eight bath salts incidents in the city since June and an average of one case per day being treated at the emergency department of the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center has caused alarm for officials throughout the community.

Bath salts are in the news nationwide.  And now they are the topic of a growing local conversation.

The synthetic drugs have effects similar to amphetamines and cocaine but are often packaged with the warning "not for human consumption."

Bath salts -- which are sold over the Internet and in various retail locations under multiple names -- are being used as drugs that can be inhaled, ingested, smoked or injected.  The bath salts are legal to purchase.

The unforeseen medical and psychological problems stemming from ingesting bath salts as an experimental drug are many, including cardiac and circulatory disturbances, agitation, delirium, paranoia and psychosis.  The agitation and delirium may persist for days to weeks, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

First-time users may get by without any complications.  But that doesn't mean the drug will not take over the user's life.  It will, sooner or later, according to the experts.  And sometimes, it is too late to reverse the damage.

State's Attorney Michael Twigg called the local sales and use of bath salts a "very bad problem."

"It's very bad and I find it despicable that people will sell them knowing what they will be used for and its effect on the user.  Bath salts have different impacts on different users and it's really a wild card and that impact can have long-lasting effects, both medically and psychologically," said the county's chief prosecutor.

Twigg said local vendors are being monitored for immediate action if Maryland law determines they are selling anything with illegal ingredients.

"People that produce these bath salts will alter the ingredients to stay one step ahead of the legislation," said Twigg.  "It's a constantly moving target."

If bath salt vendors are determined to be selling an illegal substance, they face charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, with penalties upon conviction ranging from five to 20 years depending on the CDS substance that was being sold.

Officials believe public education and awareness to the dangers of bath salts is vital to fight the local bath salt problem.

"This is a big priority for us.  People will make the assumption, whether you are talking about synthetic marijuana, bath salts, etc., if you can purchase legally that they are safe to use.  But from what we are seeing nationwide, that is clearly not the case.

"We have notified anyone who sells these bath salts that they will bear the responsibility of their illegality on any given day," said Twigg.

In 2011, poison centers nationwide responded to more than 13,000 calls related to synthetic marijuana and bath salts with 60 percent of the cases involving patients 25 and younger.  In 2010, poison centers nationwide responded to about 3,200 such calls, according to the U.S.  Drug Enforcement Administration.

Since early June -- when Cumberland Police Lt.  David Biser, criminal supervisor, sent out a department-wide email about the illegal use of bath salts -- there have been eight complaints in the city directly dealing with bath salts.

"The majority of individuals we have dealt with regarding bath salts have been between the ages of 25 and 50.  To date, we have not encountered any juveniles illegally using bath salts," said Cumberland Police Chief Charles Hinnant.

On May 14, Cumberland Police were called to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center to assist West Virginia State Police with a 38-year-old woman who was brought to the hospital for evaluation.  She had displayed extremely erratic behavior, was suicidal and combative and had to be restrained by hospital staff.  That incident "was the first documented exposure our officers have had to someone under the influence of bath salts," the chief said.

At the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, treating patients for the effects of bath salts has reportedly become an almost daily occurrence in the Emergency Department.

"These drugs have profound effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, similar to other stimulants such as ecstasy and amphetamines.  The degree of response varies depending upon the dose and can range from euphoria and increased alertness at small doses to hallucinations, agitation, paranoia and erratic behavior after higher doses," said Dr.  George Garrow, the Western Maryland Health System's chief medical officer.  "The effects on the cardiovascular system can include tachycardia, hypertension, increasing the risk of stroke and acute myocardial infarction."

Management of patients with bath salt toxicity is driven by the symptoms.  As with any patient, the airway, breathing and circulation are evaluated and any immediate life-threatening issues promptly corrected.  These patients are often agitated, combative or in some other way dangerous to themselves or others.  All responders and health-care providers must be prepared to protect the patient and themselves.

Maryland State Police Capt.  James R.  Pyles, commander of the Western Troop consisting of barracks in Allegany, Garrett, Washington and Frederick counties, shared his perspective.

"Bath salts are having a disturbing effect on our communities.  Our youth who avoid illegal drugs because of the possible criminal consequences may well be tempted or coerced into using bath salts.

"As a parent, initiate ongoing conversations with your child about how bath salts are produced and how dangerous and lethal this drug is.  Together you and your child can educate yourself about the treacherous effects and the strategies of producers to attract young users.

"The law enforcement community all has a share in the responsibility to save the lives of our young people.  I can assure you that the Maryland State Police is doing everything possible to combat the use and distribution of bath salts," said Pyles.

Sheriff Craig Robertson is working diligently to combat the bath salts problem.

"Our biggest weapon now is educating parents and students about the dangers of bath salts and synthetic marijuana.  It's very scary stuff.  Users may hallucinate and some have been subdued only by three or four officers needed to control the situation."

The sheriff said he is attempting to partner with a local business to produce a video presentation that would include interviews of health care workers who have treated bath salts users and parents of a child who suffered from bath salt use.  The video could possibly be presented in schools.

Town hall meetings are also being considered by the sheriff to inform the community about the dangers of bath salts.

A spokesman at the Allegany County Health Department said, "We have been collaborating with the Western Maryland Health System and local law enforcement to further evaluate this problem and bring community awareness."

In January, the Allegany County Board of Education and the county health department along with law enforcement held a press conference warning the public about the use of K2, synthetic marijuana and bathsalts.  The primary focus of the conference, however, was on the use of synthetic marijuana.