What is angel dust? Angel dust is a street name for the drug phencyclidine, a hallucinogenic. You may know it better as PCP. Angel dust was developed in the 1950s as a surgical sedative but was later discontinued due to its severe side effects. Today, it’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it poses a high risk for abuse and may lead to dependence. Clearly, it’s illegal for the general population to make, take, or sell this drug, but that hasn’t dampened its production in illicit home laboratories and its distribution across the nation. If you have a substance use disorder involving angel dust, there are drug addiction treatment programs in North Carolina, like the one for young adults offered at Red Oak Recovery®, that can help.
At Red Oak Recovery,® we understand the challenges that those suffering from substance use disorders face. However, we also know there are treatment options available. At our men’s addiction treatment center, we give our clients the tools they need to overcome addiction. For more information about our drug addiction treatment programs, please contact us today at 828.382.9699.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Angel Dust
What is angel dust, and what are its side effects? No longer used for medicinal purposes, people now take angel dust to experience vivid hallucinations. This powerful drug is a psychedelic substance, meaning it alters the perception of what is and isn’t real. Someone using angel dust may display a range of symptoms, including:
- Appearing combative
- Seeming to have superhuman strength
- Being highly agitated
- Becoming incoherent
- Looking spacey
The effects of this drug range from making you feel sluggish to making you want to fight the world. Furthermore, it manifests differently in different people. Someone taking PCP may experience a good trip or a bad trip, and there’s no way to influence the outcome.
The Dangers of Taking Angel Dust
Angel dust comes in various forms, including powders, tablets, or liquid. When you take it, it’s a gamble on what you’ll see, hear, and experience. This is the main attraction for most people. Effects may include:
- Seeing things that aren’t real
- Feeling excessive paranoia
- Feeling acute anxiety
- Losing feeling in extremities
- Slurring of speech
Many people who take this drug do so to escape a reality that they feel is worse. Unfortunately, long-term use of PCP, or taking PCP at too high a dosage, can cause permanent damage to your brain. It can even cause death. Also, if you shoot PCP intravenously, this leaves you open to contracting illnesses such as Hepatitis and HIV.
Can PCP Lead to Mental Health Issues?
Like many other substances, angel dust does have the potential to lead to mental health issues. People with a history of mental illness should be especially careful, as PCP can worsen preexisting conditions. Some of the mental health issues that could potentially be caused by PCP use include anxiety and depression. In addition, long-term use of PCP can result in serious mental health issues, such as:
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
These effects can be so severe that they last a lifetime, even if you stop taking the drug. That’s why it’s so important to get help if you or someone you love is addicted to angel dust.
What Is Angel Dust Treatment?
Treatment for substance use disorder involving angel dust should take place under medical supervision in a program such as the one offered at Red Oak Recovery® in Leicester, North Carolina. Situated serenely among the Blue Ridge Mountains, the men’s treatment center for young adults at Red Oak Recovery® offers relief from the chaos and confusion of substance use disorder.
When you choose Red Oak Recovery®, you’ll take the first important step toward reclaiming your life. We offer a multitude of traditional, holistic, and alternative therapies, including outdoor adventure therapy and 12-step addiction recovery. Our programs are designed to target a number of disorders, including that posed by the use of angel dust. Our treatment options at Red Oak Recovery® offers training in:
- Nutritional therapy
- Coping
- Life skills
- Martial arts
- Yoga therapy
These are only a few of the offerings available to young adults who choose to recover from their addiction at Red Oak Recovery®. Other therapies include outdoor and wilderness activities, gardening, and group and individual counseling.
Choose Red Oak Recovery®
What is angel dust? Angel dust is an addictive substance, but it does not have to be a life sentence. Recovery is possible with the right help. At Red Oak Recovery®, we assist young men as they break free from chemical dependence. This leads to a brighter, more positive future where there are no limits to happiness and success.
There are many benefits of finding sobriety at Red Oak Recovery®. These include being part of a supportive community and healing in mind, body, and spirit. You can also gain skills for a sober life.
In addition to PCP addiction treatment, we also provide a range of additional services, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Opiate addiction treatment
If you’re a young man who suffers from substance use disorder, or if you’re concerned over your child’s use of drugs, call us today at 828.382.9699. Together, we can restore a healthy life free from drugs and alcohol for you or your loved one.
