Numerous research done around the world show that daily problems and accidents cause alcohol or caffeine addiction. Once detected in the early stages, alcohol addiction is easy to escape from through your diligent efforts. But once it becomes worse, it might be hard for you to go back to your normal routine.

When you are worried about your drinking status, it would be best to undergo an alcoholism test. Through this method, you can easily pinpoint the effects of alcoholic usage. While the mere fact of recognizing that you are an alcoholic is an alcoholism test in itself, it would still do you good to visit medical specialists to have an official test done.

Through an alcoholism test, you may start helpful and appropriate measures to fight alcoholism before it even gets worse and bring out serious repercussions. Also, you may find out the thorough details about your alcohol status and problems through the alcoholic test.

It can also give you the facts and details about your status. Undergoing this test would answer whether you are already an alcoholic or not or if you have the potential to be one. That is why it would be better to take this test as early as possible.

However, an alcoholism test can never be totally perfect. But, it can give answers to most of your questions about your alcoholic status. If you are not satisfied with this test, there are several other assessment methods that can complement the points that have not been answered by the alcoholism test.

So how does this test work? Generally, the alcoholism test features a long list of questions which are based on some factors that alcoholics observe in everyday life. Psychologists claim that a positive answer to any of the entries would signify that the examinee is alcoholic.

Some of the questions in the exam would ask whether the examinee has been absent from work because of alcoholism. It also contains questions as to whether the examinee avoids his personal relationships in favor of alcohol, or whether his family or friends have abandoned him.

All of the alcoholic’s answers will be tallied and the results will determine whether he is alcoholic or not. But, the alcoholism test cannot distinguish the exact status or stage of the alcoholic addiction due to the possibility of a relapse. Also, you cannot solicit for a specific treatment from medical experts based on the results of your test. This request for treatment might end up being a misinterpretation that can bring a halt to your progress.

But no matter what your alcoholic status is, it is best to take the alcoholism test. This will shed some light on what you must do to fight excessive alcoholic usage. After all, being true to yourself might be the solution that you are looking for.

If you or someone you know suffers from alcoholism or addiction please visit us at www.sobersources.com and see the available resources and support forums we can offer you. For a quick guide to addiction recovery visit The Addicts Guide To Getting and Staying Sober

Reference: Michigan Alcohol Screening Test ( MAST)

After you recover from addiction and find yourself at that point when you consider yourself healing, you are likely to have a huge boost in self esteem. You will see the changes you have made, and the Herculean type efforts that led you to it. You will see all the positives that you are experiencing in your new sober life, and it will feel very good to your self esteem. Many people, however, will then begin to experience a slow erosion of those self esteem wins, and begin to feel terrible about themselves as they slowly face the wasteland that their addictions may have created.

What do you do when your addiction begins to reveal the consequences to a mind that is likely sober for the first time in ages? Being sober of mind does not truly happen until you face those things that you ran from in the first place. You might be physically sober, but you need to prepare for the emotional sobriety that is to come when you see the results of what your addiction has done. This is one important part of treatment that is often overlooked in treatment centers. What about your self esteem after you are healed physically?

The first thing you must remember is that you are more than capable of fixing things. You may not be able to solve every single problem completely, but you can certainly reach out and try. The key to self esteem is to know that you are doing whatever you can to right certain wrongs, and that you reach out to those that you have hurt for forgiveness. Some will give it and some will not. You need only try. You can not control others, nor can you afford to base your self esteem around their decisions.

That is the key. You must build your own self esteem and let the chips fall where they may. Your self esteem depends upon it and it is the first step to handling the difficulties of post addiction recovery.

Here are some signs and signals that you may be addicted to marijuana:

The first and easiest sign of marijuana addiction is based on how often you smoke. Some people are addicted to marijuana and only smoke once a week. Others are addicted and smoke several times per day. The number of times you smoke certainly has an effect on your addiction, but it is possible to have a problem and not smoke every single day. The vast majority of marijuana addicts smoke regularly though. If you light up every day, you are certainly addicted to marijuana in some form and should seek help.

