New designer drugs known as ‘bath salts’ deemed illegal, dangerous Published Sept. 15, 2011 By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A new illegal drug called "bath salts" has been deemed illegal by Department of Defense officials. They warn the "bath salts" are addictive psychoactive chemicals, which are presumed to include synthetic cocaine and an ecstasy variety in its components. "Bath salts," the drug, are not actually bath salts but are sold as such at head shops or on-line, according to Capt. (Dr.) Austin Dosh, a psychiatrist with the 92nd Medical Operations Squadron. "Since they are labeled 'not for human consumption,' retailers can get around typical drug laws," the captain said. "Bath salts go by a number of names, such as Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky or Route 69." Bath salts are very difficult for national drug agencies to regulate because bath salts can contain many different chemicals. The agencies are required to regulate individual chemicals and apparently aren't able to just say "bath salts" are illegal, Dosh said. Bath salts can contain substances that have effects similar to speed, cocaine or ecstasy and have similar effects when it comes to intoxication and withdrawal. Side effects can be mild to severe and in worst case scenarios can lead to organ damage and death, he said. According to a release from 92nd Force Support Squadron officials, "bath salts" designer drugs sold inside small powder pockets can be identified by an absence of the basic ingredients of legal bath salts, which are sea salt and Epsom salt. Manufacturers of these designer drugs are presumed to have labeled it as "bath salts" in order to get around the country's drug laws. These drugs are legally sold as household chemicals analogous to insecticide and plant foods. As with the use of any illegal substance, use of "bath salts" can have an adverse effect on a person's life and military career, according to Capt. Timothy Griswold, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate office. "Drug abuse is incompatible with military service, period," Griswold said. "People who abuse drugs...we can and will kick them out of the service."
