For most people the term "bath salts" suggests crystals to be poured into a tub of hot water for a relaxing soaking experience. But the term is also the name of a powerful new designer drug that can be bought at the corner store, and has been linked to several deaths in the United States.
Bath salts can be snorted or injected by users looking for a euphoric high, similar to that offered by cocaine or methamphetamine. But they can also cause terrifying hallucinations and suicidal urges.
The synthetic drug, one of many products to be manufactured to mimic the effects of illicit drugs, has so far eluded regulators because its label bears the warning, "not for human consumption."
But users who are buying the bath salts at convenience stores and other local markets know exactly what they're getting.
"Everybody who's trying these things knows what's going on," says Jim Williams of the Washington Poison Center.
A gram of bath salts can cost US$80, and despite the price tiny bottles fly off the shelves.
"I've never seen a drug progress from never heard of, never abused, never seen in a period of three months, to becoming an epidemic," says ER physician Dr. William Dempsey.
Use of the drug has been linked to a number of deaths in the U.S. Dickie Sanders, 21, shot himself in the head after using bath salts, while Elijah Taylor threw himself into traffic.
"In his mind, he thought he was being smart because it wasn't illegal," said Elijah's father, Eldon.
Johnny Salazar was high on bath salts when he burned his own son's hands when the child touched his bible.
"My son was a good son, is a good son. And this drug has destroyed a lot of children," says Connie Salazar, Johnny's mother.
Bath salts are just the latest in a line of synthetic versions of illegal drugs, including synthetic marijuana, sometimes sold as "spice."
But the latest drug craze has taken lawmakers by surprise, and worries even seasoned health professionals, such as emergency room physician Dr. Ronald Strony.
"In my 17 year career in emergency medicine," Strony says, "this is one of the most dangerous drugs that I've never seen."
With a report from CTV's Los Angeles Bureau Chief Tom Walters