Another sign you are addicted is how you spend your money. If your first priority is to get weed when you get paid, you have a marijuana problem. If you buy marijuana before taking care of bills, family and necessities of basic living, you are likely a marijuana addict. This break down of living abilities is noted in heavy drug users of any kind, and marijuana is no different.

Physically, there will be signs of your addiction as well. Marijuana addiction works in the same way as any drug in that your body builds up a tolerance. You will begin to notice that the more you smoke, the more it takes to get the same high feeling. This tolerance will get worse and is a sign that your body is addicted to the drug.

Take a long look at your life. Are you choosing your relationships and recreation based upon whether or not you can get high? If so, then you are certainly addicted to marijuana. Also, do you become anxious and nervous when you are in social situations that prevent you from getting high? This is yet another sign.

Marijuana addiction is just as tough as many other drug addictions, and getting treatment is vital to your quitting. Do not think that you face this alone, as there are millions of others in this world that face the same problem. Connect with them and kick the marijuana habit today. Your body will love you for it!

One of the first ways in which gambling takes over a person’s life is through debt. Being behind on bills can make even the most prudent person turn to gambling if the situation is conducive. An example of this might be the businessman that is maxed out on their credit cards, and owe their mortgage that is invited to a back room poker game. The pull to find a quick fix to their problem might push them to accept the invitation when they otherwise would not. If they then are lucky enough to win, then they are much more likely to do it again. If they lose, then they may be more inclined to try again and “catch up” what they have lost.

Another common way that people fall into the gambling addiction trap is through being lonely. Many addictions, gambling included, begin when someone is searching out ways to not be alone. Gambling offers socialization in many forms, but it is not a healthy social function. Others are there to gamble just like you, and many share the same addiction as you. This enables you to continue the pattern, and others doing the same only helps you to justify what you are doing. Gambling is not the solution to finding friends.

Another common gambling entry point is the innocent office pool. You would be surprised at how quickly an office pool can introduce someone to a world of gambling addiction. This is not overly common, but it is certainly an entry point for some gambling addicts.

The lottery is yet another innocent way to find yourself in the addiction trap. There is a long list of people who have hit the lottery for thousands or even millions of dollars, who then lose all of it back by trying to do it again. This cycle of betting and gambling can take you to bankruptcy and ruin your relationships.

Gambling addiction is far from being an innocent bet here and there. When you begin to bet on things regardless of your finances, or begin to count on a winning bet to cover your bills, you are a gambling addict. There are many addiction resources out there to help you through this horrible addiction. Reach out to one today. Gambling addiction is absolutely treatable.

Another possible cause of addiction in celebrities is the means. Money is not uncommon in that setting, and having the means to fund an addiction can be devastating. Ironically, the very addiction their money is funding will eventually kill them or bankrupt them if they do not get help. Fortunately those same means to fund addiction also can fund a decent detox or treatment center.

Many celebrities live their lives trying to be someone else, be it through acting, performing or any other venue of entertainment. This is not a problem for many, but there are some people that fall into the roles that they play. Drugs, alcohol and addictions like them are easy to fall back on when you are having trouble knowing who you are.

So what can we learn from these things? Well, first of all it does not take an acting career to find yourself in a bubble. Many people feel trapped by their career, whether it is a career on stage or a life of a teacher. All people have this potential on some level to fall into addiction. It does not only afflict the rich and one would be well served to remember that.

Another connection we can make is that of trying to escape our current existence. Many people find themselves unhappy with their lives, and try to escape into a bottle or a syringe. It is vital that we recognize this behavior early so that we can get the proper help. If you find yourself addicted to anything, or in danger of becoming so, do not hesitate to seek help. It does not take celebrity status to fall victim to the horrors of addiction.

Panic attacks are when you literally feel as though the world is crashing down upon you all at once.  Your heart races, your chest may hurt and you may even feel as though you can not breathe.  Many people feel like their skin is crawling and they might have numbness in the fingers or tingling.  There are a plethora of symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.  All of them create a feeling of extreme danger and can push someone to seek out help.  If medical help is not available due to lack of insurance, money or embarrassment, then many panic attack victims will try to self treat their problem.  This is where alcohol comes in.

