HUNTSVILLE, AL: The chemicals in the new “designer drug” marketed as bath salts are now a controlled substance in the State of Alabama according to a statement from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Alabama joins Florida, Louisiana and North Dakota in protecting their citizens by defining these substances as controlled due to their harmful effect on individuals. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange and State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson announced the emergency ban on the substances Tuesday. The emergency ban will remain in place until the Alabama Legislature passes a permanent ban during the 2011 legislative session.
These drugs create a methamphetamine-like high and sometimes violent and deadly behavior in users. The chemicals contained are methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and mephedrone. MDPV is considered by the Drug Enforcement Agency Office of Diversion Control to be a chemical analogue of the controlled substance Cathinone. The substance mephedrone is considered by DEA to be a chemical analogue of the controlled substance Methcathinone. Both of these substances are listed in the DEA and the Alabama Controlled Substances Lists as Schedule I (f), Stimulants.
Deborah Soule, executive director of Huntsville’s Partnership for a Drug Free Community, began getting calls from schools and concerned parents about two months ago asking about a white powder they had discovered or heard about through their children. “It’s here. It’s all over the country,” Soule said. She was surprised and delighted at the quick response from the Attorney General’s office. “It took us three years to get Salvia banned. There have been several cases (of bath salt consumption) reported at local hospitals,” Ms. Soule said.
Users of these drugs have been treated for conditions that include extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, hypertension, chest pain and headache. It has been compared to the effects of cocaine, Ecstasy or crystal methamphetamine. Most are sold online under the names like “Ivory Wave,” “Red Dove,” “Bliss,” “Purple Wave,” and “Vanilla Sky.” It can be smoked, snorted or injected. The drug affects all ages and demographics. Most packets cost between $25 and $35 and can be purchased on line.
“We’re trying to alert young people and their parents about the dangers of these synthetic drugs. Kids may think it is okay to use them because they are not illegal. Thankfully now they are,” said Karen Lee, an advocate for at-risk teens. Ms. Lee is founder and CEO of Elk River Treatment Programs and The Pinnacle Schools in Huntsville. The Elk River Program provides struggling adolescents with assessment and diagnostic treatment services in a residential setting.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data. The research study has reported that there are 2.0 million youths (8.1% ages 12 to 17) who have experienced a major depressive episode (MDE) during the surveyed year.
If left untreated, MDE can lead to failing grades, truancy, substance abuse, and increased risk of suicide. It is more commonly seen in adopted children, or teens who have suffered a loss of a close friend or family member. These circumstances often lead to feelings of abandonment which is the major cause of depression. A child suffering with depression has a higher probability of developing a more severe depressive illness in adulthood.
The good news is that depression is treatable. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional that specializes in treating children and adolescents.
"....I’ve addressed my issues about my abandonment and I feel as if it’s helped me..."
Hannah – Treatment Phase II 12/09
Sadly, too many of our nation’s children do not have access to necessary diagnostic evaluations and treatment. The Teens Path to Success Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improve the lives of teens experiencing psychological, educational, medical and family difficulties.
Our Foundation truly believes in “no child left behind”. By expanding access to counseling, medication management, education, residential treatment and aftercare services we can set in motion greater opportunities for struggling teens.
Imagine reducing dropout rates, lowering rates of depression, suicide and violence and creating a pool of educated and productive young adults who can confidently pursue a college education or join the workforce. At Teens Path to Success Foundation we don’t have to imagine, we know it can be done because we have successfully helped hundreds of teens and their families.
Here are the “voices” of more teens that were able to receive help…
“Before I came here I was always angry, mad and unhappy, but once I started talking I started feeling more self-confident”
“Right now I feel amazing…always had a knot in my stomach before…I would take risks just to break the boredom, to feel something different”
“I was always angry, I covered everything up, covering up pain & hurt. Now I’m happy and more self –confident that I can deal with the pain and hurt.”
“Before I came here, I felt very stressed out, enraged, alone and at times unloved. Now I feel relaxed, not as tense, like a lot of stuff has been lifted off my shoulders; like now I am clean.”
At the Teens Path to Success Foundation we want to hear more “voices” like those above. Our desire is for all struggling teens to have the same opportunity to receive help.
Presently, we have hundreds of families waiting for support for their “lost” child. These teens are in a downward spiral and desperately need help.
They are loved, but cannot feel it.
They are supported, but won’t accept it.
They are needed, but don’t believe it.
