Angel Dust Addiction and Rehabilitation

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Last Edited: November 9, 2020
Author
Patricia Howard, LMFT, CADC
Clinically Reviewed
Jim Brown, CDCA
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of PCP (Angel Dust) Abuse

Phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP or angel dust, is a dissociative drug. Originally marketed as an anesthetic, it was taken off the market only a few years later, in 1965, due to the strong dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. It gained popularity as a recreational drug during the 1960s and 1970s, however, fell from the headlines by 1990. In recent years, the number of people, ages 25 to 34, who use PCP has increased by approximately 500 percent from 2005 to 2011, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network.

It is classified as a Schedule II drug in the United States, and is a member of the family of dissociative anesthetics. As an addictive substance, it is associated with compulsive use.

PCP is one of the most dangerous street drugs. It is known for causing extreme addiction almost immediately. Its potent nature makes even one use of PCP exceptionally dangerous. The consequences of using PCP include just about everything from sudden death to prison to a slow and painful death marked by this drug. PCP is so risky that it was once named “public enemy number 1.

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Effects of PHP Use Graphic

Street Names for PCP

PCP is short for Phencyclidine. When referring to PCP, people often use a variety of street names. Below are listed some of the more common street names used. Angel Dust, PeaCe Pill, Hog, Wack, Ozone, Rocket Fuel, Dust.

PCP & Angel Dust Effects

PCP has a reputation for giving people superhuman speed and strength, however this is simply not true. The drug only creates the delusional state where the person believes that they are, but are not, invincible. PCP causes some people to overflow with energy. These cases may speak rapidly, move constantly, and have muscle twitches. Other people are sedated and put into a trance-like state by PCP. They may seem comatose. Others still may be somewhere in between. Not alert but still moving, the person may shuffle around muttering and not react normally to the world around him or her. People on PCP have been known to walk into the middle of an intersection, seemingly unaware of the cars, people and noise.

Warning Signs of PCP Abuse in a Loved One

PCP is an unpredictable drug and everyone is affected differently. Additionally, each use of PCP can have a different effect on the same person. As it is also an illegal substance, compounding agents change and are also unknown to the user, making predicting the drug’s effects difficult. Compounding agents change and are also unpredictable. Outward signs vary by person and batch and may include some of the following symptoms.

Some behavioral symptoms of abusing PCP are requiring an increasing dosage, more frequent use, unsuccessful attempts to quit and the inability to fulfill major life responsibilities. Granted, these symptoms may not be available for everyone to see.

Someone on PCP will most likely display bizarre behavior. The person might have striking resemblance to zombie – walking around muttering and clearly in some sort of trance. Other people might seem as though their entire body were shocked with energy.

PCP is an unusual drug in its marked difference in effects between people. With all drug use and addictive behaviors, some common signs exist. These include monetary problems, things out of balance, weight changes, and inability to accept there’s a problem.

Factual Dangers: PCP

PCP is one of the more dangerous street drugs. This dissociative drug has led to addiction and death for many people. If you suspect that a loved one is using PCP, or ever has used PCP, now is the time to act. Anyone using this drug is essentially playing with fire. Consider staging an intervention to encourage your friend or family member to get the treatment he or she needs. Use of PCP suggests that your loved one has a significant problem that must be addressed for him or her to have a future.

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