Drugs can result in serious, often fatal repercussions. The origins of wet drugs dates back to the 1970s. People who used marijuana began dipping cigarettes or joints in a liquid form of PCP. Some drug dealers actually used embalming fluid to augment marijuana cigarettes, which led to it being used in other things. This use declined but then wet drugs came back into fashion in the early 2000s.
Embalming Fluid
Formaldehyde, methanol, glutaraldehyde, and other solvents are toxic to the body. The percentage of formaldehyde in embalming fluid ranges from 5-37%, while methanol content varies from 9-56%. Most people associate embalming fluid with morgues and funeral homes, however it can be purchased from chemical companies or online. Anyone who encounters embalming fluid should exercise caution as it can cause serious health issues.
Side Effects
The toxic chemicals found in wet drugs cause physical side effects such as bronchitis, body tissue destruction, brain damage, lung damage, inflammation, nose and esophagus issues, and more. PCP acts by disrupting receptors of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which impacts the perception of pain, learning, memory, and emotion. Side effects of this drug include hallucinations, visual disturbances, sexual disinhibition, anxiety, paranoia, and more. Lung issues may also pop up as it destroys tissues in the lungs.
Overdose
An overdose causes high body temperatures. The person will feel like they are burning up. Stories about people who use PCP running naked from police have been reported, along with the strength of 10 men, as they fight off anyone who tries to stop them in their delusional state. People have jumped out of buildings or done other things deemed ‘crazy,’ because they are not in their right frame of mind when using the drugs. The fact is, the drugs make them act in a way that is not their normal pattern of behavior and may cause them physical or emotional harm.
Criminal Behavior
Unfortunately, people who use drugs sometimes find themselves in legal trouble because they do things they might not otherwise do when on drugs. Many severe acts of harm have been caused to self and others by people who use wet drugs. This includes murder, driving while under the influence, having delusions and causing harm in this state, putting children at risk who may pick up the drugs laced with toxic chemicals, or otherwise heinous crimes that are pointed back to the person being high on PCP or other drugs at the time. The risk is very high a person who uses these drugs may hallucinate, suffer from health complications, or risk overdose and death from the use of wet drugs.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. We take your sobriety very seriously. Our aim is to provide you with individualized programs that support your long term recovery. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.