What is sherm? In the world of illicit substances, sherm stands out due to its bizarre preparation and dangerous effects. Sherm, also known as “wet” or “embalming fluid,” involves dipping cigarettes or joints into a toxic chemical mix. Despite well-documented risks, some individuals still seek this hazardous high. Understanding the ingredients, like glutaraldehyde, methanol, and formaldehyde, highlights the complex issues around sherm use and its impact on addiction in society.

What is Sherm? The History of Smoking Embalming Fluid

Origins and Street Names

Sherm, also called “wet” or “smoking wet,” emerged in the 1970s. It involves dipping cigarettes or joints into embalming fluid, often mixed with PCP (phencyclidine). The term “sherm” may trace back to “Sherman Hemsley,” a popular actor then, although the origin remains speculative. Other street names include “fry,” “water,” and “dank.” According to studies, these substances’ street names obscure the real dangers and can contribute to higher usage among young adults and teens (Addiction Journal, 2019).

What is in Sherm? Chemical composition?

Embalming fluid used in sherm contains glutaraldehyde, methanol, and formaldehyde—chemicals for preserving deceased bodies. When combined with PCP, these ingredients create an intense and unpredictable high that poses severe risks to users. The toxic nature of these chemicals can lead to hallucinations, violent behavior, and long-term physical damage (National Institutes of Health, 2017).

Cultural Impact and Prevalence

Sherm use, though less common today, persists and has been referenced in hip-hop and media, often glamorizing the effects without mentioning the severe consequences.

For instance, rap lyrics from artists in the 1990s and 2000s occasionally mention “wet” as a powerful, mind-altering substance, with references that suggest a sense of thrill or rebellion. However, these portrayals often lack a discussion of the dangers, such as cognitive impairment, respiratory issues, and psychological effects that accompany sherm use.

Public health research underscores that glamorizing drug use in media can contribute to risky behaviors among impressionable audiences. Studies have shown that teens and young adults, particularly those who look up to celebrities and musicians, are more likely to experiment with substances like sherm when they’re referenced in music, films, or social media. According to a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, media representations of drugs, including glorified depictions, can increase experimental use, with young people often overlooking or being unaware of the true dangers.

For example, a song lyric that portrays “smoking wet” as a way to escape reality may attract listeners who are dealing with stress or difficult situations, enticing them to try the substance as a coping mechanism. Additionally, movies and TV shows have occasionally depicted scenes involving sherm or PCP-laced cigarettes, sometimes showing characters under the influence in ways that make the effects look intriguing or sensational. This type of portrayal can unintentionally normalize or romanticize dangerous behaviors, leaving out the critical context of how hazardous these substances truly are.

The Dangers of Smoking Sherm Sticks

Smoking sherm sticks—cigarettes dipped in embalming fluid and often laced with PCP—poses extreme risks. This section delves into the immediate health threats, behavioral effects, addiction potential, and legal consequences.

Health Risks of PCP-Laced Cigarettes

Smoking PCP-laced cigarettes can cause lung, liver, and kidney damage. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that embalming fluid chemicals significantly raise the risk of respiratory distress, organ damage, and potential overdose (NIDA, 2020). Chronic exposure may result in cognitive impairment and lasting health problems.

Behavioral and Psychological Effects

PCP’s psychoactive properties can cause violent outbursts, paranoia, and severe disorientation. These effects frequently result in harm to oneself or others, with incidents of violence and self-injury commonly reported. Research links PCP use to extreme behavioral issues due to neurotransmitter disruption in the brain (Journal of Neuroscience Research, 2019).

Addiction and Withdrawal

The nicotine and PCP in sherm sticks are highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms include severe cravings and physical discomfort, making it difficult for users to stop. Studies highlight that this combination heightens addiction rates, requiring specialized interventions for treatment (Justice.gov).

Sherm Drug Effects – How it Affects the Brain

Immediate Neurological Impact of Sherm drug, smoking PCP

Upon inhalation, sherm quickly affects the brain, altering neurotransmitter activity. This leads to sensations of detachment, impaired thinking, and hallucinations. According to The Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (2020), these effects are due to PCP’s interaction with glutamate, leading to rapid shifts in perception and self-awareness.

Long-Term Cognitive Consequences

Prolonged sherm use can cause lasting cognitive issues. Research indicates that chronic use impacts memory, logical reasoning, and focus, potentially causing long-term brain damage (Human Psychopharmacology, 2019).

Behavioral and Psychological Changes

Sherm’s effect on dopamine and glutamate systems often results in addiction, erratic behavior, and extreme mood swings. The chemical imbalance induced by regular use can trigger or worsen pre-existing mental health issues (Neuropharmacology Journal, 2020).

Why Do People Smoke Sherm or Embalming Fluid?

The Allure of Extreme Highs

Many individuals try sherm for an intense, dissociative experience, believing it provides a more potent effect than conventional drugs. Studies highlight a link between the search for novel, extreme highs and an increase in risky behaviors (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2019).

Misconceptions and Misinformation

A misconception persists that embalming fluid enhances the effects of marijuana or PCP, leading some to experiment with “wet” cigarettes. This misinformation, exacerbated by social media, results in uninformed choices with severe health risks (Brain Journal, 2020).

Addiction and Desperation

People who smoke sherm often have developed a tolerance for other substances, driving them toward stronger and riskier drugs. According to studies on drug progression, desperation for a high can lead users to explore extremely hazardous options (New England Journal of Medicine, 2018).

The Long Term Effects of Abusing Sherm

Physical Health Consequences

Regular sherm use can lead to severe kidney, liver, and cardiovascular issues. Chronic inhalation damages lung tissue, leading to respiratory complications. The American Lung Association highlights long-term respiratory risks tied to chemical exposure, which can persist even after stopping use.

Cognitive and Mental Health Impacts

Persistent sherm use significantly impairs cognitive function, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Studies in neuropsychology show that chronic use can lead to lasting mental health issues, including psychosis and paranoia (National Institutes of Health, 2019).

The impacts of sherm abuse go beyond health, affecting relationships, employment, and legal standing. Erratic behavior often isolates users, causing social and financial issues that further complicate recovery efforts (Journal of Criminal Justice, 2020).

What is sherm?