What Are Wet Drugs?

In the ever-changing landscape of substance use and abuse, a variety of terms float around that may be unfamiliar to many. Among these, “wet drugs” stands out as particularly intriguing and, for some, deeply concerning. To protect yourself and your loved ones, we seek to shed light on what wet drugs actually are, demystifying the term and exploring the implications of their use. 

By exploring the origins, effects, and risks associated with wet drugs, we seek to provide a comprehensive understanding that can inform and caution potential users or those seeking to help others navigate away from their potentially dangerous allure.

What Are Wet Drugs Made Of?

Wet drugs are drugs that have been “enhanced” with liquid substances like embalming fluid or phencyclidine (PCP). The most common wet drugs use tobacco or marijuana cigarettes as a base. Also known as “fry drugs,” these cigarettes are dipped in liquid chemicals and dried out prior to consumption. 

Other street names for wet drugs include:

• Amp
• Fry
• Fry sticks
• Crazy eddy
• Happy sticks
• Milk
• Purple rain
• Water-water
• Wetdaddy
• Wet-wet

These street names may vary depending on location and availability, but they all refer to the same type of drug.

PCP

PCP was originally developed for anesthesia and pain management purposes for surgeries. However, the production of these drugs were discontinued because of the negative effects it was having on clients. Also known as angel dust, PCP continues to be produced and used illegally because of its mood, mind, and perception-altering effects. Phencyclidine also has the ability to make some people very agitated and cause violent behavior.

Embalming Fluid

Embalming fluid, like that found in funeral homes, contains ethyl alcohol, methanol, formaldehyde, and other solutions. People dip cigarettes or joints in embalming fluid because it can slow down the time it takes to burn. These toxic chemicals can also have hallucinogenic effects.

Tobacco

Tobacco is a plant that contains the drug nicotine, which is highly addictive. It is often smoked in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, but can also be chewed or snorted. Tobacco use can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and addiction. Despite these risks, tobacco continues to be widely used around the world.

Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It contains the chemical THC, which can alter perception and mood. While it is often used recreationally, marijuana can also have medicinal benefits for certain conditions. However, long-term use has been linked to memory loss, respiratory issues, and potential psychiatric problems.

What Are the Effects of Wet Drugs?

People who soak drugs in PCP or embalming fluid do it for the additional mind-altering effects they can provide. These effects can include: 

• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Altered perception
• Hallucinations

Some of the most common side effects of wet drug use include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Learning problems
• Memory loss
• Confusion

In addition to these psychological side effects, wet drugs may also cause physical symptoms such as:

• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Profuse sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Speech problems
• Loss of coordination and motor skills
• Stunted growth and development
• Weight loss

Long-term use of wet drugs can lead to addiction and dependence, as well as permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Use and abuse of wet drugs can also result in serious, life-threatening side effects.

Dangerous Effects of Wet Drugs

Wet drug abuse comes with several risks. PCP and embalming fluid are both toxic to the human body.

Dangerous effects of PCP in wet drugs may include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Coma
• Seizures

Dangerous effects of embalming fluid in wet drugs may include:

• Nose and throat sores
• Brain damage
• Bronchitis
• Coordination problems
• Lung damage
• Damage to body tissue

There have also been reports of respiratory failure in people admitted to the ER after smoking wet drugs.

Are Wet Drugs Addictive?

It’s the different components of wet drugs that make them addictive. There are numerous studies showing the very addictive nature of tobacco cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. Though cannabis is widely legalized, there’s also research showing marijuana can be addictive. The DMV-5 denotes marijuana addiction as cannabis use disorder, and sets forth criteria several for its diagnosis.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies PCP as a Schedule II drug, which means using it puts you at high risk for addiction and chemical dependency. You can become psychologically addicted to the effects of PCP and some research indicates you may experience physical changes to the brain as well.

PCP-tainted marijuana cigarettes add another layer of addiction risk to the mix. The same with tobacco. When you dip marijuana and cigarettes in PCP, you’re now ingesting two addictive substances. Embalming fluid is not addictive itself, but it is toxic and can cause severe side effects.