What is Angel Dust? Exploring The Effects of PCP

What is Angel Dust?

Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or Angel Dust, is a powerful dissociative drug. It was originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic for surgeries. However, due to its dangerous psychological effects, its use was discontinued for humans. PCP is now classified as an illegal drug with no approved medical applications.

The drug can be found in various forms, including a white crystalline powder, tablets, or capsules. Sometimes, PCP is mixed with other substances and sold as a powder or liquid. One of its street forms is even called embalming fluid, which refers to its use when mixed with other chemicals.

How Does PCP Affect the Brain?

PCP affects the brain by distorting how you perceive reality. It causes a person to feel disconnected from their body and surroundings. This detachment is one reason why it’s classified as a dissociative drug.

As a dissociative drug, it disrupts the brain’s normal processing, leading to out-of-body experiences and hallucinations. When abusing PCP, users might experience episodes of paranoia, violent behavior, or confusion.

At high doses, the effects of PCP are intensified. People may completely lose touch with reality and engage in dangerous behaviors without awareness.

Common PCP Street Names

PCP has a variety of street names, which can vary depending on the form it’s sold in and regional slang. Some common names include:

• Angel Dust
• Rocket Fuel
• Ozone
• Sherm
• Embalming Fluid
• Wet

These street names make it important for people to recognize when others might be using or purchasing this dangerous drug.

Angel Dust (PCP) Side Effects

The side effects of PCP can be unpredictable and dangerous. At low doses, people may feel euphoric or detached from their surroundings. However, at higher doses, the drug’s effects become more severe. Some common side effects of PCP include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Aggressive behavior
• Numbness
• Disorientation

Doses of PCP as small as 5 to 10 mg can lead to significant mental and physical effects. Ingesting high doses of PCP increases the risk of severe consequences like seizures, coma, or even death.

People under the influence of PCP may engage in violent or self-destructive behaviors. This unpredictability makes the drug extremely hazardous, not only to the user but also to others around them.

Long-Term Effects of PCP

Chronic users of PCP often suffer from memory loss, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairment. Over time, these issues can lead to lasting damage. The drug also contributes to mental health issues such as severe depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Physically, the long-term use of PCP can lead to:

• Weight loss
• Muscle damage
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage

Is PCP Addictive?

PCP can be addictive. Though physical dependence may not be as common as with some other drugs, psychological dependence is a significant concern. People who use PCP regularly may develop a tolerance, requiring larger doses of PCP to achieve the same effects. This pattern of abuse increases the risk of addiction.

Can You Overdose on PCP?

Like many other drugs, using high doses of PCP can overwhelm the body, leading to a life-threatening overdose. PCP overdoses are dangerous because the drug’s effects are unpredictable and can vary widely between users.

Common signs of overdose include:

• Seizures
• Coma
• Extremely high body temperature
• Difficulty breathing
• Uncontrollable movements
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect someone is experiencing a PCP overdose, seek medical attention immediately. An overdose can cause permanent brain damage or death if not treated quickly.

Treatment for PCP Abuse

Treating PCP addiction requires a comprehensive approach, including both medical and psychological support. Medical detox is often the first step in addressing substance abuse. After detox, patients will benefit from long-term addiction treatment, such as behavioral therapies and support groups.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, our addiction treatment facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona are open to help and provide guidance. We recognize each person’s unique needs, so we ensure that our comprehensive treatment can address everyone. Connect with our team and find healing today.