Over the past few months, we have seen numerous news reports and articles surrounding new trends in harmful drugs including bath salts and 'fake weed.'  As these new drug trends become more publicized, so do the arrests and harmful damage that these substances cause. 

Hospital officials at UAB recently treated a 25-year-old Alabama resident for the use of illegal bath salts.  These bath salts cause health problems such as an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, psychosis, extreme paranoia, and violent urges.  In addition to bath salts, 'fake weed' has been a prevalent problem in our area as well.  Last week, four arrests were made in Shelby County due to the possession of the substance.  Four search warrants were issued at gas stations in Montevallo and Alabaster, all leading to arrests due to unlawful possession of chemical compounds and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. 

As stated earlier, we frequently see news reports and articles about these substances, and perhaps we have read so many of these articles that we have grown numb to the harm that they cause individuals and our community.  We must realize that these problems are not just happening elsewhere.  They are happening in our area.  They are hurting our citizens.  They are damaging our community. 

Please join alongside the Addiction Coalition as we fight to change the hurt and harm that these substances cause our community.