What Is Angel Dust?

Phencyclidine (PCP or angel dust) use is less prevalent than that of other drugs like cocaine and opioids. However there has been an increase in use and adverse consequences of PCP. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that at least 52,000 Americans began using PCP in the year 2020, up from 30,000 in the prior year.

PCP/Angel Dust Addiction and Abuse

Angel dust is a common street name for PCP, an illegal Schedule II drug that has no medicinal uses even though it was once used as an anesthetic. It also has a high potential for addiction and abuse. Misusing angel dust/PCP for an extended period can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

Someone who is using angel dust and is trying to quit or cut back may experience withdrawal symptoms which can be highly uncomfortable and painful. The discomfort can become so overwhelming that many people choose to continue to misuse angel dust to avoid withdrawal. This perpetuates the cycle of addiction.

What Is Angel Dust?

Angel dust is a hallucinogen. It’s typically a white crystal powder that dissolves in water or other liquids. PCP/angel dust may be sold in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet.

Other than angel dust, what are other names for the drug PCP? It is also known as:

• Boat
• Hog
• Love boat
• Peace pill
• Angel mist
• Ozone
• Rocket fuel
• Shermans
• Wack
• Embalming fluid
• Crystal

Angel dust is ingested in several different ways, including injection, swallowing, snorting, and smoking. Some people choose to leave it in powder form and add the powder to herbs or cannabis.

Side Effects of Angel Dust/PCP

Angel dust will make you hallucinate and feel dissociation. Initial effects may be desirable, making you feel any of the following:

• Euphoria
• Apathy
• Strength or invincibility
• Less sensitivity to pain
• Detachment from surroundings

Effects can last between two and six hours, depending on the amount of the PCP drug taken. Some common signs a person may exhibit while on PCP may include:

• Blank stare
• Eyes moving side to side
• Drooling
• Loss of balance
• Twitches, tics, or spasms
• Showing strength but not pain
• Sweating

Can You Overdose on PCP? What Are the Associated Health Risks?

Short-term effects may appear within minutes when injecting the PCP drug into a vein. Not all side effects are desirable and include the following:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Trouble thinking
• Anxiety
• Increased blood pressure
• Shallow breathing
• Sweating
• Numbness
• Loss of coordination

In higher doses, you can experience all of the above symptoms plus nausea, vomiting, drooling, violence, seizures, coma, and death. Continuing to use angel dust long-term can lead to long term physical and psychological effects, like the following:

• Psychosis
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Speech problems
• Memory impairment
• Anxiety and depressive disorders
• Liver, kidney, or lung damage
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Heart complications

Extreme intoxication on PCP can lead to coma and death. It is imperative to recognize the signs of an overdose on PCP so you can call for help immediately. Signs of a life threatening overdose include:

• Agitation or violence
• Loss of consciousness
• Catatonic trance
• Convulsions or seizures
• Coma
• Uncontrolled movements
• Loss of coordination

Some of the effects of PCP angel dust alter brain functioning long-term. These effects are irreversible and can limit a person’s potential professionally, personally, academically, and socially.

Rehab and Treatment for Angel Dust Addiction

Treatment for PCP addiction is available, with many drug rehabs having the medical and psychological treatments necessary for recovery. While the Food and Drug Administration has approved no medications to treat hallucinogen use disorders to date, doctors may use various medicines to treat your symptoms.

For example, short courses of benzodiazepines may be used for anxiety and stabilization. Appropriate medications are also available to reduce headaches, nausea, high blood pressure, and other symptoms that can arise when someone is detoxing from PCP.

While in treatment, you will be evaluated for co-occurring disorders to determine a treatment plan that meets all your needs. Therapists use effective traditional and alternative therapies, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Motivational enhancement therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Family therapy
• Peer support groups
• 12 Step facilitation
• Stress management
• Relaxation

The goal of treatment is to help you improve skills for early recovery, relapse prevention, relationships, communication, setting goals and long term abstinence. You’ll also develop a healthy support system of professionals, family and friends to help you maintain sobriety after you complete treatment.