Angel dust is a common name for an incredibly addictive psychedelic drug known as phencyclidine (PCP). This drug can have some severe short and long-term effects on the body and mind. Angel dust is a controlled substance in the United States and is not regulated for consumption. Initially crafted as a wartime anesthetic, it was not used heavily due to its adverse side effects.
Angel dust can come in a variety of forms. Depending on the method in which it is used, the side effects of the drug can have a drastic impact on a person’s behavior. This drug is not regulated for distribution, so it is tough to find reliable dosing. Some slight guesswork is involved, and there is much room for mix-up or error. Due to the typical white, crystalline appearance of angel dust, it can often be mistaken for or mixed with other substances, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, or other illicit substances.
Forms Of Angel Dust
When thinking about angel dust, people often refer to its powdered form, but it can also be distributed as a pill or liquid form. Angel dust is typically consumed orally, but it can be smoked, snorted, or injected intravenously. The onset of effects changes slightly depending on the method of consumption. Snorting and intravenous methods affect the mind almost instantaneously, while oral methods, such as swallowing pillows or powder, can begin to take effect in a matter of minutes.
Chemical Breakdown
Phencyclidine is classified as a hallucinative, dissociative drug. It is processed in the liver and excreted through urine. The high achieved from taking PCP is known to cause euphoria, dissociative behavior, distortion of sight and sound, immobility, sedation, and loss of coordination. This drug was initially designed as an anesthetic. However, it was quickly discontinued and never made it past the clinical trials due to the high volume of patients experiencing vivid hallucinations and other problems. Angel dust is simultaneously a stimulant and depressant.
Side Effects Of Use
PCP use can have lasting effects on the user. It can lead to legal problems such as loss of income, jail time, and the need for rehabilitation. Physical issues include increased heart rate, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and visual and auditory hallucinations. Other symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, a feeling of impending doom, paranoia, violent hostility, or even psychosis. PCP can be both physically and psychologically addictive due to its substantial effects on the brain.
The Dangers of Angel Dust
Angel dust is an illicit drug due to the many dangers associated with taking it. It is known for leaving people with high levels of irritability and agitation while the user experiences hallucinations and paranoia. Perceived threats and negative stimuli result in panic attacks or potentially aggressive or hostile behavior. Angel dust is known for having a wide range of adverse and limited positive side effects. Even with such detrimental effects on the body and mind, angel dust remains an illicit drug that users seek out.