Club drugs, also known as designer drugs, are substances created by altering the chemical structure of an existing drug that is usually used for recreational purposes. To avoid legal detection, designer drugs such as bath salts constantly change their names and ingredients. Designer drugs like bath salts have become more popular over the years and there are always new products on the drug market. There are many questions that can be answered with the constant introduction of new substances. Is PCP a designer drug?
What does PCP do?
Side effects of Phencyclidine (PCP), a mind-altering medication, include hallucinations, perceptions of seeing and hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling things that aren’t there. Also known as angel dust, PCP is a dissociative drug. It distorts the user’s perceptions of sights, colors and sounds, their self, and their environment. It was originally developed for intravenous anesthetic purposes in the 1950s. However, due to its severe effects on perception, it was eventually discontinued for medical use.
In its purest form PCP is a white crystal powder. It dissolves easily in alcohol or water and gives off a bitter taste. Like other substances, PCP can contain a variety of contaminants or cutting agents. This causes the color to vary from light brown to dark brown, with a powdery texture to gummy texture. These additives can make PCP’s effects unpredictable and increase the risk of neurotoxicity.
The anesthetic and painkiller PCP can cause a dreamlike and sedative experience where users may feel like they are floating or numb. You may experience changes in your mood or how you feel. Users may experience anxiety and paranoia due to the fact that it can also cause hallucinations.
PCP is a designer drug: What does that mean?
What does it mean that PCP is a designer substance? Designer drugs are also known as club drugs. They are synthetic or manufactured versions of illegally restricted or banned drugs that are designed to avoid detection. Legal authorities will replace a designer that is found with one type. Another drug, PCP (or angel dust), was developed to replicate the effects of legal drugs. It is different than other designer drugs because it was initially intended for medical use, but PCP shares many similarities with the rest of this group.
Like MDMA, GHB and roofies, PCP is also found at parties, clubs and music festivals. These drugs are often taken while socializing or partying because they can increase empathy and impair judgement, which in turn enhances certain social interactions. These are also the reasons these drugs can be dangerous. GHB and Rohypnol (roofies), in particular, are more susceptible to date rape, or sexual assault in the victim is drugged.
Common side effects of PCP
What does PCP do for the mind and body? Many people believe designer drugs are safe and non-addictive. However, it is not true. Long-term abuse of drugs such as PCP can lead to addiction and other health problems.
The Short-Term Impacts of PCP
Angel dust can have a variety of psychedelic effects. The drug can cause agitation, aggression, and psychosis. PCP can also be ingested and affects dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine production. These neurotransmitters are known to have a significant impact on mood and other physical functions.
People who are under the influence may experience cognitive impairment, memory impairment, emotional regulation and reduced pain due to its effect on the brain. PCP can act as a stimulant by causing an increase in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. It can also have the opposite effect in higher doses.
The following are common short-term effects of angel dust (or PCP):
- Hallucinations – Distorted sounds and visuals
- Feelings that you are disconnected or detached
- Inadequate coordination and reaction time
- Sensation of pain is reduced
- Irritability, mood swings
- Nubbering in the legs and arms
- Rapid eye movements, blank stares or bloodshot eyes are all signs of trouble.
- Disorientation and confusion
- Bizarre, aggressive or violent behavior
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Exaggerated strength, confidence
- Memory impairment
- Cold sweats
- Drooling
- Loose or rigid muscles
- Unregular heartbeat
- Illusions
- Hallucinations
- Coma
- Seizures
- Overdose
- Death
People who are under the influence PCP can have poor judgement and reasoning which can lead to violent behavior and injuries. The drug can also produce feelings of “superhuman strength” and the delusion that you are invincible. These are dangerous beliefs to believe when you’re using drugs.
Our medical detox in Pennsylvania is a safe and comfortable way to get rid of withdrawal symptoms if you have been an angel dust user for a long time. These symptoms are a sign of a physical dependency on the drug. They can often be painful and uncomfortable to overcome without medical help.
Long-Term effects of PCP
Although there is limited research into the long-term effects, it seems that the more a person abuses angel dust, the greater the chance of experiencing side effects. The following are some of the long-lasting effects of PCP abuse:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Anxiety and depression are mental illnesses.
- Separation from loved ones
- Memory loss or amnesia
- Stuttering or difficulty speaking
- When you stop using the drug, withdrawal symptoms (cravings and sweating, chills; confusion, depression, etc.)
- Flashbacks to hallucinations that were experienced under the influence of the drug
PCP can also cause severe muscle contractions. These can be very painful and lead to abnormal postures. These contractions and movements can cause kidney damage.
Assistance for PCP Addiction
Angel dust and other club drugs are addictive and highly dangerous. Designer drugs are often used in clubs, leading to dehydration. Users tend to forget about this because they are distracted by socializing and their environment. This complication can lead to death or even endangering life.
Long-term addiction and drug abuse can have a negative impact on a person’s relationships, school performance, and overall quality of life. Our PA drug rehab program can help if you or someone you love is suffering from drug abuse.
All In Solutions Treatment Centers offer residential and other levels care to help clients recover from the effects of alcohol and drugs on their mental and physical health and relationships. To help our clients transition to sobriety after rehabilitation, we also offer an alumni program.
Call All In Solutions Treatment Centers at 855-762-3796 for more information on our addiction treatment programs.
All In Solutions Counseling Center is a substance abuse treatment network. We offer inpatient & outpatient addiction treatment programs that are tailored to meet each client’s needs. Our specialized programs include:
- Faith-based addiction recovery
- MAT for opioid addiction
- Art therapy treatment
- Men’s drug & alcohol rehab
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