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PCP

Phencyclidine is most commonly sold as a white crystaline powder, or as a liquid in small foil packs. It can be snorted, smoked, injected or swallowed. It is frequently packaged in glass vials or small plastic baggies. Sometimes, it is compressed into a tablet (shown below). The liquid form is generally poured onto a cigarette or marijuana joint and smoked.

PCP is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs that a person can use. It is often associated with extreme violence. It can cause a sudden burst of energy, along with an absolute numbness to pain. Users have been known to run on broken legs. Hallucinations are common with PCP. People who are under its influence typically experience psychotic episodes, which can included suicidal acts.

• D.E.A. Classification: Schedule I
• Drug Category: Hallucinogen (with inconsistencies in vital signs)
• Availability: Moderately Available
• Cost per dose: $10 per dose
• M.T.F. Report: 1.8% of High School Seniors Had Experience with PCP in 2008
• Geographic Predominance: Western United States
• Method of Ingestion: Poured on cigarette and smoked
• D.A.W.N. Report: 37,266 Emergency Room Visits in 2008
• Duration of High: 4 to 6 hours
• Detectable in Urine: 3 to 7 days

Signs of PCP Use: Unlike other drugs in the Hallucinogen category, PCP can cause a decrease in heart rate, temperature and blood pressure. Users oftentimes become so erratic or violent that it is impossible to conduct an evaluation upon them. Numbness, disorientation, rapid jerky movements, hallucinations and paranoia are often present. Please refer to the Diagnosing Drug Use page for more on this topic.

PCP Paraphernalia includes foil wrappings or small vials of liquid. Cigarettes that appear to have been dipped in chemicals may indicate PCP use. For more information on this topic, please visit the paraphernalia page.

How to Prevent PCP Use: The best way to prevent PCP use is by following the suggestions outlined on the Preventing Drug Abuse pages. With PCP in particular, it is important to stress the high frequency of traumatic injury associated with it’s use. While it is not one of the more popular drugs, it has a very high Emergency Room rating. PCP users oftentimes become violent and unable to feel pain. They tend to injure themselves and others while under the influence.