New “Legal” Designer Drug Associated with Aggression and Violence
An Emerging Risk
In the wake of the tragic incident in Tucson last month, there has been increased attention to the relationship between mental illness and violence. Savvy employers are aware that in instances of Type III-(coworker-to-coworker) violence mental illness often plays a critical role. It is important to remember that mental illness alone is not a cause or excuse for violent behavior. Individuals with certain types of psychiatric disorders, who are not compliant with treatment or medications, and especially when also using or abusing substances, are far more likely to commit violent acts than others. Substance abuse plays a critical role in this triad of risk factors. And just as some psychiatric disorders are more highly correlated with violence, so are certain drugs.
The chemical MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is currently legally 
available in most states and on the Internet and being marketed under the guise of “novelty bath salts”, growth stimulants, PH optimizers, incense, even as a pond scum remover. This substance can be smoked, snorted and injected by those seeking a powerful high or hallucinogenic experience. The drug mimics the effects of LSD, cocaine and ecstasy.
Unfortunately, the high is also frequently accompanied by extreme paranoia, anxiety, and violent and combative behavior, as well as a dramatic increase in physical strength. Reports from law enforcement professionals and hospital emergency departments across the country describe instances of individuals intoxicated by MDPV requiring tremendous force to subdue or contain them. Sedatives used to tranquilize individuals do not seem effective in many instances.
Poison Control Hotlines in several states are also receiving dozens of calls daily about symptoms ranging from seizures to panic attacks and hallucinations. Health officials claim the drug can be addictive, and can cause kidney and muscle damage. There have been instances of overdoses, self-injury, suicide, extreme violence and homicide attributed to the drug. The substance can act as a stimulant and hallucinogen causing intense cravings, binging and delirium. Users report a very unpleasant and anxious high, some with very frightening, psychotic reactions.
MDPV is a “designer” substance; it is made in the lab. It is produced in powder form as a legal substance that is commonly used in plant food and bath salts. In convenience stores, drug paraphernalia shops and on the Internet, it is being sold under various names including:
- Bath Salts
- Bliss
- Blue Sky
- Charge Plus
- Cloud 9
- Hurricane Charlie
- Ivory Snow
- Ivory Wave
- Purple Wave
- Raving Dragon
- Red Dove
- Route 69
- Vanilla Sky
- White Lightning
- White Rush
- …and others
The Workplace Connection
Over the counter at convenience stores, head shops, or on the Internet, packets of the substance can be purchased for as little as $20.00. There is no age restriction on sales to minors, but Louisiana, Florida and several countries have recently announced bans on its sale.
It is recognized that workplace violence prevention programs must be closely tied to HR and EAP/Wellness programs that can assess and help move employees experiencing mental health and/or substance abuse problems toward help. All partners in an organization’s violence prevention program, including security, health and safety, legal and others, should be appraised of this emerging risk.
MDPV provides a powerful high at a low cost. It is legal almost everywhere and easy to acquire. Threat Assessment Teams who may interview or intervene with “employees of concern” should be aware of the introduction of this substance into the stream of other potentially dangerous intoxicants as it affects behavior. Such teams should be especially conscious that individuals abusing MDPV represent a significantly higher risk of aggression and violence.
Recommendations
To address this risk, XBRM recommends several action steps for employers, including:
- Discussing the MDPV risk with your Workplace Violence Prevention Team. Consider addressing questions about possession of the substance in the workplace (especially since it is not illegal in most places). How will such issues be handled?
- Contacting local hospital Emergency Departments and/or Psychiatric Emergency Departments to inquire about increased MDPV cases within your area.
- Asking local law enforcement officials about their perspective and changes in recent drug related activity.
- Informing internal first responders of the signs and symptoms of MDPV intoxication.
- Encouraging supervisors to be alert to the presence of this legal, but dangerous substance in the work environment and how to report or handle concerns of MDPV use.
- Sharing information about MDPV with employees from awellness and parental/family concern standpoint.
- Monitoring information from national poison control officials, as well as state and federal drug prevention agencies. Recommendations
Changing Trends
Workplace violence is a constantly evolving operational risk. It is important that anyone concerned with this issue remain current and aware of factors in the organization, the community, and the culture that influence the prevalence and dymanics of violence. With national exposure of this risk by television, radio and print news outlets, the relationship between MDPV and violence will likely be viewed as a “foreseeable” risk sometime soon. This is a curve you will definitely want to stay ahead of.
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