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Updated 07/25/2012 03:33 PM

Child Wellness: Teens using bath salts

If you are parent of a teenager, it's important to know what they are up to. It seems every few months, there is something new on the drug scene. As Marcie Fraser reports, bath salts are a big concern for parents.

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The most common drugs teens are using are still alcohol and marijuana, but there always seems to be something new that pops up, and this time, it's called bath salts.

Bath salts get their name because when dried, it looks like bath salts. The high is similar to speed. It's a mixture of chemical compounds, and is smoked or snorted.

"People are manufacturing it in their homes, their garages, they are packaging it and selling it through the Internet, at concerts," said Patty Kilgore, Prevention Council director.

Side effects that may tip you off that someone is using?

"Acting like they are on speed, revved up, seemingly have a lot of energy and crashing, sweating a lot and there is a lot of psychotic problems associated, hallucinations and delusions," explained Kilgore.

If you do find that your child has been using bath salts, there are delayed effects that can last up to a year.

"Could be months and months, could be signs of mental illness, manic extreme bursts of energy followed by severe depression, delusional thoughts and hallucinations," said Kilgore.

Parents should be on the lookout – bath salts are easily concealed and they are finding their way into all types of venues, especially outdoor concerts.