Why is pcp called angel dust

Some people have symptoms like believing things that aren't true delusions , seeing things that aren't real hallucinations , and feeling like someone is out to get them paranoia. How people are affected depends on many things including age, sex, weight, and if the person is taking other drugs. PCP causes many body changes, including faster breathing and a faster heart rate. It can also cause blurry vision, dizziness, and numbness in the legs and arms. Large doses can cause convulsions, coma, and death.

Even a small dose mixed with alcohol or some other drugs can lead to a coma. On the street, it's impossible to know how strong the PCP is. This makes it hard to know what its effects will be. Sometimes it can be mixed with other street drugs. PCP is addictive. Repeated use can lead to craving and impulsive PCP-seeking behaviour, even if it can lead to very bad outcomes. Due to the possible sedative effects of PCP, if the drug is taken with other depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, it can cause a coma.

If someone you care about becomes unconscious and unresponsive to verbal or physical attempts to wake them, call immediately and tell them exactly what was taken. In addition to watching out for the drug itself which may be in the form of a "fry," or cigarette or joint dipped in PCP and any drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers or pipes , take note of any changes in physical appearance and behavior.

These could include new sleeping and eating habits, changes in friends, or loss of interest in sports and other social activities. PCP is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a "high probability" for misuse as well as the possibility for physical and psychological dependence. What's more, people who use PCP can build a tolerance for the drug, meaning that over time, they need more and more of the drug to experience the same "high.

Depending on the drug test, PCP can be detected for a few days or a few months. Factors including metabolism, body mass, age, hydration level, and frequency of use play a role. Estimates for PCP drug test timetables include the following:.

Repeated use of PCP can lead to craving and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior, despite severe adverse consequences, which by definition, means that it is an addictive substance.

People who suddenly stop using PCP can experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, which are not life-threatening but may require the attention of a trained medical professional. For people with a history of chronic, long-term use, withdrawal symptoms include flashbacks, hallucinations, memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, weight loss, depression, and other mood disorders that can persist for up to a year after quitting the drug. People who are experiencing a " bad trip " while on PCP are usually placed in a quiet area or room with little sensory stimulation.

Sometimes the person is given benzodiazepines to control seizures or extremely agitated behavior. While there is no known treatment for PCP addiction specifically, residential treatment and proven therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT can help people better understand their addiction and any co-occurring mental illnesses.

Under the right medical guidance, it is possible to recover from a PCP addiction and learn how to avoid triggers, better care for the body and mind, and build a community of support. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.

Tex Heart Inst J. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Updated April Bey T, Patel A. Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: A clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug. Cal J Emerg Med. Angel dust is just one of the many street names for PCP. You may here these other terms being used to describe the hallucinogen:.

Knowing the different terms for Phencyclidine may help you understand or pick up on any conversation that addresses the drug. Below are some more things you may want to know if you think someone you know could be using or abusing Angel Dust. While angel dust was once widely used for recreational purposes, use has been said to go down over the past several decades.

Combining PCP with other substances, including prescription, over-the-counter OTC , and other recreational substances, raises the risk of serious effects and overdose. This is especially true when you mix angel dust and substances that depress the central nervous system CNS. The combo can cause your breathing to become dangerously slow and lead to respiratory arrest or coma.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse , repeated use can lead to tolerance and the development of a substance use disorder , including withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.

PCP carries several serious risks that you need to be aware of, especially if you use it often, for a long time, or in larger doses. Long-term use can cause lasting learning and memory deficiencies that can affect day-to-day functioning. Higher doses or frequent use can cause severe depression and anxiety, along with suicidal thoughts and behavior. Chronic PCP use can cause toxic psychosis, especially if you have a history of mental health issues.

Fatal overdoses are possible when you take a large amount of PCP. But most PCP-related deaths result from dangerous behavior caused by delusions and other psychological effects. PCP use has been linked to:. Call right away if you or anyone else experiences any of these signs or symptoms of overdose:.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. DMT is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. Learn about its effects, risks, and whether it's really released during birth and death.