The abuse of the drugs is becoming more popular in the area, sending many people high on the drugs to the hospital.

Operation Our Town sponsored a public forum to educate the public about the growing abuse.

"People are misunderstood about where you get it and what to do with it if they see their kids with it. We want them to be aware of it," said Jo Anne Nardelli of Operation Our Town.

The drugs are often marketed as bath salts, plant food or even incense and they are all legal to buy. People of all ages are experimenting with the drugs that are very similar to cocaine and meth.

"Kids will know what cocaine is, what meth is, they don't know what this is. It is legal so maybe it is not so bad, except it is," said Dr. Joseph Antonowicz, of Altoona Regional Hospital.

Because the drugs are legal, police can't do anything to stop people from using them. However, they are often called to respond to someone high on the drugs who are acting out of control.

Law enforcement and doctors are hopeful that some legislation in the Statehouse will pass banning all use of the substance.