Drug users have been known to engage in risky and unusual behaviors in their pursuit of a high. One such behavior is smoking embalming fluid, which has made headlines for its bizarre and dangerous consequences. This article explores the details of embalming fluid, its misuse as a drug, the associated health risks, and available treatment options.
Understanding the dangers of smoking embalming fluid is essential for raising awareness and providing help to those affected by addiction. By breaking down the risks and explaining the science behind this trend, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking information.
Definition and Composition
Embalming fluid is a chemical mixture used to prevent the decomposition of bodies after death. Its primary components include:
These chemicals work together to disinfect and preserve tissues for funerals and medical research. Beyond its legitimate use, embalming fluid has gained notoriety for its role in drug abuse, where it is repurposed in extremely harmful ways.
Embalming fluid has a distinct chemical smell, which some users report as part of the experience when smoking it. This mixture was never intended for human consumption, and its toxic nature makes its misuse particularly dangerous.
Embalming fluid, although not psychoactive on its own, is repurposed in drug use. It is often used as a solvent to dissolve phencyclidine (PCP), also known as angel dust. Drug users dip tobacco or marijuana cigarettes into embalming fluid or a mixture of embalming fluid and PCP to create a substance known as “wet drugs.”
This practice, sometimes called “smoking formaldehyde,” results in a highly toxic and unpredictable high. Users often seek out embalming fluid because it is more accessible than some illegal drugs, despite the severe health risks associated with its use.
While embalming fluid itself doesn’t induce a high, it acts as a carrier for PCP, a hallucinogenic drug. PCP intensifies the effects of embalming fluid, causing users to experience euphoric feelings, hallucinations, and a detachment from reality. The chemicals in embalming fluid amplify the toxic effects of PCP, creating a dangerous and often life-threatening experience.
The high from embalming fluid mixed with PCP is characterized by its intensity and unpredictability. Users report sensations of extreme euphoria, coupled with delusions and hallucinations. These effects can lead to erratic and violent behavior, as well as a sense of invincibility that often results in dangerous actions.
Users dip cigarettes into embalming fluid or a mixture of embalming fluid and PCP, then smoke them. This practice is also known as “smoking formaldehyde” or “smoking wet drugs.” Street names for this activity include fry, dip, water, and superweed. Additionally, users often describe experiencing an intense chemical smell when smoking embalming fluid.
The process of preparing and smoking wet drugs involves soaking the cigarettes until they are fully saturated with the chemical mixture. Once dried, these cigarettes are smoked, releasing the toxic compounds into the user’s body. This method of drug use poses significant risks due to the high concentration of harmful chemicals.
PCP, commonly referred to as angel dust, is a hallucinogen illegally manufactured in powder or liquid form. Although it is not the same as embalming fluid, the two substances are often combined. PCP requires solvents, like embalming fluid, to be dissolved and consumed.
Angel dust is known for its potent effects, including hallucinations, delusions, and a feeling of detachment from reality. The combination of PCP and embalming fluid creates a highly dangerous drug cocktail that amplifies the risks associated with each substance.
Sherm, also known as shermstick, refers to cigarettes dipped in PCP, embalming fluid, or a combination of the two. The term “sherm” originates from Nat Sherman cigarettes, which these dipped cigarettes resemble. Sherm smoking is a dangerous practice with unpredictable effects due to the variability of the chemicals involved.
Sherm cigarettes are often associated with erratic behavior and violent outbursts. Users may experience intense hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality, making this drug particularly dangerous for both the user and those around them.
The effects of smoking embalming fluid vary but commonly include:
These effects can occur within minutes of smoking embalming fluid and may last for several hours. The intensity and duration of the effects depend on the amount consumed and the individual’s tolerance.
Smoking embalming fluid carries severe health risks, including:
The unpredictability of these effects is heightened by the contaminants often present in illegally manufactured PCP. Long-term users of embalming fluid may experience permanent damage to their brain and respiratory system, as well as a significantly increased risk of death.
While embalming fluid is primarily associated with funeral homes and morgues, it can also be purchased from chemical supply companies. However, drug dealers typically obtain embalming fluid illicitly through connections in industries where it is used.
The legal accessibility of embalming fluid makes it a tempting option for drug users seeking a cheap and easily obtainable high. However, its intended purpose as a preservative highlights the dangers of its misuse.
Detoxing from wet drugs, which include embalming fluid and PCP, should always be done under medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms, though not life-threatening, are highly unpleasant and include intense cravings, depression, and confusion. This can increase the risk of relapse.
Medical detox provides a safe and controlled environment for individuals to overcome their physical dependence on wet drugs. Trained professionals can manage withdrawal symptoms and provide support throughout the detox process.
Drug and alcohol treatment programs equip individuals with the tools needed to regain control of their lives and achieve long-term recovery. Through a combination of therapy, education, and peer support, individuals can overcome the challenges of addiction and build a healthier future.
Smoking embalming fluid is a dangerous and potentially fatal practice that often involves the use of PCP. The associated health risks, including seizures, lung damage, and aggressive behavior, highlight the importance of raising awareness and providing effective treatment options. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help now. Recovery is possible, and resources are available to guide you on your journey to health and wellness.
By addressing the risks and offering solutions, this guide aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions and seek the help they need to overcome addiction.
At Asana Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of overcoming addiction, including the dangers of wet drug abuse. Our comprehensive treatment programs provide the support, care, and resources you need to reclaim your life. With a dedicated team of professionals, we offer medically supervised detox, therapy, and ongoing recovery support tailored to your needs.
Don’t let addiction control your future. Contact Asana Recovery today to take the first step toward a healthier, brighter tomorrow. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Embalming fluid has a strong chemical odor, primarily due to formaldehyde. When smoked, users describe it as an intense, pungent smell that can be overwhelming. This distinctive odor is often part of the experience reported by users of wet drugs.
No, embalming fluid and PCP are different substances. PCP is an illegal hallucinogen, while embalming fluid is a preservative used for medical and funeral purposes. However, embalming fluid is often used as a solvent to dissolve PCP for drug use.
People smoke embalming fluid to experience a high that mimics the effects of PCP, including euphoria, hallucinations, and detachment from reality. Its accessibility makes it a tempting option for some drug users.
Yes, smoking embalming fluid is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences, including seizures, lung damage, brain damage, and death. Its toxic nature makes it highly unpredictable and life-threatening.
Encourage them to seek professional treatment at a medically supervised facility, such as Asana Recovery. Offering support and understanding is essential, as recovery from addiction can be a challenging process.
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