Officials on many levels working to find solutions

Shown here is evidence collected from investigations pertaining to "bath salts" - items which have been connected to breaking and enterings. Photo by John Bonke HURON COUNTY - In an attempt to stop what appears to be a growing problem, several officials from the local to the national level are working to find solutions to an emerging issue. Officials are concerned the use of substances, known commonly as "bath salts" poses a serious threat.

Tuesday afternoon, 23 officials representing 16 area agencies met at the Huron Central 911 Dispatch to discuss the problem. Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said hospitals, first responders, law enforcement, the Huron County Health Department and the Huron County Intermediate School District were represented at the meeting.

Officials are concerned that the substances themselves pose a serious health threat to the user, and their use could put others in jeopardy.

Hanson said that users he is aware bath salt users often are living in poor circumstances and are spending money on the substances instead on food, clothing and shelter - or even heating bills. He said because users can suffer severe effects, including paranoia, hallucinations and violent behavior, he fears those around them could suffer as unintended victims of neglect and abuse.

Hanson said, "We have a problem." He asks: "Is this just the start? What's next?"

People need to be aware of the issue, he said. Hanson noted incidents involving the substances have not only included breaking and enterings, but physical altercations and a case of a person needing to go into a detoxification center.

Since August of 2011, Hanson said his department has been monitoring use and sale of such substances. He stated that some producers have been manufacturing other substances that are similar to chemicals which have been made illegal, but since they are somewhat different, they aren't specifically prohibited by current legislation.

He said the name "bath salts" is confusing many people. The “bath salts” being used as a drug is not the same as the bottled bath salts sold in stores.

"They're just using the name 'bath salts' for something that mimics cocaine, or, I've even heard of it mimicking meth," Hanson said. "It's not stuff that you go and buy at Kmart. It's stuff that's individually packaged."

A quarter gram of the bath salts used as a drug is sold for approximately $10.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the chemical ingredients aren't useful as a bath product and are distributed through "head shops" and convenience stores. The MDCH reports a surge of hospital emergency department visits, mostly from people in their 20s and 30s. Signs and symptoms the MDCH lists include severe paranoia, violent behavior, hallucinations, chest pain, seizures, decreased amounts of sleep, poor appetite and self-mutilation; long-term side-effect health problems can include kidney failure, liver failure, increased risk of suicide, longterm mental illness, self-mutilation and death. The MDCH has stated users have reported "horrible" experiences - including seeing demons; these symptoms can last for two or three days, and, in some cases, even longer, requiring long-term psychiatric care. The MDCH also reports a "binge" and "craving" pattern of abuse with the item.

Dr. Russell Bush, medical director for the Huron County Health Department, said the use of bath salts and similar products has been a growing problem since late last summer. He said there is nothing his agency can do right now to stop it, but the health department is researching potential legal options to combat the issue.

A big problem, he said, is manufacturers of the substances change the chemical composition to comply with new laws as those laws are being created, so when one product is outlawed, another is in line to take its place.

"It's a big frustration for everybody, having a new formulation come out that isn't yet illegal" Bush said.

Local area agencies and organizations working on the problem include: Bad Axe City Police Department, Huron Behavioral Health, Huron County Health Department, Huron County Sheriff's Department, Huron County Prosecutor's Office and Huron Medical Center. At the state level, the Michigan Department of Community Health also is involved. Officials in the Marquette area, which includes Northern Michigan University, also have been dealing with the problem. The MDCH reported hospital emergency departments in Michigan have reported 18 cases related to the use of "bath salts" in four weeks (Jan.8- Feb. 4), many of which have been in the Marquette area.

"We are very concerned about the use of this dangerous product," said Dr. Gregory Holzman, MD, Chief Medical Executive for MDCH.

Governor Snyder signed HB4565, sponsored by District 78 Representative Sharon Tyler (R-Nles), in July of 2011, making certain chemicals found in "bath salts" illegal.

At the Federal level, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency has been moving to place certain chemicals onto Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA has stated "bath salts" have not been approved by the FDA for human consumption, there is no oversight of the manufacturing process, and that 37 states already have taken action to control or ban certain chemicals.

Huron Behavioral Health was notified by state agencies toward the end of this past summer about the issue, said Executive Director Suzanne Prich. The organization also becomes aware of substance use and abuse through people wanting or needing the organization's services. Prich said, during any situation the organization determines if an individual needs emergency medical care, which is called upon, or if other, non-emergency assistance is required.

An individual requiring substance abuse counseling is referred to organizations which can help. A person with a mental health aspect is usually seen by Huron Behavioral Health. The local organization provides services to low-income individuals and families, with fees determined by the person's situation. Huron Behavioral Health also has a crisis number at 1-800-356-5568. And, of course, in a medical emergency, 9- 1-1 should be called.

The role a county health department has in regard to any substance use or abuse is mainly prevention education, according to Huron County Health Department Officer Gretchen Tenbusch. The Huron County department was advised of the issue by Sheriff Hanson, Tenbusch noted. The department has prepared a fact sheet to distribute to local media outlets, she added.

According to Michigan Department of Community Health Public Information Officer Angela Minicuci, that department began seeing an increase in activity toward the end of 2010.

For more information:

Michigan Department of Community Health Frequently Asked Questions www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Gen eral_ Public_ Fact_ Sheet_ 345530_ 7.pdf

Michigan Department of Community Health Health Care Provider Fact Sheet www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Bat h_ Salts_ FAQ_ Health_ Care_ Providers_ 3448 81_ 7.pdf

U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency www.justice.gov/dea

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ mm6019a6.htm