What Are Wet Drugs? Risks Of Smoking A Wet Cigarette

Drug use may involve particularly dangerous methods of ingestion, among which wet drugs and smoking wet cigarettes rank highly due to their severe health risks.

Wet drugs refer to marijuana or tobacco cigarettes laced with substances such as PCP (phencyclidine) or formaldehyde, leading to significant physical and psychological effects when smoked.

This article delves into the risks associated with wet drugs and highlights the critical need for seeking help for addiction.

What Are Wet Drugs?

Wet drugs are a form of illicit substances where tobacco or marijuana cigarettes are laced with PCP (phencyclidine) or formaldehyde, creating a highly potent and dangerous combination.

This combination is sometimes referred to by various street names including fry, dip, and superweed.

The process of making wet drugs involves dipping cigarettes into liquid PCP, a dissociative drug, or formaldehyde, a chemical preservative.

Once the cigarettes are saturated, they are dried and become ready for use. These altered drugs not only change the nature of the experience but also significantly increase the risks involved with their use.

Side Effects Of Wet Drug Use

Wet drugs have various physical and psychological effects that differ among people who use them.

Some of the most common effects include:

  • Euphoria — This intense feeling of pleasure and happiness is short-lived but can be highly addictive, leading people to seek out the drug repeatedly.
  • Delusion — People may have false beliefs about themselves or their surroundings. These delusions can lead to dangerous behavior and poor decision-making.
  • Hallucinations — Visual and auditory hallucinations are common, distorting the perception of reality.

Long-Term Risks Of Smoking Wet Cigarettes

Wet drugs have significant long-term health risks. Regular use can cause lasting psychological harm such as chronic paranoia, anxiety, and depression.

Physically, prolonged exposure to the toxic chemicals in wet drugs can damage organs, especially the kidneys and liver. Lung damage is also a serious risk.

Effects On Respiratory Health

Smoking wet cigarettes introduces a direct method of consuming wet drugs, causing rapid intoxication effects.

Over time, permanent damage to the respiratory system may occur due to the inhalation of toxic substances contained in these drugs.

Respiratory complications can range from chronic cough and shortness of breath to more serious conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema.

Cancer Risks

The presence of chemicals like PCP and formaldehyde, often found in embalming fluid, significantly increases the likelihood of cell mutation and consequently cancer development.

The Risk Of Addiction

One particularly dangerous aspect is the potential for addiction. The intense high offered by wet drugs often leads to repeated use, which can quickly turn into dependency.

An addiction to wet drugs not only has serious health consequences but also affects a person’s relationships and ability to function in society.

Signs Of Wet Drug Addiction

Recognizing the signs of drug addiction can be the first step toward recovery. These symptoms may include erratic behavior, hallucinations, aggression, and paranoia.

In severe cases, people may experience seizures or fall into a coma.

When you notice these signs, it’s important to seek professional help right away as trying to detoxify on your own can be dangerous, especially with substances as potent as wet drugs.

Addiction treatment professionals can offer supervised detox programs that reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety.

Treatment Programs For Drug Addiction

Medically supervised detox plays a pivotal role in managing withdrawal symptoms and setting the stage for successful long-term recovery from wet drug addiction.

This process aids in safely weaning the body off the substance, mitigating the risk of severe withdrawal.

In addition to medically supervised detox, there are other types of addiction treatment methods and therapies that can be utilized in the recovery process.

Other common treatment options may include:

One-on-one therapy sessions with a trained professional can help people explore the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

  • Participating in group therapy sessions allows people to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps people identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
  • Family therapy sessions aim to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family bonds.
  • Holistic therapies focus on addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples include yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and equine-assisted therapy.

Remember, reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. With the right combination of treatment methods, recovery from wet drug addiction is possible.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

There’s no shame in seeking help. Contact our team for more helpful information on recovery services.

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drug Misuse and Addiction https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
  2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2897895/
  3. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) — PCP Fast Facts https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs4/4440/index.htm#:~:text=Department%20of%20Justice.-,What%20is%20PCP%3F,altering%2C%20hallucinogenic%20effects%20it%20produces.

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

Published on: March 4, 2024

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

Prefer Texting?
We've got you covered.

Receive 24/7 text support right away.
There is no obligation and you can opt out at any time.
chat-header

Sign up for text support

Receive 24/7 text support right away.
There is no obligation and you can opt out at any time.
chat-header
Let us walk you through the treatment process. We're here to help.
For 24/7 Treatment Help:
100% Free & Confidential. Call (978) 321-2696
(978) 321-2696