Smoking embalming fluid is a rather unusual method drug users will partake in to get high. You may have only heard about this on the news following a violent drug-induced crime. Embalming fluid and PCP involve severe side effects and cause users to act in unpredictable, dangerous ways. Here is what you need to know about the use of embalming fluid and “wet drugs.”
What is Embalming Fluid
Embalming fluid is a chemical mixture used by funeral homes and similar businesses to prevent bodies from decomposing after death. The chemicals that make embalming fluid include methanol, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and others. These chemicals are sanitizing agents that work to preserve and disinfect bodies after death. This process aims to maintain the appearance of a body for viewing at a funeral and medical research in labs.
How Are People Using It?
Embalming fluid cannot be taken by itself in pure form. It works as a carrier or solvent for a drug called PCP (phencyclidine), also known as angel dust. PCP is a hazardous and potent drug, often influencing its users to do bizarre things. PCP may be used on its own, but people use embalming fluid to dissolve PCP. Following that, users may dip cigarettes in the liquid for an enhanced high. This may also be referred to as a “wet drug.”
PCP and Embalming Fluid
PCP and embalming fluid are not the same, but they do produce similar effects. PCP is an illegally made hallucinogen that is growing in use. The chemicals needed to produce PCP are generally easy to buy and inexpensive. It also does not require a chemist or lab equipment to produce.
PCP comes in two forms, liquid, and powder. It cannot be dissolved in water; therefore, it requires a solvent like embalming fluid. Since PCP is often made in makeshift labs, it is not uncommon for the drug to contain contaminants.
Effects of Smoking Embalming Fluid
As mentioned before, the high produced by PCP is similar to embalming fluid. Individuals that tend to smoke embalming fluid are unaware of the severe risks associated with the process. Not only are the risks long-term, but they may be deadly. Occasional use may even lead to long-term health consequences.
The effects of “wet drugs” are typically inconsistent since the history of how the drug was produced is unknown. Effects users usually look for in wet drugs include:
- Adrenaline rush
- Self-delusions, sometimes involving superhuman strength
- Euphoric feeling
- Hallucinations
- Dissociation with reality
Wet drugs do sometimes make users feel superhuman strength. For example, individuals under the influence of PCP and embalming fluid have broken handcuffs after being apprehended by the police. Users report using the drug combination to escape from reality, which follows suit with many other hallucinogenic drugs.
Risks of Smoking Embalming Fluid
It is impossible to predict the risks and effects of wet drugs since they are so inconsistent. In regards to PCP, many toxins included in the production process do not get filtered out. Common dangerous effects of wet drugs include:
- Lack of feeling, including the ability to feel pain
- Aggressive and violent behavior
- Schizophrenia-like symptoms, including delusions and paranoia
- Respiratory failure
- Suicide due to strong delusions
- Memory loss and total blackouts
- Impaired coordination
Physical Risks of Smoking Embalming Fluid
Individuals who smoke embalming fluid often report not remembering becoming violent after committing a crime. Many news reports involving horrific crimes are linked to wet drugs. The main reason an individual would choose embalming fluid over PCP is simply that it is more accessible and even legal. PCP does involve several risks, but embalming fluid is even more toxic. The physical dangers of smoking embalming fluid include:
- Brain damage
- Cancer
- Immediate coma
- Destruction of body tissue
- Lung damage
- Seizures
- Death
Where Do Dealers Acquire Embalming Fluid?
Embalming fluid is generally associated with morgues and funeral homes. Chemical companies do sell it, though, which makes it easily accessible. Many dealers will find a person involved in the industry and acquire it through them. People within the industry may be employed by a hospital, funeral home, or government morgue.
Treatment Options for Addiction
Addiction to dangerous drugs requires a supervised detox. In any situation involving addiction and treatment, a proper detox is essential. But for example, PCP detox is incredibly dangerous, and there are several risks involved.
