DEA considers bath salt ingredients controlled substances Published Nov. 29, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force has taken steps to eliminate the use of synthetic drugs for more than a year and bath salts have recently become another dangerous drug that impacts Airmen and their ability to accomplish the mission. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration exercised its emergency scheduling authority Oct. 21, 2011, to control three synthetic stimulants. These stimulants, mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone and methylone, are used to make products known as bath salts and have been placed under the Controlled Substance Act's most restrictive category for at least 12 months while the DEA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services further study whether these chemicals should be permanently controlled. Except when authorized by law, this action makes possessing and selling these chemicals, or the products that contain them, illegal in the United States, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. These products have become extremely popular over the past few months and have severe symptoms, including impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes. The DEA reported that they have received an increased number of reports in the last six months about the chemicals found in bath salts from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement agencies. The U.S Air Force takes unlawful drug consumption very seriously and, as a result of these bans, using bath salts qualifies as a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice: failure to follow a general order. Violation of this article carries a maximum penalty of a dishonorable discharge, two years confinement, reduction of grade, and total forfeiture of all pay and allowances. The use of bath salts does not only hurt an Airman's career, but it also puts the mission and those closest to them in danger. For more information regarding bath salts, call the Nellis Mental Health Clinic at 702-653-3880.
