What is PCP?

Overview

Phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP, is a dissociative anesthetic agent that was initially used as an anesthetic for surgery in the 1950’s. By 1965 the drug was no longer used in a medical setting. It did, however, live on as an illegal narcotic.

PCP is a white powder in its purest form, but can be almost any shade of brown depending on what it was mixed with before being sold. PCP can also be made into tablets or pills. PCP can be smoked, inhaled, or ingested orally. PCP can also be a liquid. Another common method if ingesting PCP is for the user to dip a cigarette into the liquid PCP and smoke the cigarette. This is often called a sherm.

The effects of PCP are reported to be euphoria, visual hallucinations, numbness, and feelings of detachment. Users may react in unpredictable ways based on their delusions and they often feel less pain due to the anesthetic property of the drug. This is likely where the reports of super human strength come from. The user is not physically stronger, but due to the PCP they no longer feel pain so they can be difficult to subdue.

Side Effects

The side effects of PCP can be broken down into two basic section; physical and psychological. The Physical side effects include:

• Increased, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate

• Rapid uncontrollable eye movement

• Seizures

• Memory Loss

The psychological side effects include:

• Suicidal ideation

• Delusions

• Self Mutilation

• Acts of violence

• Psychosis

• Depression

PCP Addiction

PCP is considered an addictive drug due to the fact that intense psychological cravings prompt the user to seek more and more of the drug to achieve the same high they reached using lower doses when they first began using PCP. PCP addicts will often have a multitude of legal issues resulting from their uncontrollable behavior while using PCP.

PCP Treatment

PCP treatment is complicated due to the vast differences in the behaviors that are exhibited by the user. Some PCP users can become psychotic and they will need to be treated with antipsychotic medication for this condition. It can last from several days to a couple of months.

Treatment for a user who has recently ingested PCP will involve soothing the patient and making them feel safe. Inpatient treatment may be required, but is not always necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with family support and a twelve step program have been proven to be an effective way to help a PCP addict become clean.

PCP Links

If you would like more information on PCP use, prevention, or side effects please feel free to visit the following web sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phencyclidine

http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/Drug_Guide/PCP

http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/hallucinogens.html