At Iris Wellness Group, we recognize the difficulties faced by individuals grappling with substance use disorders (SUDs). We also know that effective treatment options are available. If you’re dealing with a substance use disorder involving angel dust, our drug addiction treatment center is equipped to provide the necessary education and treatment to help you recover.
At our outpatient addiction treatment center, we equip our clients with the tools essential for overcoming addiction. For more details on our drug addiction treatment programs, reach out to our team online or call us at 423-919-9549 today.
What is Angel Dust?
Angel dust, commonly known as PCP, is a potent hallucinogenic drug that significantly affects both the mind and body. Initially developed as a general anesthetic in the 1950s, it was later discontinued for medical use because of its severe side effects.
PCP is a synthetic chemical that induces hallucinogenic effects. It is available in various forms, such as powder, liquid, and pill, and can be consumed in multiple ways, including ingestion, snorting, smoking, or injection.
Effects of Angel Dust
The impact of angel dust is both physical and psychological. Users may experience altered perceptions of time, space, and body image, alongside visual and auditory hallucinations. PCP typically causes a profound disconnection from reality, leading to detachment from one’s surroundings and oneself.
Physically, the drug can cause reactions ranging from numbness and loss of coordination to more severe effects like convulsions, coma, and, in extreme cases, death.
Abuse of angel dust may result in significant mood disorders, confusion, and sometimes aggressive behavior. Long-term use can lead to ongoing issues with speech, memory loss, depression, and weight loss.
While PCP is not physically addictive in the traditional sense, it can cause a strong psychological dependence.
The risks associated with PCP are greatly enhanced when it is used in combination with other substances such as alcohol or various drugs, making it a particularly dangerous drug of abuse.
Short-Term Side Effects of Angel Dust (PCP)
Angel dust is a dissociative drug known for causing users to feel detached from their surroundings. People are often drawn to PCP for the euphoric and blissful sensations it initially provides. Users might also experience distorted perceptions of sound, color, light, and touch, along with altered perceptions of time.
However, these effects can be misleading. In less favorable scenarios, the abuse of PCP has led to severe outcomes including death, coma, and damage to skeletal muscles. Given these risks, it’s critical to seek help promptly if you or someone you know is using PCP. Here are some of the key physical and mental side effects associated with angel dust:
Physical Side Effects:
- Chills and sweating
- Muscle rigidity
- Numbness in the extremities
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Rapid eye movement
- Stupor
Mental Side Effects:
- Anxiety
- Agitation and irritability
- Mood swings
- Delusions
These side effects underscore the dangerous nature of PCP and highlight why immediate intervention is necessary to prevent long-term damage or more severe health crises.
Long-Term Side Effects of Angel Dust
Angel dust is recognized for its highly addictive nature, leading to both physical and mental dependencies. One of the most concerning aspects of long-term use is the development of addiction, which can result in severe withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. If you or someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction to angel dust, it is crucial to seek professional assistance promptly. Here are some additional long-term side effects associated with the use of angel dust:
- Flashbacks: Recurring and involuntary recollections of experiences while under the influence.
- Amnesia: Memory loss that can significantly impact daily functioning.
- Anxiety and Depression: Persistent psychological distress that can interfere with emotional stability and mental health.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Serious contemplations of taking one’s own life, which require immediate intervention.
- Social Isolation: Withdrawal from social interactions and relationships.
- Self-Inflicted Injuries: Harmful behaviors directed towards oneself.
- Violent Behavior: Aggression that can be dangerous to both the individual and others.
- Seizures: Episodes that can range from mild to severe, posing additional health risks.
The prolonged use of angel dust can have devastating effects on both the mind and body, reinforcing the need for treatment and support to overcome this addiction and mitigate its long-term consequences.
Angel Dust Addiction
While detailed research into the long-term effects of dissociative drugs like PCP is still evolving, available studies show that frequent use of PCP can lead to tolerance and dependence. Discontinuing regular use may trigger withdrawal symptoms. Over time, sustained use can escalate into a substance use disorder or addiction, characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to use the drug despite negative impacts on one’s life.
Symptoms of PCP Withdrawal:
Withdrawal from PCP can manifest various symptoms, which commonly include:
- Cravings: An intense desire to use the drug again.
- Headaches: These may vary from mild to severe.
- Sweating: Notable increase in perspiration as the body reacts to withdrawal.
- Increased Appetite: A significant escalation in hunger levels.
- Depression: Profound feelings of sadness or despair.
- Excessive Sleep: Sleeping substantially more than normal.
The journey through PCP withdrawal underscores the importance of professional intervention to manage symptoms effectively and support recovery, helping individuals reclaim control over their lives.
Understanding the Risks of Angel Dust
Angel dust is a potent and dangerous drug known for its significant risks that extend beyond physical and mental health to broader social consequences.
PCP often causes profound distortions in perception, which can lead to unpredictable and hazardous behaviors, driven by hallucinations or delusional thoughts. The drug can exacerbate existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety and may even trigger new psychiatric disorders.
Users often see an increase in impulsivity and aggression, which can result in risky decisions and pose a danger to both themselves and others.
While PCP is not physically addictive like opioids or alcohol, it can still foster a psychological dependence. This dependence is marked by an overwhelming urge to continue using the drug despite understanding its dangers. Stopping its use after prolonged periods can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
The erratic behavior and personality changes linked to PCP use can damage personal relationships and lead to social withdrawal. These behavioral changes can also impair cognitive functions such as memory, decision-making, and language skills, severely affecting job performance and employment prospects.
Long-term use of PCP may lead to enduring cognitive impairments and serious psychiatric conditions, including symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia.
Physiologically, PCP can cause irregular heart rhythms and increase the risk of heart attacks, particularly at high doses. It may also lead to respiratory issues or even respiratory arrest, especially when combined with other depressants, and in some cases, can provoke life-threatening seizures and coma.
What to Expect from Angel Dust Abuse Treatment at Iris Wellness Group
Receiving treatment for substance use disorders involving angel dust requires medical oversight, which you will find at Iris Wellness Group in Chattanooga, TN.
Choosing Iris Wellness Group means taking a significant step towards regaining control of your life. Our programs are meticulously designed to address various disorders, including those resulting from angel dust use. At Iris Wellness Group, we provide:
- Nutritional therapy
- Coping strategies
- Life skills development
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
These offerings are part of a comprehensive approach to recovery available to teens, adolescents and adults at Iris Wellness Group. Additional therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and extensive counseling options such as family, group, and individual therapy.
Finding Treatment for Angel Dust Addiction in Chattanooga, TN
If you’re grappling with an addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Whether you’re dealing with angel dust addiction or any other substance use disorder, obtaining the right help is essential. At Iris Wellness Group, we encourage you to reach out for support by contacting us today.
Don’t allow angel dust to dominate your life. Take control by seeking help now. With our diverse treatment options and dedicated medical staff, you can work towards restoring the life you had before addiction took hold.
