- Nov 18
- Drug Addiction Treatment
PCP, also referred to as angel dust, was developed in the medical field and was discontinued soon after, as the drug caused psychosis and aggressive behavior. However, some individuals misuse angel dust today for recreational purposes.
Due to the effects PCP has on the brain, the drug can be addictive. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to PCP, seek treatment as soon as possible.
What Is Angel Dust or PCP?
Phencyclidine, also known as PCP or angel dust, is a dissociative drug that causes hallucinations. A user of PCP may show signs of irrationality and report an out-of-body experience. Angel dust is almost always smoked. While it can be ingested, it’s extremely difficult to manage the dose.
Angel dust is usually sold as a white powder, though the colors can range from white to dark brown. The whiter the PCP, the purer the substance likely is. A brown coloration is a result of the manufacturing process and is typically the result of unreacted chemicals, which can lead to severe side effects.
Effects of PCP
PCP impacts the neurotransmitters of the brain. Your brain’s neurotransmitters allow the different parts of the brain to communicate, and the neurotransmitters influence a range of functions. Angel dust affects the neurotransmitters related to mood and reward, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. PCP also blocks NMDA receptors, which impact emotions, memory, learning and feelings of pain.
How long does an angel dust high last? Depending on the dose, the effects of angel dust can last from several hours to 48 hours. A user of angel dust may experience the following effects:
- Euphoria
- Apathy
- Numbness of the hands and toes
- Sense of invulnerability and superior strength
- Lowered sensitivity to pain
Effects can vary widely and depend on the amount that is ingested. After a low dose, a user may display drunken-like behavior and experience numbness in their toes and hands. After a moderate dose, a user may experience an inability to move their limbs or other parts of their body. After a high dose, a user can experience more severe effects, such as convulsions or death.
Signs of PCP Addiction
The following are signs of angel dust addiction:
- The user binges on PCP for several days at a time.
- The user has uncontrollable urges to use angel dust.
- The user shows a decline in general wellness and self-care.
- The user ignores obligations, hobbies or relationships to use PCP.
- The user spends large amounts of money and time on getting and using PCP.
Health Risks of PCP
The health risks for a person who uses angel dust can be severe and may include the following:
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Self-injury
- Violent behavior
- Damage to skeletal muscles
- Death
Someone who is high on angel dust may due harm to themselves or others.
How Addictive Is Angel Dust?
The Controlled Substances Act lists PCP is listed as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. The use of the drug can lead to high rates of angel dust addiction, including both severe physical and psychological dependence.
To receive PCP addiction treatment, contact Gateway Foundation today.
