• 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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