Detoxing from certain drugs typically involves withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the symptoms can range from being uncomfortable to deadly. Withdrawal symptoms of PCP and embalming fluid are generally not life-threatening, but the symptoms may be overwhelmingly unpleasant. These symptoms often lead users to relapse to avoid withdrawing. Some of the withdrawal symptoms of wet drugs are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Disorientation and confusion
- Intense drug cravings
At CNV Detox, we offer a range of programs designed to fit various clients’ circumstances. We understand the vulnerable times that come with recovery, and we strive to provide as much support and assistance as possible.
Medical Detox
Our medical detox program treats alcohol and drug dependence. Dependence is similar, but not the same thing as addiction. CNV Detox defines dependence according to the withdrawal symptoms that occur when an individual stops using a substance. Our non-medical detox program does not involve the use of medication to treat withdrawal and its symptoms. It generally provides emotional support and assistance during the detox process.
Whether you are looking for PCP detox or detox for another addiction, we can help. When committing to treatment, detox is generally the first step. In a successful detox, the patient is guided through a process that rids the toxins from their body. This is a crucial step because it sets the foundation for long-term recovery.
The detoxification process may require medical assistance. Otherwise, it is a natural process. The type of detox program each client begins depends on the severity and particular substance they are addicted to. Each person has a unique experience when detoxing – which is why we recommend a proper detox program with a medical professional.
Inpatient Treatment
Following detox, clients are directed toward a program that will best fit their needs. Inpatient treatment is a live-in facility involving a variety of support and therapy programs. People in inpatient treatment do not only stop using substances but they are encouraged to work with therapists to find the root causes that feed into their addiction.
At CNV Detox, our inpatient program offers a substance-free environment with unlimited clinical and medical support around the clock. Inpatient drug rehab is a good idea for people experiencing:
- High risks of relapse
- Mild to severe SUDs (Substance Use Disorders)
- Dependence on multiple substances
- Dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health disorders)
- A need for long-term treatment at a place where the patient is avoiding domestic abuse, drugs, or other issues occurring at home
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), are all-day intensive rehab programs that allow participants to go home at night. Therefore, clients in this program have a clear daytime schedule so they can receive treatment. People within PHPs do not have a daytime job, as much of their days are spent attending treatment. Many individuals live in a sober home while participating in a PHP.
PHPs generally take up around six hours a day and most days out of the week. Many people in PHPs attend treatment for an extended period since the program is a step down from standard inpatient treatment. With that being said, PHPs are the highest level of outpatient treatment. Treatment methods involved with PHPs are similar to inpatient programs. Some treatment methods may include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual and group therapy
- Detox
- Medical services
- Medically assisted therapy
- Art therapy
- Support groups
- Aftercare
Holistic Treatment
Holistic treatments focus mainly on the mind and body. In addiction treatment, holistic therapy helps unravel difficult conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. Holistic treatment does not attempt to target and cure symptoms. It mainly looks to find the root causes of symptoms leading people to addiction.
People may look to holistic methods after feeling failed by traditional methods. At CNV Detox, we’ve found that holistic treatments work best in combination with conventional and proven treatments. Therefore, we take an approach of addressing our client’s emotional and physical well-being while offering them traditional rehab programs. Some common forms of holistic treatment are:
- Meditation
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Massage and acupuncture
- Nutritional therapy
- Art therapy
- Adventure and exercise therapy
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis, commonly known as co-occurring disorders, is a condition characterized by two conditions happening simultaneously. Co-occurring disorders usually include substance addiction and other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
When dealing with dual diagnosis, it is best to treat the client for both co-occurring disorders. Therefore, our dual diagnosis treatment program aims to find how the disorders are working with each other to cause harm to the individual. Dual diagnosis treatment is available in both outpatient and inpatient settings. If requiring dual diagnosis treatment, you should expect to participate in different forms of therapy such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medicated-assisted treatment (MAT)
Find Help With CNV Detox Today
If you are suffering from an addiction to PCP, embalming fluid, or other types of wet drugs – you can still find help. At CNV Detox, we have experienced staff, counselors, and medical professionals to help you reach your goal of maintaining and sustaining recovery. We will not only work with you to achieve sobriety, but we will assist you in working through any emotional, behavioral, or physical trauma you may have. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact us today.
