PCP is an acronym for phencyclidine which is a disruptive drug that can cause delusions. PCP was first created in the 1950s to be used as an IV sedative. Clinical usage was stopped because of serious complications of the disruptive drug.
However, that has not stopped recreational use of the drug; it actually gained even more popularity after this.
So, this may leave you wondering, “Exactly what is PCP?”. While it was developed in the clinical setting, the potential hazards of this drug have gotten it outlawed. It can still be found on the black market and the dark web with many different impurities that pose potential additional hazards.
Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
Physical Attributes
PCP is a crystal powder that easily dissolves in water or liquor. It is usually white with a harsh chemical flavor in its purest state. Once impurities are added on the black market, the color changes and the powder turns sticky. The type and amount of impurities added directly impact the color and texture of the drug. PCP has a bitter taste and multiple street names. While it is available as a pill, PCP is most commonly available in powder form.
PCP can be inhaled, smoked, or sniffed depending on its physical attributes, but it is commonly dissolved in a liquid substance. Marijuana joints are commonly dipped into the substance, lacing them with PCP, before they are smoked. PCP powder can also be sprinkled into the joint or snorted.
A Dissociative Medication
PCP works in the brain and spinal cord, altering your perceptions and mood. It also interferes with your emotions and your conduct because it interferes with cerebral neurotransmitters. This psychedelic drug causes delusions and a dissociative state which impedes your perception of the world around you, often causing dangerous behaviors. People often feel, hear, and see things that aren’t there and react to them.
PCP use causes aggression, delusions, and violent mood swings. Depending on the method of ingestion, PCP can be felt between 5 and 30 minutes after taking it. The effects of PCP last up to 6 hours depending on the dose taken. A large enough dose of PCP not only causes aggression, but it can also cause the user to commit suicide.
How is it addictive?
PCP is an addictive drug and because it is typically mixed with other drugs before ingested, addictive properties can be swift and strong. It’s a dangerous psychoactive drug that can cause dangerous behavioral consequences, especially after addiction takes hold. PCP addiction can present long-term mental and emotional consequences, making it difficult to escape the drug’s hold without professional help. PCP addicts should search for comprehensive treatment programs to treat their addiction.
In Conclusion
PCP is a dangerous drug that can cause a host of physical and mental health issues. Users can build a tolerance to the drug, requiring more and more to feel the effects. Unfortunately, the ramifications of PCP use can continue for a year or more after the user’s last ingestion of the drug. It presents multiple psychological and emotional challenges.
Even passive PCP use is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Overcoming PCP use requires a comprehensive program with professionals who are well equipped to handle such a situation. If you or a loved one have been using PCP, it is essential that use be immediately discontinued. Talk to your medical professional if you feel that medical intervention is necessary. There are programs to help people stop using this dangerous drug and live a normal healthy life.