The sufferer of a panic attack might take a drink “just to calm their nerves” or to “take the edge off” here and there.  Over time, this attempted quick fix will be more and more common.  The reason for this is because alcohol actually can cause panic attacks.  While you may have that feeling of calm for a brief period while you are drunk, you will quickly find that your anxiety comes back even worse than before.

This horrible circle of addiction can then mushroom out of control as you add more and more alcohol even more often to compensate for the increase in panic attacks.  Your body will also require more alcohol to get a buzz.  The combination of these factors will leave you with panic attacks and alcoholism to boot.  There is a reason that doctors do not prescribe alcohol as medicine, after all.

While many of the anti-depressants and medicines for anxiety can be addictive like alcohol, they are controlled and taken in short time periods to prevent addiction.  Also, the dosage is controlled carefully by your doctor.  The excuse of pills being worse than alcohol just does not hold water.  Also, the medicines generally prescribed for anxiety are usually not nearly as strong as getting drunk.  Many people function safely every day while on anxiety medication.

The simple truth is that alcoholism and alcohol in general is really bad for panic attacks.  You will not find the relief you are looking for and you are likely to create a whole new addiction to add to your troubles.  If you are having trouble with panic attacks and anxiety and do not have the resources to get help, do not think that turning to alcohol will be better than nothing - that is simply wrong and dangerous.  Instead, check with your local hospital.  They can generally offer you some resources that will help with your problem in a safe and effective way.

One of the first signs of gambling addiction is usually a loss of money. Gamblers that are addicted will eventually lose large sums of money and still attempt to continue. This can lead to financial ruin and heartache. A gambler that is addicted will often talk themselves into the next big hit, never realizing that even if they do win they will likely still be behind. They simply can not make themselves quit gambling.

Another sign of gambling addiction is when they begin to use money that is for food, bills or other important things to gamble. The gambling addict will go so far as to lose their home, car, relationships and anything else that can be traded for money. This level of gambling addiction is very serious and must be dealt with right away.

The gambling addict will often stop worrying about their personal appearance and hygiene. While this is not the case with all gambling addicts, those that are heavy gamblers may spend days at the computer or in the casinos, stopping only to find more money when needed. If a loved one is acting as though things that are normally important no longer matter, there is definitely a problem.

Gambling addicts will sometimes turn to stealing and crime to support their habits. Gambling addicts literally can not control the impulse to chase that next big win. This can lead to stealing from friends and family members and eventually graduate to even bigger crimes.

Gambling addiction also causes secrecy. The gambler that is addicted will suddenly become very secretive about money and where they have been with friends and family members. This secrecy is often a product of shame, but it can also be because they do not want the family member to know the money was lost. Regardless, gambling addicts will become more and more reclusive about their addiction.

If you suspect that someone you love has a gambling addiction, make certain that you get them some help. There are many resources available and the problem will not go away on its own.

Successful drug and alcohol recovery requires a therapeutic and compassionate approach that includes all aspects of the addict or alcoholic seeking help: physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and that of being an active participant in life. Humans are unique in so many ways; it is unreasonable to think that a single, homogenized treatment plan would lead to recovery for anyone.

The Recovery Place’s most successful principle of care is treating patients as individuals, with dynamic and different needs.

Every person has a complicated history. For this reason, the patient and their loved ones are included from the start of the treatment planning phase at The Recovery Place. Patients may be entering rehab for the first time, or are trying again after falling back into an addiction lifestyle.

At The Recovery Place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, patients and families enter a program that seems to fit their general needs, and then individualized therapy makes the programs tailor-made. Each care plan is specific to the person it is designed for, no exceptions.

General programs include Traditional Addictions, Dual Diagnosis, Family Programming, Trauma, and a Christian Addiction Program. Group and individual therapies, as well as addiction education, are integrated into every program. Medical management is also included.

Patients at The Recovery Place have several options on how intensively therapy should be approached, including 24 hour residential care in our sober living housing. This is an excellent option for those who are resistant to treatment or who live far away from The Recovery place, and may need the availability and support of staff at all hours.

