PlanetMars: Drugs

Most of us would run home every Wednesday to catch America's Next Top Model. I know I did. I don't remember what cycle Jael was in, but I remember always feeling that she had substance abuse problems. She spoke very slowly and seemed a bit off. I believe her cycle was the one where 50 cent pushed her into the swimming pool because she kept bothering him.

Fast forward 6 years and Jael makes her next television debut on Dr. Phil. This was not an episode where they catch up with the former model and find out what she's doing now. Or maybe it was. The episode was to implore Jael to seek medical treatment for her 6 year addiction to Crystal Meth. Jael was visibly embarrassed, attempted to run from the cameras most of the show and scared of what can happen to her if she decided to seek treatment. Eventually Dr. Phil was able to get her to agree to go to rehab.

My prayers go out to her and her family. Addiction is serious. I hope she recovers fully. SHAME on Tyra Banks for not offering some type of assistance to this young woman. I think eventually she will come to her aide... for publicity.

Did you know that this "bath salts" epidemic is nothing new? Bath salts surfaced over a year ago but hasn't been widely publicized until now. We all should be aware of the drug and what it can do to others. We should be aware of the ingredients in it. While I think all the information found about it will only lead to more curious folks trying it, it is still important for us to know what it is to protect our kids, family and friends. Here are some photos/Video of the more recent Bath Salt abusers. Also check out some vital information about this drug.

FYI- the bath salts they're referring to are NOT the equivalent of Epson Salts

Bath Salt Stats-

The American Association for Poison Control Centers said nationwide in 2010, 304 cases of "Bath Salts"-induced highs were treated. In 2011, it skyrocketed to 6,138. This year as of May 31, 1,302 cases were recorded. Source

What do you experience when you take bath salts?

"Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, suicidality. It’s a very scary stimulant that is out there. We get high blood pressure and increased pulse, but there’s something more, something different that’s causing these other extreme effects. But right now, there’s no test to pick up this drug. The only way we know if someone has taken them is if they tell you they have.
The clinical presentation is similar to mephedrone [a chemical found in other designer drugs], with agitation, psychosis, and stimulatory effects. Both of these agents should be of concern, as severe agitated behavior, like an amphetamine overdose, has occurred.
A second concern is the ongoing suicidality in these patients, even after the stimulatory effects of the drugs have worn off. At least for MDPV, there have been a few highly publicized suicides a few days after their use," Horowitz says. Source