About PCP
PCP is the abbreviation for the powerful, dissociative sedative drug phencyclidine. PCP is sold on the street in many forms including, white powder, crystal, capsules, tablets, liquid.The tablets can be found in multiple colors and, like many illicit substances, are distributed in difficult to determine doses—frequently mixed with other intoxicating substances (such as alcohol).
The various forms can be swallowed, snorted, or smoked either alone or in combination with other drugs like tobacco, marijuana, and MDMA. |
Short Term and Long Term Effects of PCP
A moderate amount of PCP often causes users to feel detached, distant, and estranged from their surroundings. Numbness of the arms and legs, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Also users may have a blank stare, rapid and involuntary eye movements, and an exaggerated gait are among the more observable effects.
At high doses of PCP, there is a drop in blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss of balance, and dizziness. Often times high doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death (though death more often results from accidental injury or suicide during PCP intoxication). Psychological effects at high doses include illusions and hallucinations. |
Long Term Effects
PCP is addictive because repeated use often leads to psychological dependence, craving and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior..
PCP Health Hazards
PCP is addictive and its use often leads to psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior. Users report memory loss, difficulties with speech and learning, depression, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist up to a year after quitting the use of PCP. The drug has sedative effects, and interactions with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, which can lead to coma or accidental overdose.
The use of PCP among adolescents may interfere with hormones related to normal growth and development. Many PCP users are brought to emergency rooms because of PCP's unpleasant psychological effects or because of overdoses and they often become violent or suicidal, and are very dangerous to themselves and to others. |
Fast Facts
Individuals of all ages use PCP. Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that an estimated 6 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older used PCP at least once in their lifetime.
The most common names for PCP are angel dust, animal tranquilizer, embalming fluid, ozone, rocket fuel, and wack. Marijuana or tobacco cigarettes that are dipped in PCP are called illy, wet, or fry.
Yes, PCP is illegal. PCP is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and methamphetamine, have a high potential for abuse. Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
The most common names for PCP are angel dust, animal tranquilizer, embalming fluid, ozone, rocket fuel, and wack. Marijuana or tobacco cigarettes that are dipped in PCP are called illy, wet, or fry.
Yes, PCP is illegal. PCP is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and methamphetamine, have a high potential for abuse. Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.