Along with the physical dependency the drug creates, that isolation can contribute to addiction. Paranoia and anxiety can combine to create a powerful isolating effect in those coming down from a PCP high. Memory loss can occur while a person is on the drug, or it can extend to encompass additional memories. With PCP, euphoria, hallucinations and feelings of detachment and invulnerability may lead to repeat use and eventual addiction.Īfter use, side effects can range from short-term bouts of confusion to memory loss and increased respiration. Addiction to Angel DustĮvery drug has certain effects that may be part of every cycle of getting high and coming back down. This may let some users feel powerful in response to a past that leaves them feeling helpless. The delusions of increased physical capabilities are fairly common among angel dust addicts. Some other common effects of PCP include:
This euphoric effect can make it powerfully attractive for those with significant trauma in their past. When a person is on PCP, the drug can also block memories, emotions and pain. That’s why, although overdose deaths from PCP are relatively rare, deaths from misadventure while high on the drug are more common. Why? Someone high on PCP may not notice the broken bones in their hand following the punch. However, PCP can increase aggression and numb pain, which might be where the Hulk-like image of a user comes from.Īlthough PCP users don’t suddenly gain extra strength, they may still be able to punch through plate glass. There’s no proven impact on strength enhancement related to PCP use. However, it also has a dissociative effect, making users feel incredibly disconnected from the people and things around them. Like LSD and MDMA, PCP can cause hallucinations. What Does PCP Do?Īngel dust is often compared to hallucinogens such as acid (LSD) and ecstasy (MDMA). A study published by the National Institute of Health found that up to 24% of street marijuana is laced with PCP. After all, PCP is addictive, while marijuana isn’t. Some sellers may even offer angel dust weed at no upcharge to bring in new customers. These names refer to weed that’s been sprayed or coated in PCP.
Marijuana and PCP are often packaged together and sold as whack, kools or supergrass. Some other names may indicate what PCP is combined with. Some common street names for PCP include angel dust, rocket fuel and hog. However, its distinctive bitter taste may be why it’s often sold in gelcap or pill form. By itself, PCP is a stable compound and can be dissolved in water and drunk. When dissolved into a liquid form, it’s highly flammable since the suspension liquid used is typically ether. PCP is a synthetic chemical made in a lab. PCP pills can range in color from white to dark brown and may have various production stamps, all from illicit sources. The consistency can vary from a powder to a moist, almost tarry substance. On the street, it’s often cut with other substances to increase profits.ĭepending on the substance used to cut the PCP, it can vary from pale white to dark brown in color. So, how can someone recognize angel dust when looking at various pills, powders and other unidentified substances? In its purest form, PCP is a snow-white crystalline powder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration regularly publishes the DAWN report to track usage and treatment statistics. However, hospitalization rates for PCP increased more than 400% over a six-year span from 2005-2011, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report. High-profile deaths due to angel dust overdoses, such as Anissa Jones (“Buffy” in Family Affair) in the 1970s, are relatively rare. It’s often sold in conjunction with other illicit drugs to create a more powerful high and add an addictive element. However, PCP soon found a home on the streets due to its powerful dissociative effects and ability to cause hallucinations. When its toxic effects became known, it was quickly removed from use in hospitals. The drug was first developed as an anesthesia for use during surgery and other medical procedures. This powder may be smoked, eaten, snorted or injected.