Is It Legal to Buy Bath Salts in Florida?

Synthetic drugs are gaining in popularity in Florida. Just because you can find something at a local convenience store, that does not make it safe. One of the most commonly-used types of synthetic substances is bath salts, which are composed of a variety of chemicals, none of which are used for bathing. In Florida, these are now considered controlled substances, and bath salt addiction remains a serious issue.

Are Bath Salts Legal in Florida?

Bath salts are often made from synthetic substances such as alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP), and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). PVP is known by the street name “flakka,” and MDPV is a common ingredient in bath salts. A 2013 Tampa Bay Times report found that synthetic drugs like these had become the third-most frequently found drugs in South Florida.

Under Florida law, bath salts are no longer legal. Florida Statute § 893.03 makes these chemicals a Schedule I substance, meaning they have no known medical use and a high potential for misuse and addiction. Possessing bath salts in Florida is a third-degree felony, and a conviction can have harsh penalties that include up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The Dangers of Bath Salts

While the legal consequences of using bath salts are real, there are other things to consider. The dangers of bath salts are significant. Because the active ingredients in bath salts have a similar chemical effect of stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, they can be highly addictive. Some also have hallucinogenic effects.

Some of the possible side effects of taking bath salts include a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, chest pain, feeling agitated, and paranoia or hallucinations. These symptoms can occur when bath salts are taken in lower doses, but in higher ones and with prolonged use, some of the dangers include:

• seizures
• heart attack
• liver failure
• severe fever
• brain swelling

There are also lasting emotional consequences of bath salts misuse, which might consist of suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. Some even become violent against other people. Unfortunately, you do not need to use bath salts long for these effects to occur.

Nationwide, bath salts are the cause of thousands of calls to poison control centers. By late 2012, at least 20 people died in the state from using bath salts. These are addictive drugs that are also dangerous.

Bath Salts Addiction Treatment

As with other substance use disorders, bath salts addiction creates significant problems in a person’s life. The consequences may be related to health, work, school or relationships. There may also be issues of developing tolerance and withdrawal from the drugs when they are not available.

If you are addicted to bath salts, intensive addiction treatment may be required. Treatment typically includes medical monitoring during detox as well as either inpatient or outpatient care. In some cases, co-occurring disorders treatment is also necessary to address a mental illness that takes place alongside addiction.

Bath salts are serious drugs, and addiction can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Contact Orlando Recovery Center now to learn more about treatment programs and to discuss options for admission.