What Is PCP?
PCP stands for phencyclidine, a hallucinogenic drug that was initially developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s. Due to the high incidence of postoperative delirium in guests, it’s no longer used for any medical purposes in the United States. Instead, it’s now largely associated with recreational use.
On the street, PCP goes by several names, primarily Angel Dust, “Sherm” (short for Sherman), or embalming fluid. As one of its nicknames implies, PCP is commonly available in powder form. However, it can also take the form of a liquid, crystal, tablet, or capsule. It’s usually smoked, snorted, or consumed orally, and it may be applied to marijuana or tobacco cigarettes before smoking; some people also smoke it on tobacco cigarettes.
Almost 2.5% of those aged 12 and older have reported taking PCP at some point in their lives, with notable rates among young adults. Due to its dangerous effects and addictive nature, it’s classified as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act, alongside methamphetamine and cocaine.
Where Does PCP Originate From?
PCP, or phencyclidine, was originally developed in the 1950s by a pharmaceutical company called Parke-Davis. It was created as an intravenous anesthetic for surgical procedures due to its pain-relieving and dissociative properties.
However, doctors quickly discovered that PCP caused severe side effects, including hallucinations, agitation, and delusions, making it unsafe for medical use in humans. By the 1960s, it was discontinued for human use and later became a drug of abuse on the streets, often sold under names like “angel dust” or “rocket fuel.”
What Are the Effects of PCP?
PCP is known for its unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects, which can vary widely based on dosage, individual sensitivity, and the context in which it is used.
PCP effects can be broken down into two categories: physical and mental.
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Physical effects of PCP include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle rigidity
- Seizures
- Reduced or eliminated sensitivity to pain
- Involuntary eye movements
- Reduced coordination and balance, resulting in unsteady gait or stumbling.
Psychological effects of PCP include:
- Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
- Dissociation: Like ketamine, PCP can cause feelings of detachment from oneself and one’s environment, as well as a sense of disconnection between thoughts, emotions, and actions.
- Altered perceptions of time and space
- Euphoria
- Paranoia and anxiety
There are also long-term effects to abusing PCP.
Repeated abuse of the drug can lead to changes in brain structure, with memory and concentration issues, including memory loss, as a result, as well as difficulty with abstract reasoning.
Chronic PCP abuse has also been linked to an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, and some people may also experience weight loss over time. PCP misuse can also worsen or complicate underlying mental illness. In some cases, people with a long history of PCP abuse have reported recurring delusions and hallucinations, even when not using the drug. Severe intoxication may also increase the risk of suicide.
It is important to note that the effects of PCP can be unpredictable, and individuals may have very different experiences with the drug. Moreover, combining PCP with both alcohol and multiple drugs can exacerbate its effects and increase the risk of dangerous or life-threatening outcomes.
How Long Does PCP Last?
The effects of a PCP high can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the dose and method of use. However, some users may continue to experience lingering effects—such as confusion, disorientation, or mood disturbances—for up to 24 hours or more.
Because PCP is stored in the body’s fat cells, it can also cause delayed or recurring effects even after the initial high has worn off.
