K2 and Bath Salt Abuse on the Rise

Ask the Experts by Detective Lieutenant Jim Smith

Q. I have three children, two that are off to college and one still in high school.  My husband and I are shocked and disappointed at the variety of drugs that seem to be available to those that are looking for them.  Two of my children are going to Florida for Spring Break. Is it my imagination or does it seem that there is always a new threat on the horizon? 

A. As tecnology increases at lighting speed so do unscrupulous entrepreneurs that are making synthetic drugs that skirt the laws that have been enacted to protect our society. These unscrupulous persons will target juvenile and young adult users.  

In addition to synthetic drugs another area of concern are over the counter (OTC) products that contain chemical compounds that can be abused.

Two recent examples are K2 (synthetic Cannabinoids) and Bath Salts (OTC products).

K2 is an herbal blend treated with synthetic materials to mimic the THC found in marijuana. Users report the effects are apparently the same as smoking marijuana.  The additional chemicals have caused severe adverse side effects in numerous people which have led to K2 being banned in Michigan.  

Bath Salts contain chemical compounds that contain stimulants.  Just like with prescription drugs, the use, misuse, or overuse can have disastrous results.   As several states are considering legislation on these synthetic / OTC drugs new synthetic products pop up to take their place.  

The Florida Attorney General filed an emergency rule banning the sale of bath salts to handle an emergency situation that was being reported by Law Enforcement. In Panama City, Fla., two incidents alerted authorities to the drug's serious effects. The first was when officers subdue a man who tore a radar unit out of a police car with his teeth. The second incident was a woman who attacked her mother with a machete. She later reported that she thought her mother was a monster. 

The emergency rule was put into effect to ensure control of this problem with the up coming Spring Break travelers.

So it is not your imagination that that new drugs will always be on the horizon.  As a parent it is in your best interest to keep informed on these types on trends.  With this in mind The Family Center will be presenting a forum on May 19th  "Are Your Kids at Risk?". Part of the presentation that night will be a discussion on bath salts. 

Detective Lieutenant Jim Smith, 33 year veteran of the Grosse Pointe Park Public Safety Department.  Lt. Smith has been an investigator for 23 years and has been involved with several task forces on a State and County level involving child related issues. He can be reached at 313-822-4439 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Save the Date for this valuable presentation offered by The Family Center
'Are Your Kids at Risk? Trends & Signs of Addictive Behaviors'
Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
Grosse Pointe Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall
(240 Chalfonte Avenue, Grosse Pointe Farms)
No Fee
RSVP by May 10, 313.432.3832 or register online at www.familycenterweb.org

Celebrating a Decade of Commitment to Community Families 2000-2010

The Family Center serves as the community's hub for information, resources and referral for both families and professionals. The Family Center is a non-profit organization founded to promote a deeper understanding of the role of parents and others in supporting our youth to become competent, caring and responsible community members.
All gifts are tax-deductible.
To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org, call (313) 432.3832.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to: The Family Center
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.