‘Bath Salts’ Ban Delivered to Illinois Governor

‘Bath Salts’ Ban Delivered to Illinois Governor

Succeeding an alleged “bath salt” overdose of a Southern Illinois woman, the state’s House of Representatives sent Governor Quinn a ban on the synthetic drug last night.   

The push to prevent bath salt abuse in Illinois began last month after a 28-year-old Alton woman overdosed from abusing the drug.  Shortly afterward, the city of Alton placed an emergency ban on the substance, and a bill was placed in front of the Illinois House of Representatives prohibiting bath salt sales.

The bill passed 112-0, and was sent to the Illinois Govenor’s office last night.  If signed by Governor Quinn, Illinois will be the 11^th state to ban the highly addictive synthetic drug.

Sold in convenience stores, smoke shops and on the Internet with names like White Rush, Vanilla Sky and Ivory Wave, these packets of white powder are labeled, “not for human consumption” and sold as bath salts.  The active ingredient, Methylenedioxpyrovalerone (MDPV), is hardly an appropriate addition to a tranquil bubble bath. Those abusing bath salts report experiencing a methamphetamine like high resulting in violent behavior, mimicking a psychotic break.

Although the synthetic drug popped up on the market last year, Midwestern states like Illinois began experiencing bath salt drug abuse repercussions a few months ago. The Illinois Poison Center currently receives calls from individuals abusing bath salts who are experiencing paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes.

Bath salts have been connected to drug overdose related deaths around the nation, most noticeably in a case involving a Washington soldier who authorities believe was under the influence of bath salts prior to shooting his wife and himself last month.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a synthetic drug abuse problem, Palm Partners Recovery Center can help.

www.palmpartners.com