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- Phencyclidine (PCP) -

Phencyclidine

PCP is a synthetic drug, white crystalline powder that can be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. It has been sold in a variety of tablets, capsules, colored powders, liquids, or pastes. Originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic for surgery, it was later discarded for human use due to extreme adverse side effects. It was later used in veterinary medicine as a general anesthetic or tranquilizer for large animals. It has since been discontinued for use in veterinary medicine and is manufactured in illicit laboratories.

There are many street names such as angel dust, crystal, hog, squeeze, elephant or horse tranquilizer, wack, zoot, rocket fuel, ozone, leno (when combined in dried parsley cigarettes), killer joints or sherms (when combined with marijuana cigarettes), space base (when combined with crack cocaine).

PCP has lost much of its popularity due to its bad reputation as an unpredictable, volatile and dangerous drug. Because of this, it has often been falsely represented and sold as other drugs like mescaline, peyote, and LSD.

Methods of Use

PCP is primarily mixed with dried vegetable matter such as parsley flakes, oregano, mint, alfalfa and tobacco. It is then rolled in the form of a handmade cigarette and smoked. It has also been used with heroin, LSD, marijuana and cocaine. It is sometimes sniffed, eaten, or injected.

Effects

The effects of PCP can vary according to dosage and are unpredictable and volatile in nature. Users experience impaired coordination, slurred speech, difficulty talking, confusion, erratic eye movement, and can have feelings of strength and power. The user can become terrified or overly passive. There is increased heart rate and blood pressure, fever, sweating, nausea, and muscle rigidity and numbness. Bizarre delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, violent and aggressive outbursts are common. Extreme dosages can result in sharp drops in blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration as well as convulsions, coma, and death. The body can store PCP in muscle and fatty tissues at full psychoactive potential resulting in flashbacks. As a result of the adverse effects and unpredictable nature, other dangerous behaviors and accidents can be experienced. Long-term use can produce memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, other mood disorders, and psychological disturbances resembling schizophrenia.

Tolerance and Dependency

PCP is psychologically addicting and produces tolerance with regular use.

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