Drug and Alcohol - Addiction Recovery
What Is Angel Dust? Use, Side Effects, and Dangers
Angel dust is a white crystalline form of PCP that causes hallucinations, perceived super strength, and unpredictable behavior - as well as a range of long-term risks.
Angel dust, or PCP, is a synthetic drug that was originally developed as an anesthetic, but has long been abused for its mind-altering effects.
Unlike other forms of PCP, which can appear as tablets or liquid, angel dust is a white crystalline powder. It’s usually smoked, often mixed with leafy substances like marijuana or mint leaves, and can cause hallucinations, distorted perceptions, and unpredictable behavior. However, PCP is most notorious for making users feel invincible and super strong, which can lead to dangerous and aggressive actions.
What Is PCP (Angel Dust)?
PCP is a synthetic drug that acts as a dissociative anesthetic. It was initially developed in the 1950s for medical use as an intravenous anesthetic, but was later discontinued due to severe side effects. Today, it’s primarily used recreationally and is known for its mind-altering effects, which can lead to hallucinations, distorted perceptions, and unpredictable behavior.
Angel dust is a unique form of PCP (phencyclidine). Unlike other forms that come as tablets or liquids, angel dust is a white powder that’s typically mixed with leafy substances like marijuana, mint leaves, or tobacco, and then smoked through a joint or pipe.
While smoking is the most common way to use angel dust, it can also be snorted or injected, but these methods are less frequent.
What Is Angel Dust Made Of?
Angel dust is made from a combination of chemicals that produce its powerful dissociative effects. The primary ingredient is phencyclidine hydrochloride, which is synthesized in laboratories. The drug can be found in a few different forms, including powder, tablets, and liquid, and is often mixed with other substances to enhance its effects.
What Does PCP Stand For?
PCP stands for phencyclidine, which is the chemical name for the drug. Street names for PCP include ozone, rocket fuel, amp, shermans, wack, crystal, and embalming fluid. When mixed with marijuana, it might be called killer joints, fry, lovelies, wets, or waters.
Where Does the Term “Angel Dust” Come From?
The name “Angel Dust” refers to its white, powdery appearance and its potent, often dangerous effects on users.
What Does Angel Dust Look Like?
Angel dust typically appears as a white crystalline powder. The substance is often dissolved in liquid, sprayed onto leafy materials like mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana, and then smoked. Its appearance can change depending on how it’s prepared and distributed.
PCP comes in other forms besides the well-known “angel dust,” and can appear as a white crystalline powder, tablets, capsules, or in liquid form. Sometimes, the drug is dyed in different colors.
Does PCP Have a Distinct Smell?
PCP itself does not have a distinct smell, but when it is smoked, it can produce a chemical or medicinal odor. This smell can be quite strong and unpleasant, often described as similar to burning plastic or rubber. The odor can linger on clothing and in the environment where it is used, making it somewhat identifiable to those familiar with it.
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How Is Angel Dust Used and Abused?
Angel dust is typically smoked, snorted, or injected, with smoking being the most common method. Users may also sprinkle it on leafy substances like marijuana, tobacco, or mint leaves, and then smoke it in a joint or pipe. This method allows the drug to enter the bloodstream quickly, leading to rapid and intense effects. Snorting or injecting PCP also delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, but these methods are less common due to the associated risks and complications.
Other forms of PCP, such as liquid or powder, can be ingested orally or applied to cigarettes and smoked. Liquid PCP is sometimes dipped onto cigarettes or joints, while powder can be encapsulated and swallowed. Each method of administration carries its own risks and potential for abuse, contributing to the drug’s dangerous reputation.
What Does Angel Dust Feel Like?
Angel dust can make users feel euphoric and detached from their surroundings, often leading to a sense of floating or being disconnected from their body.
At lower doses, it may cause relaxation and mild hallucinations, but higher doses can result in intense hallucinations, paranoia, and erratic behavior. Users might also experience distorted perceptions of time and space, making it hard to concentrate or stay oriented.
Signs of PCP Use
PCP use can be recognized by a range of physical and behavioral signs. Users might seem unusually strong, feel invincible, and not feel pain as much. They could also be confused, agitated, and see things that aren’t there.
Here are some common signs of PCP use:
Euphoria
Reduced sensitivity to pain
Feelings of super strength
Sense of invulnerability
Apathy
Hallucinations
Distorted sense of time and space
Agitation and paranoia
Confusion and disorientation
Does PCP Actually Make You Stronger?
PCP doesn’t actually make you stronger, but it can make you feel like you are. The drug’s effects include a sense of invincibility and reduced sensitivity to pain, which can lead users to believe they’re stronger than they really are. This can result in risky and aggressive behavior, as users might push their bodies beyond normal limits without feeling the usual pain or fatigue. So, while PCP doesn’t increase physical strength, it can create dangerous situations where users act as if it does.
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Angel Dust Effects and Risks
Angel dust can have serious immediate and long-term effects on users. Immediately, it can cause hallucinations, feelings of detachment, and unpredictable behavior. Over time, regular use can lead to severe mental health issues, addiction, and physical health problems.
Let’s run through the full list of effects, both short- and long-term:
Immediate Effects
Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
Detachment: Feeling disconnected from reality or one’s body.
Euphoria: Intense feelings of happiness.