The ability to spend time after hours in the home-like setting of our sober-living apartments, gives our patients ample opportunities to share experiences and struggles with others who are attending our programs. There are also quiet garden benches to sit upon and reflect, and a pool and BBQ where you can practice the simple enjoyments of daily life, without the specter of drugs or alcohol being present.

For those who have a healthy family situation and are located close to The Recovery Place, we offer both intensive and graduated outpatient programs. For patients who have progressed successfully through the intensive inpatient program, assistance can be provided to help them remain in the area so that they can continue receiving support as an outpatient.

Staying only within the boundaries of The Recovery Place isn’t part of the overall treatment plan. As our clients learn new coping and life skills, they need a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and ocean that are part of the Ft. Lauderdale area. There are great opportunities here just to enjoy feeling good again, without the artificial aid of drugs or alcohol. The beach, local churches and other spiritual support activities, parks and sports activities are encouraged. This is another important way that The Recovery Place team fosters each person as a unique individual, with interests and talents that are suddenly being enjoyed again as rehab progresses.

Distance isn’t an issue when family members need to be included in the rehab process. The Recovery Place clinical and support staff have on-site family programs, as well as utilizing the internet and telephone for those who live far away from the treatment center.

No patient leaves The Recovery Place without a solid relapse prevention plan in place. Aftercare is also ongoing, depending on the needs of the person and their family.

If you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehab center that honestly and openly sees you, your loved one, or your client as a flawed-but-unique-and-worthwhile-person, then call The Recovery Place. You aren’t just “another addict” to us. We can help.

]]> http://addictcentral.com/?feed=rss2&p=38 http://addictcentral.com/?p=37 http://addictcentral.com/?p=37#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:36:29 +0000 C.King, M.Ed. http://addictcentral.com/?p=37

Overcoming any sort of drug addiction can be challenging and overwhelming to start with. In order to get rid of the opiate addiction, you would have to take some constructive and positive initial steps. The sooner you realize that you are on the wrong track, you should seek help and consultation from authorized persons. For some people rehabilitation seems to work out while for others, guidance of the general physician is more than enough for the solution.

You can’t deny the fact that the rehabilitation clinics are the best option to consider for any opiate addict because they not only provide you with the proper care but they also develop the confidence and self-esteem that you need. I would still say that you should prefer trying things at home as a treatment towards the addiction because there is no place better than an atmosphere where you have your own people and the acquaintances that you care for.

The addiction related to heroine drugs and medications are more prone to show severe withdrawal symptoms so you should prepare yourself to suffer the consequences as well as being patient for the results to show up. Here are a few things you can do to overcome your opiate addiction.

You should get a book or program to help you in understanding and look at online recovery to get to know the addiction better because when you face the reality, you would be able to judge well and deliberate precisely. You will also fight against the withdrawal symptoms in a better manner. These books and programs would cost lower amount of money than other options like patient care hospitals and clinics.

Avoid taking the drugs even in minimal quantity because this would cause dependency to increase with the passage of time. Eat right, take vitamins and eat mineralized food as much as possible to provide your body with the suitable limits and medium to carry out its functions properly. Don’t do all this because you are tired of the drug addiction, do this because you want an optimum health and physical balance. Prepare yourself with the course of time and take the treatment seriously because if you work consistently, this is ought to work for you in a constructive manner.

Take as much rest as you possibly can. As an addict, you need more sleep and contentment to heal your body cells and metabolism process.

Consider the above mentioned information as initial guidance if you want to overcome your opiate addiction.

]]> http://addictcentral.com/?feed=rss2&p=37 http://addictcentral.com/?p=36 http://addictcentral.com/?p=36#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:46:16 +0000 C.King, M.Ed. http://addictcentral.com/?p=36 There are two types of major drawbacks that a heroine addict will suffer, short-termed and long-termed. Today we are going to discuss both types of the drawbacks of heroine addiction and what can they really lead to.

