Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse. Knowing terms related to substance use may help you recognize when you or a loved one needs treatment for substance abuse or addiction.

“Sherm” and “smoking wet” are terms that describe smoking marijuana or tobacco cigarettes dipped in PCP. Doing this can result in potent and dangerous “highs.” People may experience hazardous or life-threatening side effects. People who use sherm can become addicted to it.

This article will explore sherm and smoking wet. You’ll learn:

• What sherm is
• What it means to “smoke wet”
• The short-term effects of sherm
• The long-term effects of smoking sherm
• The dangers of using PCP or embalming fluid
• The risks of PCP abuse
• Where to find professional treatment programs for substance abuse

If you or a loved one struggles with sherm abuse or other substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

What is Sherm?

“Sherm” is a slang term meaning to dip marijuana or regular cigarettes in PCP or embalming fluid. This can lead to serious side effects and a more potent “high.”

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug that causes physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Other slang terms for PCP include:

• Peace pills
• Embalming fluid
• Wolf
• Rocket fuel
• Killer weed
• Hog
• Bella Donna
• Love boat
• Ozone
• Super grass
• Angel dust

People may ingest PCP by “smoking wet,” meaning to dip cigarettes or joints in a liquid form of the drug. People may also snort a powder form or ingest it orally in tablet form.

Combining PCP and other drugs, including marijuana, can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Short-Term Effects of Sherm

Sherm typically contains marijuana and PCP or embalming fluid. These substances can affect the central nervous system (CNS) in different ways. People may experience different effects based on the amount or type of ingredients sherm contains.

In moderate doses, the short-term effects include:

• Faster heart rate
• Loss of coordination
• Excessive sweating
• Disorientation or confusion
• Elevated body temperature
• Nausea and vomiting
• Faster breathing
• Hallucinations
• Detachment from reality

In high doses, PCP users may experience:

• Intense anxiety or fear
• Exaggerated strength
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Coma

People may experience life-threatening complications that require immediate medical treatment. Smoking wet and using sherm is highly dangerous. People who use PCP or embalming fluid in this way need comprehensive treatment to stop using it safely.

Long-Term Effects of Sherm

People who abuse sherm may have long-term effects from PCP abuse. Here is an overview of the potential long-term effects of PCP abuse.

Depression

The effects of long-term abuse of sherm and embalming fluid include a higher risk of depression and anxiety. People may also have flashbacks of their PCP use or develop suicidal thoughts.

Weight loss

PCP abuse can affect the CNS in many ways. PCP users may experience a complete loss of appetite that may cause dangerous weight loss. Some may also experience malnutrition that impacts other aspects of their health, including immune functioning.

Cognitive problems

Long-term PCP abuse may lead to dangerous cognitive problems, including:

• Memory problems
• Perceptions
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulty with attention and focus
• Hallucinations
• Delusional thinking

PCP abuse can change the structure of a person’s brain, causing significant, long-term cognitive challenges.

Isolation

People who abuse PCP may experience cognitive issues, depression, and other symptoms that impact their functioning. This can lead to increased isolation and social withdrawal.

People are also at risk of addiction and lethal overdose. If you or someone near you exhibits symptoms of an overdose, seek treatment right away. Call 911 and remain with the person until help arrives.

Understanding and Treating PCP Abuse

Smoking wet and using sherms can lead to serious problems in a person’s mental and physical health. People who abuse sherms may have physical and behavioral symptoms, including:

• Increased agitation
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent diarrhea
• Fear or anxiety
• Taking risks while using PCP, like driving
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Elevated blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Needing to use more PCP to get high
• Doing dangerous or illegal things to get more PCP
• Having withdrawal symptoms if you stop using PCP

People who abuse PCP typically need the support of an addiction treatment center to stop using this dangerous drug and move forward.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one abuses sherm, seek treatment right away. Find support and treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to explore our programs or schedule an appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): “Smoking Wet”
2. NIH: Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug
3. NIH: The Use of Fry (Embaling Fluid and PCP-laced Ciragettes or Marijuana Sticks) Among Crack Cocaine Users
4. Science Direct: Phencyclidine (PCP): Some human studies