The Horrifying Side Effects of Angel Dust
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Angel dust has been around for quite some time now. During this time, angel dust has managed to ruin a lot of lives. Causing addiction and even death, angel dust is quite a dangerous drug. Today, we will share everything that you need to know about this drug and, most importantly, what to do when you struggle with an angel dust addiction. You can call us at American Addiction Institute 24/7 for addiction treatment information. We are an Orange County, CA Intensive Outpatient Program.
What is Angel dust?
Angel dust is a commonly used name for the popular illegal stimulant drug phencyclidine (PCP). The drug was invented back in the 1950s. The original idea behind it was for PCP to be used as a surgical anesthetic. It was called Sernyl and was widely used. However, doctors soon recognized its side-effects. After its use, patients would suffer through mania, hallucinations, and irrational thinking. This led to the use of PCP to be discontinued back in 1967. After that, the only use of Sernyl, or PCP as we now know it, was limited to veterinary use.
During the 1960s, people started hearing about this new drug that appeared on the streets. The drug was called angel dust. It was, in fact, PCP being illegally sold under the name of angel dust. Killer joints, ozone, hog, elephant tranquilizer are some of its other popular names.
In 1979, any legal manufacturing of PCP in the United States had been discontinued. Today, angel dust is recognized as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. As such, it is illegal to produce and/or consume angel dust in any way. Any usage, production, and distribution of angel dust will lead to imprisonment in the United States. However, the United States, especially Southern California, remains to be the biggest manufacturer of angel dust.
Angel dust is a white crystalline powder. It has a bitter taste, and it quickly dissolves in water and/or alcohol. PCP is also available in the form of capsules and tablets. There are many different ways in which one uses angel dust. The most popular way seems to be to smoke it in the form of marijuana cigarettes dipped into a PCP solution. Users may also snort it or swallow it, depending on the form of the drug. There are even plants such as mint, marijuana, and parsley that are sprayed with angel dust and later consumed.
Shortly after consuming angel dust, multiple neurotransmitters in the brain are being affected. The reuptake of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, is inhibited. The action of glutamate is also inhibited. Small doses of angel dust will cause the brain to disconnect from normal sensory experiences. On the other hand, larger doses may excite the same receptors.
The first effects appear 30 to 60 minutes after oral ingestion. Smoking leads to almost immediate effects. The effects can last anywhere between 4 to 6 hours, depending on factors such as age, gender, weight, dose, method of use, etc. But, returning to a normal state can also take up to 24 hours as well.
The short-term side-effects of Angel dust
Angel dust is known to be a dissociative drug. This means that the drug is causing the individual to feel disconnected from the environment around them. People often use angel dust because of the feelings of euphoria and happiness that they experience shortly after using PCP. They may also experience distorted perceptions of sound, color, light, and touch, and even experience changes in time.
However, this is what happens in a best-case scenario. Misuse of PCP has led to death, coma, and damage to the skeletal muscles. Knowing this, you must ask for help in time. Angel dust causes multiple mental and physical side-effects as well. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Physical Side-Effects of Angel Dust
- Chills and sweating;
- Rigid muscles;
- Numbness in the extremities;
- Slurred speech;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Low blood pressure;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Loss of coordination and balance;
- Rapid eye movement;
- Stupor, etc
Mental Side-Effects of Angel Dust
- Anxiety;
- Agitation and irritability;
- Mood swings;
- Delusions, Etc.
The long-term side-effects of Angel Dust
One of the most dangerous side-effects of long-term use of angel dust is addiction. Angel dust is quite an addictive drug. It causes both physical and mental addiction. When its use is discontinued, it leads to withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one is showing any signs of angel dust addiction, which we will share shortly, please do ask for professional help. Other long-term side-effects include:
- Flashbacks;
- Amnesia;
- Anxiety and depression;
- Suicidal thoughts;
- Social isolation;
- Self-inflicted injuries;
- Violent behavior;
- Seizures, etc.
What are the signs of Angel dust addiction?
So, how to recognize the signs of angel dust addiction? This is important information to know, one that can help save a life when the symptoms have been recognized in time. Here are the most obvious signs that point to an angel dust addiction.
- Skin flushing;
- Distorted thinking;
- Blank stare;
- Eye-to-eye movements;
- Drooling;
- Loss of balance;
- Twitches, etc.
How to find an Angel dust addiction treatment
If you have an addiction problem, please ask for professional help. It is very important that you get your addiction treated. Whether it is an angel dust addiction or an addiction to any other drug, please search for proper help. American Addiction Institute is one of the many treatment centers that has successfully treated multiple angel dust addiction cases. Please ask for help by contacting us today.
Do not let angel dust to control your life. Take the things in your hands and ask for help today. With the variety of treatment options and the great medical staff we have, you are looking at returning to your normal life before angel dust got a chance to cause an addiction.
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