What Are the Angel Dust Side Effects?

The Dangerous Angel Dust Side Effects

Angel dust, or PCP, is a physically addictive drug. Along with strong cravings, compulsive behavior, and drug dependence, there are severe angel dust side effects to be aware of.

High doses can lead to coma, seizures, and even overdose death. In teenagers, angel dust can impair learning and normal growth. Long-term abuse can lead to depression, memory loss, and severe weight loss among other serious side effects.

According to a 2018 national survey, 2.2 percent of people over the age of 12 reported having abused angel dust at least once in their life in the United States. While the abuse of PCP may not be as widespread as alcohol or opioids, the side effects for the recreational use of angel dust can be severe and life-threatening.

If you or a loved one is in need of help with addiction, call 949.569.7517 today to speak with a treatment specialist.

Since PCP is physically addictive, it can be hard for a person to stop once their dependence on the drug has developed. As with addictions to other physically addictive drugs, the best way to manage addiction and stop substance abuse is through the life-changing effects of a certified rehab center such as Dana Point Rehab Campus.

What is Angel Dust and How is it Abused?

PCP, or phencyclidine, was first created to be used as an anesthetic but was quickly discontinued due to the effects it was having on patients, such as irritation, delusions, and agitation. It is considered to be a hallucinogen as it produces mind-altering effects.

Angel dust is usually sold as a bitter-tasting crystalline powder. It is white in color naturally but maybe dyed before it is sold. It is sold as a liquid, powder, capsule, or tablet. In its powdered form, PCP is often snorted, but can be added to other substances such as cannabis and then smoked. Liquid PCP is also used by dipping cigarettes into the liquid and then smoking it. Tablets and capsules are taken orally.

Recreational Angel Dust Side Effects

The angel dust side effects are considered to be highly dangerous because it often instills a sense of invulnerability and strength while producing a loss of co-ordination, a numbness, and slurred speech – similar to heavy alcohol use.

Other psychological angel dust side effects that are concerning include severe mood disturbances and amnesia, and when coupled with hallucinations, the results can be dangerous.

Users often also feel high levels of anxiety and paranoia. They may feel a sense of impending doom and act out violently leading to psychosis.

When the drug is abused in moderate to low amounts, the angel dust side effects include:

• Shallow breathing

• Profuse sweating and excessive urination

• Flushing of the skin’s complexion

• An increase in breathing rate

• An increase in pulse rate and blood pressure

The side effects of higher doses of PCP are more serious and include:

• Drooling

• Vomiting and nausea

• A potentially serious drop in blood pressure, breathing and pulse rate

• Dizziness and a loss of balance

• Acute violent behavior

• Suicidal thoughts and actions

• Seizures

• Coma

• Delusions and psychosis

One of the risks of taking angel dust is that since it is a sedative that acts on the central nervous system, it’s easy to overdose when the drug use is combined with alcohol or other depressants such as benzos.

An Addiction to PCP

There are clear dangers to using PCP recreationally, but what can you do if you find yourself addicted to the drug and attempts to stop have not been successful? By taking advantage of a drug rehab program at Dana Point Rehab Campus, you will have access to evidence-based treatments specifically designed to treat an addiction to angel dust.

Dana Point Rehab Campus can assist with the withdrawal symptoms through around-the-clock care and the use of withdrawal medications, followed by behavioral therapies and other effective methods of overcoming addiction.

To find help in Orange County, contact us at Dana Point Rehab Campus by dialing 949.569.7517 to speak to someone who cares about your wellbeing and is ready to help you begin your addiction recovery journey.