Paranoia: Extreme and irrational distrust of others.
Aggression: Increased risk of violent behavior.
Numbness: Reduced sensitivity to pain.
Confusion: Difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions.
Long-Term Consequences
Addiction: Strong dependence on the drug, leading to compulsive use.
Mental Health Issues: Long-lasting problems like depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering things or learning new information.
Physical Health Problems: Damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Social and Legal Issues: Problems with relationships, work, and the law due to drug use.
How Long Do the Effects of PCP Last?
The effects of PCP can last anywhere from six to 24 hours, depending on the dose and method of use. Some people might feel the effects for up to 48 hours, especially if they have more body fat, as the drug can be stored and slowly released over time.
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How Long Does PCP Stay In Your System?
PCP can stay in your system for several days to weeks depending on factors like frequency of use, dosage, and individual metabolism. Typically, PCP is detectable in urine for up to 5 to 6 days after use, but in chronic users, it can be detected for up to 30 days. In hair tests, PCP can be found for up to 90 days, while blood tests can detect it for about 24 hours. The drug’s presence in the body can lead to lingering effects and potential health risks long after the initial high has worn off.
Addiction to Angel Dust (PCP)
Addiction to angel dust can develop quickly due to its powerful effects on the brain. Users often become both physically and psychologically dependent, craving the drug and feeling compelled to use it despite the negative consequences.
This can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, making it difficult for users to quit on their own. Over time and with prolonged use, addiction to PCP can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as physical health problems like weight loss and memory loss.
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Overdosing on PCP
Overdosing on PCP can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of a PCP overdose include severe agitation, hallucinations, high blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate — and in extreme cases, an overdose can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on PCP, it’s important to seek emergency medical help right away. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as controlling agitation and ensuring the person is breathing properly.
Treating Addiction to PCP (Angel Dust)
Treating addiction to PCP, or angel dust, involves several steps to help users safely stop using the drug and recover. The first step is detoxification, where the body clears out the drug, often under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms. After detox, therapy is the next step. This can include individual counseling, group therapy, and behavioral therapies to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
Therapy and Counseling
Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal triggers and develop coping strategies.
Group Therapy: Supportive group sessions where individuals share experiences and support each other in recovery.
Behavioral Therapy: Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In some cases, medications may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring mental health issues. While there are no specific drugs approved to treat PCP addiction, certain medications can help with symptoms like anxiety or depression.
Support Groups
Joining support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can provide ongoing support and a sense of community. These groups offer a space to share experiences and gain encouragement from others who are also in recovery.
Long-Term Recovery
Long-term recovery involves developing a relapse prevention plan, addressing any underlying mental health issues, and building a healthy lifestyle. This might include regular therapy sessions, healthy habits, and a strong support network to maintain sobriety and improve overall well-being.
Closing Thoughts on Angel Dust
PCP, or angel dust, is a dangerous drug with serious short-term and long-term effects. It can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and aggressive behavior in the short term, and lead to addiction, mental health issues, and physical health problems over time.
Overdosing on PCP can be life-threatening, with symptoms like severe agitation and high blood pressure, and treatment for PCP addiction involves medical and psychological support to help users recover. If you or a loved one is struggling with PCP addiction, know that help is available to guide you toward recovery and a healthier life.
PCP Is Highly Addictive — But You Can Break Free.
At The Edge Treatment Center, we specialize in addiction treatment for various substances, including PCP. Our team of treatment experts and mental health professionals is here to support you, along with a community of peers who have been in your shoes.
Call us today to learn more and take the first step toward healing.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.
Written by
Monty MontgomeryContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
Addiction Recovery
March 28, 2023
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Angel dust, also known as PCP (phencyclidine), is a powerful dissociative anesthetic that was originally developed for medical use but is now primarily known for its illicit recreational use. It alters perceptions of sight and sound and produces feelings of detachment from the environment and oneself.
PCP affects the brain by interfering with the actions of neurotransmitters, leading to hallucinations, distorted perceptions of sounds, and violent behavior. It can also cause numbness, loss of coordination, and a sense of invulnerability, making it a highly dangerous substance.
Angel Dust can be ingested in several ways, including smoking, snorting, injecting, or swallowing. It is often mixed with other substances like tobacco or marijuana when smoked, which can enhance its effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Signs of PCP use include severe mood swings, hallucinations, paranoia, and aggressive behavior. Physical symptoms may include dilated pupils, rapid eye movements, slurred speech, and a lack of coordination. Long-term use can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairments, and severe psychological issues.
Yes, PCP can be addictive. Regular use leads to tolerance and dependence, making it difficult for users to quit without help.
Long-term use of PCP can lead to memory loss, depression, and anxiety. It may also result in persistent changes in mood and behavior.
Yes, PCP can cause overdose, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a PCP overdose include seizures, coma, high blood pressure, and a dangerously high body temperature. Immediate medical attention is crucial in the event of an overdose to prevent fatal outcomes.
If someone overdoses on PCP, call emergency services immediately. Keep the person calm and safe until help arrives; avoid restraining them unless necessary.
Certain medications and substances can cause false positives for PCP on drug tests. These include over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan, certain antidepressants, and some antihistamines. It’s important to inform testing authorities of any medications being taken to avoid misinterpretation of results.