Angel dust

Angel Dust is a common street name for the drug phencyclidine (PCP), a powerful hallucinogen that was originally developed in the 1950s as a surgical anesthetic. The drug's effects can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to its discontinuation for medical use in humans in the 1960s. Despite this, it has remained a popular recreational drug due to its potent hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.

History

Phencyclidine was first synthesized in 1926, but its hallucinogenic properties were not discovered until the 1950s. It was initially marketed as a surgical anesthetic under the brand name Sernyl, but was soon discontinued due to its severe side effects. Despite its removal from the medical market, it quickly found a new life as a recreational drug.

Effects

The effects of angel dust are unpredictable and can vary greatly depending on the dose, the user's personality, and the environment in which it's used. At low to moderate doses, effects can include feelings of detachment, hallucinations, changes in body image, and distortions of time and space. At higher doses, users may experience confusion, agitation, delirium, and even psychosis.

Risks

The use of angel dust carries significant risks. These can include acute toxicity, leading to potentially fatal respiratory depression, as well as long-term damage to the brain and other organs. There is also a risk of psychological dependence and addiction.

Legal Status

In the United States, angel dust is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use. It is similarly controlled in many other countries.

See Also

• Hallucinogen
• Dissociative
• Controlled Substances Act