Articles/Press Releases

Articles/Press Releases

Sovereign Health of California Acquires New Director of Marketing

San Clemente, CA (August 10, 2011) Sovereign Health of California recently acquired a new Director of Marketing, Jane Dawson. Read more»

 

Bath Salts: A Legal Vice

The New York Times recently published an article that told of a man in Pennsylvania who broke into a monastery and stabbed a priest, a woman who cut into her skin for several days, believing there to be something underneath and a man who jumped off of a flagpole into oncoming traffic. You may well be thinking: "Yes, it is quite a crazy world we live in, and these things do happen" – But there is something peculiarhidden behind each of these incidents. All three of these people, at the time of their bizarre behavior, were high on a drug colloquially known as 'bath salts'. They were, therefore (with the exception of the man who stabbed the priest), perfectly compliant with the law. How could this be? How could a substance – that many now consider the most dangerous drug in the world – be federally legal? Legal to both produce and consume? Although its origin dates back to 2004, bath salts' popularity in the United States has only recently started snowballing. Poison centers across the nation received a total of 303 calls regarding bath salts during 2010. In the first half of 2011, this number had increased to 3,740. Despite the efforts of the media and law enforcement agencies, these numbers are still rising, rapidly and experts anticipate they will breach 5,000 by the end of the year. These statistics speak a bitter truth: that bath salts consumption is dangerous and on the rise.

Bath salts are marketed under various names such as 'Ivory Wave', 'Vanilla Sky', 'Blue Magic', 'Gold Rush' and 'Ocean'. All varieties contain a very powerful stimulant called Methylenedioxyprovalerone (MDPV). Each brand, however, has a unique mixture of chemicals. DEA official Gary Bogg put it well, saying, "You don't know what is in the particular product that you're using". Consumers are not only oblivious to the ingredients, but often to the salts' effects and dangers. One user, who we will call 'Mr. Z', explained how he thought that the bath salts "couldn't be that bad, since they were legal." Mr. Z later reported feeling "really paranoid, like something was out to get me".

The side effects are alarming and include, but are certainly not limited to, insomnia, increased heart rate, dizziness, psychotic hallucinations and extreme anxiety. Bath salts are also hugely addictive. Director of the San Diego Poison Control System, Lee Cantrell, explained, "They appear to induce more of a craving for re-dosing than other stimulants". Many users say that it takes only one 'trip' to become hooked for years. Additionally, the comedown is harsh. It, typically, includes severe depression, sometimes to the point of suicide. One user described his MDPV comedown, saying that "Coming off of MDPV is like winning a Mercedes and being told at the last minute that they got your name wrong".

An important question is: where are bath salts coming from? Like most other products, they are produced and sold by a firm whose objective – in this case their sole objective – is to make a profit. For all companies, profit equals revenue minus costs. For bath salts producers, revenues are high. As with many other drugs, a gram is sold at an inflated rate, usually between $50 to $100. Costs, for the producers, however, are relatively low. Apart from factories and intermediate goods, paying a team of chemists, marketers, and distributers are, typically, the only costs that these firms acquire. The men and women behind these firms may not be criminals, but they are certainly immoral.

Bath salts are obviously harmful and potentially lethal. Around half of our states have indeed illegalized them, and others are planning to follow suit. However, they are still federally legal, and over 20 states have yet to take official action. Our most salient question remains: How could this be? Part of the answer is simple. Since bath salts are comparatively new – and controlling a substance is a lengthy, legislative process – it is merely bad timing. Given more time, he DEA and FDA will, eventually, illegalize bath salts. Mr. Cantrell explained, "Illicit drug manufacturing is a constantly moving target, which makes it quite difficult to regulate or control. I know that there are wheels turning right now, in California, to try to outlaw certain classes of these chemicals, rather than going after individual compounds". The other part of this answer is more complex. Because federally controlling a drug takes so much time – and skillful chemists can quickly alter formulas – many fear this may become a perpetual problem. Bath salts manufacturers are abusing legal loopholes – because they can! The only long-term solution to this sort of problem would be for the government to change its bureaucratic process, which may not be realistic. The best active solution to this problem is to be intelligent and stay away from this synthetic evil. DEA representative, Rusty Payne, wisely stated, "Just because something is not illegal, does not mean it's safe".

 

Dr. Sunny Steinmeyer presentation entitled "Eating Disorders from the Inside Out"

San Clemente, CA (August 10, 2011) Dr. Sunny focused on internal elements amongst eating disorders, defining the somewhat ambiguous nature of eating disorders, together with specific types.

Dr. Steinmeyer obtained a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Edinborough State College in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Psychology from United States International University in 1986. Since then, she has served as an eating disorder consultant at various medical centers. She is currently the Director of the Eating Disorder Program for Sovereign Health and also maintains a private practice in Laguna Hills.

After about a minute of her speaking, it was readily apparent how intelligent, kind, funny, and sincere she is. She made everything very interesting and personal, mixing interesting anecdotes into her presentation. She is a great speaker and a great person. For a brief, written overview of the event, click here.

This event was a part of our Monthly Network and Educational Luncheon. Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month, we choose someone we find inspirational and have them speak about relevant topics. These luncheons are an excellent place to learn, talk and network, as well as eat.

This event was filmed and the video will soon be posted.

 

Dr. Meghan Marcum – Presentation At The American Psychological Association in Washington

San Clemente, CA (August 3, 2011) Sovereign Health of California's Associate Clinical Director, Dr. Meghan Marcum, will be giving a presentation at the American Psychological Association in Washington D.C. on August 7th. Read more»

 

Sovereign Health of California Sponsored NAMI Walk to Raise Awareness for Mental Illness
Treatment Center supports annual NAMI walk in hopes of bringing light to mental illness

Orange County, CA (September 15, 2010) Sovereign Health of California, a premier behavioral health treatment center located in San Clemente, California announced today that it will be a sponsor in the annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk. Read more»

 

Sovereign Health of California Expands its Treatment Services by Adding Neurofeedback to its Program
Treatment Center adds Service for Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders

Orange County, CA (August 5, 2010) Sovereign Health of California, a premier behavioral health treatment center located in San Clemente, California announced today that it has further expanded its services by adding a neurofeedback component to its comprehensive treatment program. Read more»

 

Sovereign Health of California to Launch Program to Keep Brains Sharp!
Program will help sharpen minds of individuals that need a cognitive tune up

San Clemente, CA (November 5, 2009) – Sovereign Health of California is excited to announce the first-ever brain wellness program set to launch on November 17th, which is also National Memory Screening Day. The purpose of the program is for individuals to improve overall cognitive functioning by incorporating cognitive remediation and a brain healthy lifestyle. Read more»

 

Picture the mind as a forest, with a limitless possibility of growing new trees.

October, 2009 – The Brain Wellness Program at Sovereign Health in San Clemente seeks to populate the forest of the mind by focusing on five dimensions of brain wellness. Keeping with the metaphor, of the mind as a forest, proper nutrition, mental and physical exercise and quality rest act as 'Miracle Grow' for the mind. Read more»