ABOUT COCAINE
When you hear the term dissociative in relation to drug use, you may
think of substances that naturally evoke hallucinations and give the
user the feeling of leaving the body and experiencing dreamlike,
psychedelic episodes. Lysergic acid, or LSD, is one such drug that
creates this kind of euphoric state in a user, and included in the same
realm is another man-made substance with similar properties but can be
more damaging. Phencyclidine is a dissociative drug that can prove
damaging and/or deadly.Known by streets names angel dust, killer
joint, and rocket fuel, Phencyclidine (PCP) is a white powder with a
bitter flavor. It was originally created to act as an anesthetic for
medicinal purposes. The potency of the drug, in particular its ability
to warp depth perception and enhance mental detachment, was too strong
for traditional use, and the drug was made illegal in the 1960s. Given
its physical state, PCP could be used as a recreational use in a
variety of forms - mixed with alcohol or sprinkled in cigarettes -
marijuana or otherwise - and smoked.
The Effects of PCP
When
taken, PCP acts to effect the nervous system through distribution of
glutamate, a prevalent amino acid that helps control the body's
metabolism. When glutamate to the brain is decreased, the user may
experience difficulty with balance and perception of pain and other
sensations, and may be subject to hallucinations and memory loss.
The Dangers of PCP
Whether
taken alone or with other drugs, PCP is known to be addictive.
Prolonged abuse of PCP has been known to cause violent and/or suicidal
behavior in users, while many others experience increased blood
pressure, numbness in limbs, and respiratory effects. Due to the
powerful nature of the drug, it is believed people who have
experimented with PCP once may suffer the effects for months and years
afterward in the form of slurred speech, hallucinations, and even
seizures.
People who suspect friends or loved ones of using PCP may wish to look for symptoms, which include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with speech
- Periods of depression
- Rapid, unexplained weight loss
- Mood swings
- Problems with balance
- Continued nausea and vomiting
It is important, if you suspect a loved one of abusing PCP
or any type of drug, to consult with a professional about what steps to
take. PCP can not only be dangerous when ingested, but may prove to
have risks to the environment, as a number of PCP-related deaths
involve the user causing harm physically to others or themselves by
reacting violently to the drug.
Williamsburg Place and the William J. Farley Center specialize in treatment of cocaine addiction. If you or somebody you love has a dependency on cocaine or other controlled substances, now is the time to get help and put your life back on track. Please contact us today and start on the path toward rehabilitation and healing.