As if parents needed one more thing to worry about teens are now using bath salts and bubble bath (Mr. Bubble) to get high. Packets of powder sold over the counter are being snorted, smoked and injected in order to obtain a “legal” high. The powdery substance inside the packets acts like cocaine producing hallucinations, euphoria, rapid heart rate, and a feeling of overall happiness however there are very harsh lows that can cause insomnia, seizures and paranoia.
Why would a teen engage in this sort of behavior? Most likely boredom and peer pressure. When teens are together a pack mentality is formed they are together with the purpose of doing something together. If someone suggests an activity, even a harmful one, that most of the “click” agrees to then the pressure to join the crowd increases on the other members. The side effects of the drug are positive and act as an escape pod away from whatever problems the teen is facing.
What can parents do? having a conversation with teens about substance abuse and over the counter medications can prepare them for any future exposure to these harmful activities. It will also give them the tools they need to resist peer pressure, especially if they have thought through the dangers and realize the consequences. When faced with an opportunity they will have already made up their minds to reject it, but if teens have not thought things through before hand peer pressure can cause them to make a first and perhaps deadly mistake. If a parent suspects substance abuse it is important to find the truth right away and get help as soon as possible. A parent may have to “snoop” through their child’s belongings in order to search for any clue but it is a matter of life and death.