Addictions & Answers: Prescription pills in the medicine cabinet could become kids’ new drug problem
“Following marijuana, abuse of prescription drugs now ranks second as the most prevalent illegal drug problem in the US today. People like Lina have led the National Family Partnership®(NFP) to launch “Lock Your Meds”- http://www.lockyourmeds.org/ – a national multimedia effort to reduce prescription drug abuse. The goal is to make adults aware they may be the unwitting drug suppliers to youngsters in their family.
Bath Salts: New Drug, Old Problem
“Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about “bath salts,” the newest over-the-counter item teens are using to get high. The synthetic powder — sold legally online and in drug paraphernalia stores under such names as “Ivory Wave” and “Purple Wave” — has been linked to an alarming number of ER visits across the country. Although we are less than two months into 2011, the American Association of Poison Control Centers has fielded more calls about “bath salts” overdoses than in all of last year.
“Bath salts” may look innocent, but their effects are powerful. According to ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske’s office, bath salts mimic the effects of cocaine and LSD, causing extreme paranoia and delusions, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts, among other symptoms. Furthermore, an overdose on “bath salts” can have tragic consequences, as was the case with 21-year-old Dickie Sanders. Dickie snorted a packet of Cloud 9 “bath salts” and was overcome by terror and delirium — he killed himself that same night.”
Click here to read more from this Huffington Post exclusive.