Despite the innocent-sounding name, angel dust is a powerful drug that can be incredibly harmful to those who consume it. Known officially as phencyclidine, or PCP, the drug was initially developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s. However, medical professionals soon learned that it causes intense and unpleasant side effects, which made it unsuitable for medical use.

Even though the drug was discontinued in hospitals, people started using it as a street drug, and it quickly became known for its unpredictable and often dangerous effects. While not as common as other street drugs, those who use PCP are at risk of serious side effects and also face the possibility of addiction.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with an angel dust addiction, know that you have options. The team at Alamo Behavioral Health can answer any questions you might have and tell you more about the range of available treatment plans. Contact us today to schedule an intake appointment or verify insurance coverage.

What Is Angel Dust?

Angel dust (PCP) is a dissociative drug that changes the way the brain processes thoughts and sensations, leading to a distorted perception of reality. It comes in powder, tablet, and liquid forms, often presenting as a white, powdery substance or yellow-colored liquid.

Many people consume PCP by dissolving it in alcohol or water, and sometimes it’s mixed with other drugs like marijuana or tobacco. People often seek the drug’s mind-altering effects, failing to realize how unpredictable it can be.

How Quickly Does Angel Dust Work?

Even in small doses, PCP works fast. The drug can be injected, smoked, snorted, or taken by mouth, though most people prefer to smoke or snort it because it gives the quickest, most powerful results. Taking low doses of PCP usually leads to the feeling of drunkenness, while higher doses tend to cause more serious effects.

The Effects of Angel Dust on the Brain and Body

PCP can have powerful effects on the mind and body. While the effects can vary depending on how much of the drug a person consumes, reactions are usually extreme.

Physical effects:

• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Racing heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Shallow breathing
• Numbness
• Blank stare
• Drooling
• Involuntary eye movements
• High blood pressure
• Weight loss

Psychological effects:

• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Detachment from reality
• Distorted sights and sounds
• Sense of invincibility
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Suicidal thoughts
• Aggression

While most of these side effects are short-lived, when PCP is taken often enough, it can start to impair the mind and body in more permanent ways. Synesthesia, memory loss, and symptoms resembling schizophrenia are just a few of these potential long-term effects.

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Is Angel Dust Addictive?

PCP can be highly addictive, especially because it directly affects the chemicals in the brain. People who take PCP normally experience pleasant effects like joy, improved concentration, and a sense of strength or power. This can cause them to keep coming back to the drug, eventually leading to dependence and then addiction.

Treating an Angel Dust Addiction

Once an addiction to PCP is recognized, treatment typically involves a combination of medical support, therapy, and support groups.

• Medically Supervised Detox: Coming off of PCP can cause uncomfortable side effects, and it’s typically not recommended to quit cold turkey. Medically supervised detox makes the process easier on your mind and body by providing you with medications to ease these symptoms. A medical team will monitor your progress in a calm environment to ensure a safe detoxification, both physically and mentally.

• Therapy: Addiction is often tied to underlying factors, like mental illness or unresolved traumas. Meeting with a therapist one-on-one can help you figure out what may have led to your PCP addiction. You might explore your past or discuss current life stressors, and your provider will help you come up with new coping skills to manage triggers and prevent relapse.

• Support Groups: Connecting with other people who understand what you’re going through can be comforting and help you stay on track with your recovery. During support group meetings, you might talk about current challenges in your healing journey or share victories. Other people in the group can offer encouragement and advice, reminding you that you’re not alone.

After completing a recovery program, your support team will often set you up with an aftercare plan to ensure your continued success. You might be referred to an outpatient treatment center, directed to a support group like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or equipped with a nutrition and exercise routine. Each of these resources can help you maintain your progress and leave behind PCP for good.

Finding Support for an Angel Dust Addiction

Recovering from an angel dust addiction can be challenging, but with the right support, it’s possible to begin to heal. If you or a loved one is battling PCP addiction, reach out to the Alamo Behavioral Health team to learn more about our recovery programs and other resources. Taking that first step forward means working toward a healthier and more fulfilling future.

Resources:

1. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/03/12/174132392/synesthetes-really-can-taste-the-rainbow
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000797.htm
3. https://na.org/