PCP or phencyclidine, also commonly known as angel dust, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. It was originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic for surgeries, but due to severe side effects, it was discontinued for medical use. PCP is now illegally manufactured and sold on the streets. It is known for causing hallucinations, distorted perceptions of sounds, and violent behavior.
Composition and Chemistry of Angel Dust PCP
Phencyclidine, 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine, is a white crystalline powder, which is readily soluble in water or alcohol. It can be ingested orally, injected intravenously, inhaled, or smoked.
Angel Dust PCP Drug Effects on the body
PCP is a dissociative drug; it induces distortion of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment. It has a distinctively bitter chemical taste.
When ingested, it acts primarily as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking the activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain. Users may also experience feelings of detachment from their environment and themselves, leading to a sense of invulnerability and estrangement from reality. PCP is classified as a hallucinogen.
Acute effects of its use can include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and damage to the nervous system. Long-term use can lead to memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, and weight loss. Moreover, PCP is highly addictive. Its use can lead to cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior, even in the face of negative health and social consequences.
What are the causes of Angel Dust PCP addiction?
PCP addiction, like many substance use disorders, arises from a complex interplay of various factors:
- Neurochemical Effects: PCP alters the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward. The euphoria and altered states induced by PCP can lead to psychological dependence.
- Psychological Factors: Many people turn to substances like PCP to cope with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or past trauma. PCP’s ability to detach users from reality can be a temporary escape from psychological pain, but this self-medication can quickly spiral into addiction. The cycle of using PCP to cope with emotional distress can establish a dependency that is hard to break without proper treatment.
How long does Angel Dust stay in your system?
Generally, PCP can be detected in the blood for up to 24 hours, in urine for 1 to 4 days, and in hair for up to 90 days. This duration varies from person to person.
Does Angel Dust show up in a drug test?
Yes, Angel Dust (PCP) does show up in a drug test. Most standard drug tests, including urine tests, blood tests, and hair follicle tests, can detect PCP.
| Test Type | Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Urine | 1-7 days |
| Blood | 1-2 days |
| Saliva | 1-3 days |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
What is Sherm Drug?
Sherm is the slang term or street name for tobacco or marijuana cigarettes dipped in PCP or embalming fluid. Many people call these dipped joints and cigarettes “wet drugs.”
What Does Sherm Have in It?
Sherm drugs, which might include cigarettes, marijuana, or other leafy materials, are often laced with PCP or embalming fluid. Embalming fluid is frequently used by dealers to either dissolve PCP or amplify the effects of marijuana.
Marijuana laced with PCP
Marijuana laced with PCP, often unknowingly to the user, presents significant dangers due to the potent effects of PCP. This combination can drastically alter the user’s experience, intensifying the psychoactive effects. These effects are compounded when combined with marijuana, which itself alters perception and mood. The unpredictability of this mixture can lead to dangerous situations, as users may not be aware of the presence of PCP and are unprepared for its intense effects.
Common street names for embalming fluid include:
- Dip
- Illy
- Fry
- Wack
- Water
Common street names for weed or tobacco laced with PCP or embalming fluid include:t
- Sherm
- Shermans
- Wet drugs
Side Effect of PCP Symptoms (According to National Library of Medicine):
- Agitation and confusion
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Muscle rigidity or loss of muscle control
- Violent behavior
- Self-injury due to intoxication
- Seizures
- Muscle damage to major organs
- Heart attack
- Coma
While PCP rarely leads to respiratory complications, smoking formaldehyde-laced cigarettes can have severe effects on the lungs. Some of the side effects related to embalming fluid, besides its CNS impact, include:
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Lung damage
- Airway ulcerations
- Respiratory failure
What are the street names of PCP?
Fry and sherm are street terms for marijuana or tobacco cigarettes that are dipped in PCP and then dried. Sherm is the term that was coined because of the brown paper Nat Sherman cigarettes that they resemble.
Street Names OF PCP are;
- Angel dust
- Boat or love boat
- Crystal joints
- Elephant tranquilizer
- Embalming fluid
- Hog
- Killer weed or superweed
- Ozone
- Peace pill
- Rocket fuel
- Sawgrass or supergrass
- The sheets
- Tic tac
- Zoom
Still Detox: We are Here to Help
Overcoming addiction to Angel Dust is challenging but possible with the right support and treatment. Detoxification should be carried out under medical supervision due to the severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur, including cravings, headaches, and sweating. Following detox, long-term treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly effective in helping individuals understand their addiction and develop coping strategies.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) provided statistics on PCP use in the US:
- 2020: 546 case mentions, 212 single exposures, and two deaths.
- 2021: 438 case mentions, 165 single exposures, and one death.
- There was an increase in first-time PCP users aged 12 and older in 2020, from 30,000 to 52,000.
- While the death toll is lower compared to opioids like fentanyl, PCP still poses significant risks.
For more information, visit the DEA’s PCP overview: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/pcp.pdf