Short term drawbacks of using heroine can lead to things such as suppression of pain, clouded mental functioning, “rush”, nausea and vomiting, spontaneous abortion and depressed respiration. Heroine traverses the blood brain barriers right after being injected. Heroine gets transformed as morphine in the brain and quickly folds with the opioid receptors. Heroine addicts call this feeling greatly pleasurable, a “rush”. A function called rush intensity is about the quantity of the drug consumed and how fast the drug enters into the brain and starts folding with the opioid natural receptors. Heroine is so addictive only because it enters the brains faster then any other drug taking the addict into a world of his own. A feeling of warm skin flushing, a dry mouth and heavy extremities are felt with heroine accompanying the “rush”. Vomiting, nausea and severe itching are a few other companions in some cases.

After all these initial effects, the addict stays drowsy for many hours. Heroine gets the mental functions all clouded badly affecting the central nervous system. Even the cardiac functions slow down along with breathing and at some points, slow to death. These are the instant major drawbacks of heroine addiction. Now let’s talk about some of the long-term drawbacks of heroine addiction.

Addict confronts things such as abscesses, addiction, infection of heart lining and valves, collapsed veins, infectious diseases like hepatitis B/C and HIV/AIDS, arthritis plus other rheumatologic problems and mostly bacterial infections. Addiction is the first thing that gets you and all the other drawbacks come following with that. Comparing to other drug addicts, heroine addicts spend most of their time in finding and consuming this drug not caring about anything and anyone else. This becomes the primary aim of life; seeking and consuming heroine. As the time goes the addict gradually increases the consumption of heroine to experience the same “rush” again and again since he is getting addicted and used to the drug making him feel less affected.

Adding both, the short term and the long term drawbacks of heroine addiction in the end results in loss of important relations and destroying the rest of the future. Take wise steps and keep yourself away from this life-taking drug.

]]> http://addictcentral.com/?feed=rss2&p=36 http://addictcentral.com/?p=35 http://addictcentral.com/?p=35#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:17:06 +0000 C.King, M.Ed. http://addictcentral.com/?p=35 One of the most common myths is that the people on the top of our social food chain, the celebrities are immune to addiction. This is the exact opposite! You can drive around America and find all different types of people suffering from problems. Whether they are an alcoholic in Denver or a crack cocaine addict in St. Louis, people all across the nation are suffering.

Different celebrities have had different drugs and addictions play into their life. For example, Michael Jackson is currently having his death investigated. Many people are suspecting that he had a problem with using prescription drugs. These drugs are suspicious enough, that they could of caused his heart attack. Many people suspect that he was secretly visiting various doctors to get the different types of prescription medications that he needed. How are the celebrities, who seem to be under such tight control by the media and the public able to continue the vicious cycle that eventually kills them? Many famous stars have blamed the tabloids for pressing them into using drugs, as it was there only escape from the pressure.

You do not need to be a celebrity in order to have a problem though. Many people through the world are addicted to alcohol and other substances. These people have no where near the support structures, money, or resources that the famous starts in Hollywood do. It almost seems like the world sees the stars as being too perfect, and forgives them for having a problem with a certain substance. Why should we treat them negatively, after all they are just human!

The truth of the matter is that so many people treat addicts with shame and disgust. While people really need the support of a community of friends and family, many are often turned away and have nothing at all to show for it. Celebrities can buy their happiness, not to the full extent but at least enough to keep themselves in a stable shape. You need to be aware of what the world holds for celebrities who are abusing these substances. They are adored as heroes, and seen as crusaders against a greater problem. While they are fighting their addiction, it is almost as if it is above what they themselves could do.

The real question is why people are treated with so disparity when it comes to addiction. Everyone suffers from the same problem, why are they not treated equally. That means that homeless should receive the same quality of treatment as celebrities. However, so many people see each other as if they were in a class system. Sure, you might be a lower class than someone else, but you need to respect and tolerate them as if they were in your family. Addiction is not something that people choose to be afflicted with. It is a problem that needs to be conquered, and addicts supported throughout their healing process. Everyone who is dealing with it should receive the exact same accolades as many people give to influential celebrities.

There are resources out there to help you cope with your problems. You do not need to end up like the next Michael Jackson or Anna Nicole Smith. The Addicts Guide and the Sober Sources Network are just some of the wonderful tools that people provide to recovering addicts everywhere.

