PCP (Phencydlidine)
- What is PCP?
- Street Names
- How is it taken?
- What are the effects?
- What are the dangers?
- Is it addictive?
What is PCP?
- In the 1950s PCP was invented as a medical anesthetic; however, it caused serious side effects of confusion and delirium and was discontinued.
- In 1960, its name was changed to Sernylan and was sold as a veterinary anesthetic.
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Street Names
"Angel Dust," "Supergrass," "Killer Weed," "Embalming Fluid," and "Rocket Fuel"
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How is it taken?
- In its pure form, PCP is a white crystalline powder that dissolves in water.
- PCP sold on the street is often contaminated by poor manufacturing, causing the color to range from tan to brown and the consistency ranges from powder to a gummy mass.
- PCP is found in the following forms:
- Tablets and capsules.
- Powder.
- Liquid.
- A covering for a leafy material such as parsley, mint, oregano or marijuana to be smoked.
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What are the effects?
Physical effects include:
- Numbness.
- Slurred speech.
- Loss of coordination, which may be accompanied by false feelings of strength and invulnerability.
- The observable effects in a user are a blank stare, rapid and involuntary eye movements, and an exaggerated walk.
Psychological effects include:
- Feelings of detachment, and distance from the user's surroundings.
- Auditory hallucinations.
- Distorted visual images.
- Severe mood disorders.
- Acute anxiety and a feeling of impending doom.
- Paranoia and violent hostility.
- Mental psychosis similar to schizophrenia.
- It may also result in amnesia.
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What are the dangers?
- The U.S. DEA considers PCP one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse.
- Lack of coordination and exaggerated feelings of strength can cause the user to harm himself or others.
- PCP is addictive.
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Is it addictive?
Yes, PCP is addictive.
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Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed June 2004.
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Phencyclidine (PCP). In DEA Briefs & Background. Accessed February 2004.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA InfoFacts: PCP (Phencyclidine). Accessed June 2004.
Office of National Drug Control Policy. Street Terms: PCP. Accessed June 2004.
Last Reviewed: October 2004
