THE DRUG FILE
PCP
Download Printable Version
Street Names
- angel dust
- rocket fuel
- embalming fluid
- wack
- dust
- hog
- ozone
- crystal
- elephant
Description
PCP is a dissociative drug. This means that it causes a person to experience feelings of detachment, as well as causing a distortion in their perception of sights and sounds. It has effects similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. It is available in the form of crystals, powder, tablets and liquid. It can be ingested by mouth, injected, smoked or snorted. Marijuana cigarettes can be dipped in PCP and then smoked; this is referred to as supergrass. As well, when PCP is sold, it is often passed off as being a different drug. Sometimes people will think that they are buying a drug like ecstasy, for example, but they are really getting PCP. PCP acts on the brain by disrupting the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate. This is what causes PCP's effects on pain perception, memory and the individual’s perception of his or her environment. PCP also acts on the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. This is what causes PCP's effects on mood, perception and behaviour.
Origin and medical usage
PCP is a man-made substance that is manufactured from industrial chemicals in illegal labs. It was first created for use as a surgical anaesthetic, but was discontinued due to its side-effects. It was then used in the '60s as a veterinary anaesthetic, but was also discontinued. It currently has no accepted medical usage.
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of PCP use may include, but are not limited to, confusion, sweating, paranoia, numbness, aggressive behaviour, decrease in co-ordination, difficulty concentrating, delusions, distorted perception, euphoria, blurred vision, difficulty communicating, seizures, coma, decrease in heart rate and blood pressure and disruption of the learning process. It also interferes with hormones for normal growth and development.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of PCP use may include, but are not limited to, depression, psychosis, auditory hallucinations, flashbacks, memory loss, anxiety, speech problems, aggressive behaviour, and psychological and physical dependence.
Withdrawal
When people stop using marijuana or hash, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, loss of appetite, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Legal status
Unlawful possession of PCP is a criminal offence. Trafficking it, having it for the purpose of trafficking, producing it, or importing and exporting it are all criminal offences.
Signs that a person might be using
Signs that a person may be using PCP include, but are not limited to, dilated pupils, a blank stare, a decrease in the ability to communicate, unpredictable, aggressive or violent behaviour, a decrease in co-ordination, unusual gait, a decrease in sensory perception (example: may not feel pain when injured), trouble with the law, a decrease in school or work performance, and withdrawing from friends and family.