Sober N Clean is a small group of recovering alcoholics who support each other through their recoveries. While there are currently just under 200 members, most members login at least several times a week to participate in conversations on how to better themselves and keep on a sober path. Some of the top members on Sober N Clean have thousands of posts. They help keep the forum active and able to help the addicts who turn their lives into something positive. Sober N Clean is mainly focused to be a forum, but it provides so much more information to people who need help with their addiction. There are resources for how to quit, how to stay sober and how your loved ones can help your overcome your addiction. In addiction, Sober N Clean has links to knowledgeable products such as The Addicts Guide to Getting Sober: What to Expect.

There are plenty of ways that you can bond as a community on Sober N Clean as well. With an on-site arcade, chat, and site directory you can find plenty more information no matter what time of day that it is. While there are still relatively few members on Sober N Clean, some posts and threads have racked up thousands upon thousands of views. Not only can your story help a recovering alcoholic who is a member on Sober N Clean, but you may be able to help an alcoholic who has never been sober before.

You do not have to be addicted to alcohol to join the Sober N Clean community, there are addicts of substances who posts as well. There are many similarities between addictions that you can see as a visitor on Sober N Clean. Addicts of all kinds who are trying to get their lives back on the right path need constant support and mentoring in order to avoid going back to their previous addiction filled lives. There are sections of Sober N Clean for family of recovering addicts as well. Being a family member or a friend of an addict can be extremely difficult. Some families try to distance themselves from the addict or even push the addict out of their lives. However, on Sober N Clean you can remain a vital part of your addict’s life and allow them to crush their addiction throughout their recovery. Whether you are an addict, recovering addict, or family member of an addict, Sober N Clean has a section that can help you turn your life around. Visit Sober N Clean Forums at www.sobernclean.com

Coping with addiction is a very difficult thing to do. Addiction, especially to alcohol can be extremely violent and cause problems with others. However, if you are strong willed, you can become sober and never have to deal with your addiction again. There are thousands of people across the world who are willing to help you become sober once again. You need to be ready to put forth some work on your part, or you will never be able to cope with your addiction!Now that you have acknowledged your addiction you need to get help. Nearly every addict who tries to stop their addiction on their own fails. This is due to the fact that an addiction is extremely deep in their brain, they are unable to avoid alcohol or they simply do not want to stop their addiction bad enough. What type of help that you will need to stop your addiction depends on how addicted you are. Addicts who have not been addicted as long, or do not drink as much as other addicts can seek counseling through groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups help addicts express the emotional side of their addiction and learn how to avoid becoming addicted again. Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet one day a week and are a great tool for people trying to stop their addiction once and for all.

While Alcoholics Anonymous will work for lower end addicts, many addicts who are extremely addicted are going to need professional help. Oftentimes, these addicts can find this type of help at clinics or professional rehabilitation centers. These centers are quite expensive, and not always covered by insurance plans. However, they provide life saving care for an addict who might of otherwise died or gone on living a life that would of wrecked their body. A round of treatment at a rehabilitation center will take anywhere from 30 days to six months, depending on how addicted the addict is. The care that the addict will receive includes medical care for their addiction, and emotional counseling in order to help them free themselves from their addiction. Once the addict has been able to free themselves from the dependency of alcohol, they will be able to open up and see all the reasons that they have to quit. Whether it be for family, themselves, or friends there are plenty of people who want to see the addict in a normal, safe life.

Coping with an addiction can be extremely trying. However, once an addiction has been acknowledged there are so many ways that it can be dealt with. Treatment groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous provide great care to thousands of alcohol addicts every week. Professional rehabilitation centers can provide more extensive care if the addict is extremely addicted. Do not cope alone, get help for your alcohol addiction today!

For live support visit: www.thesobervillage.com

Yes-there are dating sites with one little area to check that says “I don’t drink”. But who is going to come right out and say “I’m an alcoholic” or “I’m a recovering drug addict” or even “I’m ok now, but in the past I’ve had (“fill in the blank”) issues” on all those other sites? -Well, the answer is NOT MANY. In fact, for millions in Recovery or entering Recovery, the question is “When do I tell HIM or HER about my past problem and how will they take it?”

On RecoveryMatchfor2.com people don’t have to be afraid to be THEMSELVES! People can meet as on other dating sites, but because RecoveryMatchfor2 is specialized, they may form relationships which empower them to not only stay on the path of Recovery – RMF2 hopes to help them find their Match!

People in Recovery no longer have to be afraid to be themselves! They can meet others like themselves –who are those that most understand them and finally find the lifelong support they have been looking for. People are looking for belonging and togetherness in these tough times. For the millions in Recovery, RecoveryMatchfor2.com is THE on line place to be for dating, help, discussions, forums and related information.

PCP is short for phencyclidine it is a dissociate drug that has also been used as a surgical anesthetic. An anesthetic is a substance that causes a loss of feeling in the body. It is listed as a Schedule II drug and is a member of the dissociate anesthetics. Dissociate is a feeling of being disconnected to ones body. PCP acts by blocking activity of the NMDA Receptor.

PCP is a white crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water. It is sold as powder, a tablet, or capsule and is known for it’s bitter taste.
It is sold in powder form, tablets, liquid, or colored capsules. There are three ways it is usually used, smoked, snorted or eaten. It is often added to leafy materials such as marijuana, cigarettes, or tobacco. It can also be an additive to coke or crystal meth. It is one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals.

PCP Background

PCP was discovered in 1938 and first used in 1945 after World War II as a surgical intravenous anesthetic. It was then shelved due to the negative effects, such as agitation, delusions, violent behavior, seizures, etc. In 1967 it was marketed again and renamed as Sernylan and used in vetinary clinics, but once again it was soon back on the shelves due to the side effects. In 1978 , all legal manufacturing of PCP was stopped in the U.S. due to street use becoming too widespread. Illegal laboratories however kept on producing it .

What is PCP

PCP is made in a laboratory, making it a synthetic substance. The only way to make PCP is from artificial chemicals. It has been called the most dangerous of all substances. Cyanide, a deadly poison, bromobenzene, motor fuel, cyclohexanone, paint remover, piperdine, solvent, these are just a few of the deadly ingredients used to make PCP.
PCP does not fit into any one drug category because it can act as a dissociate drug, a stimulant or a depressant.

Effects

The effects of PCP vary by person and by the dosage taken. When taken in low dosages, there are changes in body awareness, similar to intoxication, loss of balance, slurred speech, etc. for some it acts as a stimulant. Higher doses numbs users, muscle coordination is thrown off, speech and vision are affected, voices can be heard, it can cause seizures, hallucinations, vomiting, violence overdose and death. Other effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, sweating, drowsiness, etc.

The analgesic property of PCP gives users the ability to feel less pain which often leads to self harm and sometimes suicide, the psychotic state that is sometimes experienced can lead one to destroy property or hurt someone else. If a toxic dose is taken the psychotic state can last for months. While still feeling the effects from PCP, many have reported feeling disconnected from their body and not having their consciousness present. In some users it may produce the same psychoses of schizophrenia.

It is common for users to have a bad trip, they can last from several minutes to several hours. They can be terrifying to the user, it may also bring up other emotional problems going on in their life.

Who uses PCP

Individuals of all ages uses PCP. It is often found and sold in High Schools making teenagers more susceptible to the drug.

The risks of using PCP

People who use PCP often become addicted to it. PCP is a very addictive drug, use of it results in psychological dependence, wreckless compulsive behavior, craving for the drug. Users often become suicidal and violent due to the psychological effects of the drug. For younger users PCP can stunt their growth because it affects the hormones that are associated with normal growth and development. Symptoms such as memory loss, speech and thinking problems, and depression may last up to a year after the user stops taking PCP.

People who use PCP for a long period of time are putting themselves at risk to lung cancer, brain cancer and leukemia due to the formaldehyde used to embalm the PCP.

What is it called?

During the 1960’s drug dealers were pushing PCP, because of the high profits they could make. However word was spreading about the horror stories associated with the drug and they were stuck with the drug. The dealers outsmarted their clients and switched and swapped a few drugs together with PCP and renamed it once again to “Angel Dust”. Today is has many names, a few are, Supergrass, Water, Dust, Crystal Supergrass, Rocket Fuel, the list goes on.