By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: November 13, 2023

What is PCP Drug (Angel Dust)?

PCP, phencyclidine, or Angel Dust, is a powerful dissociative drug initially developed as a general anesthetic. It was later discontinued for human use due to severe side effects. The PCP drug is known to induce hallucinations, distort perceptions, and cause a dissociative state where users feel detached from their bodies or reality.

Today, PCP is a powerful recreational drug that produces psychedelic hallucinations, dissociation, and other disturbing effects when taken in small amounts. It also is known by PCP’s street names, Angel Dust, Supergrass, and Rocket Fuel. This dangerous substance can bring more than just hallucinations; it can cause troubling delusions.

PCP Drug Dangers

Using PCP drugs is hazardous and can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. If you or someone you’re concerned with is struggling with addiction to PCP or any other substance, seeking professional help and support is crucial. Many resources are available to help individuals overcome drug addiction and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

How is PCP Used?

How is PCP taken and used? The PCP drug can be used in different ways depending on its form. People on PCP snort or mix it with a liquid and inject it in powder form. It is usually swallowed when sold in tablet or capsule form; when in liquid form, it can be drunk or injected.

Why is PCP Smoked?

The PCP drug (Phencyclidine) is sometimes smoked for its psychoactive effects. Smoking PCP can produce rapid and intense effects as the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. People who use PCP for recreational purposes may smoke it to achieve a desired high and experience its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

The most common way for people on PCP to use it is by smoking it after mixing it with other drugs or substances, such as marijuana or tobacco. Smoking this mixture is known as “fry,” “wet,” “dust,” or “sherm” and is considered extremely dangerous as it can lead to overdose and death.

Smoking PCP is a dangerous and potentially harmful method of use, as it can cause damage to the lungs and other organs. Smoking PCP can also increase the risk of overdose or experiencing dangerous side effects such as seizures, disorientation, or violent behavior.

What are PCP’s Effects? How Does PCP Affect Users?

PCP affects users in several ways. The drug is a potent hallucinogen and can cause intense and unpredictable effects that vary depending on dosage, mode of administration, and individual factors. Some of the effects of PCP include:

• Euphoria: PCP initially causes pleasure and euphoria, possibly leading users to continue using the drug.
• Hallucinations: PCP can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, which may be frightening or disorienting for the user.
• Delusions: PCP can cause delusions, such as believing one can fly or have superhuman strength.
• Disorientation: PCP can cause a feeling of detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings, leading to a distorted sense of time, space, and reality.
• Agitation: PCP can cause agitation, aggression, and violent behavior, especially at high doses.
• Numbness: PCP can cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in various body parts.
• Memory Loss: PCP can cause memory loss, making it difficult for users to remember what they did while under the influence of the drug.
• Respiratory Depression: PCP can affect breathing, leading to respiratory depression, which can be fatal.

PCP drug use can lead to overdose and death, especially when used with alcohol or other drugs. Its effects on the body and mind can be long-lasting and potentially irreversible, making it a hazardous drug.

Other PCP Effects On the Body

PCP affects the body in several ways. PCP’s effects are both physical and mental. The drug is a dissociative anesthetic, which means it can cause a person to feel disconnected from their body, mind, and environment. Here are some of the effects of PCP on the body:

• Physical Effects of PCP: The PCP drug can affect a person’s physical coordination, causing difficulty walking or controlling movements. It can also cause numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in various body parts. Other physical effects include elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and respiratory depression.
• Psychological Effects of PCP: The PCP drug can cause hallucinations, delusions, and dissociation, leading to detachment from oneself and one’s surroundings. Users may experience a distorted sense of time, space, and reality. Other psychological effects include confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and even aggression.
• Long-Term Effects of PCP: Repeated use of PCP can lead to a range of long-term effects, including depression, memory loss, speech problems, and even permanent brain damage.

The PCP drug is dangerous and is sold on the street at unknown potency, worsening its unpredictable potential effects. Unfortunately, the PCP drug can be combined with other substances without warning, leading to potentially devastating consequences ranging from addiction to irrational behavior and deadly outcomes.

What is PCP On a Drug Test

Regarding PCP drug tests, PCP can be tested in standard urine drug tests, along with other commonly abused substances. These tests detect the presence of PCP or its metabolites in the urine, indicating recent or past use. The duration of PCP detection in urine can vary. Still, generally, it can be detected for up to a week after use, depending on various factors such as frequency and dosage.

How Long Does PCP Stay in System?

How long does PCP stay in your system? The length of time that PCP stays in a person’s system depends on various factors, including the amount of the drug taken, the frequency of use, and a person’s body composition, among others. In general, PCP can be detected in urine tests for up to 7 days after use, while blood tests can detect the drug for up to 48 hours. These are rough estimates. The exact amount of time that PCP remains detectable in a person’s system can vary depending on individual factors.

Phencyclidine PCP Drug Effects, Symptoms, and Signs

What is PCP drugs’ adverse effect on the brain and body? PCP drug, or phencyclidine, is a powerful dissociative drug that can significantly affect the mind and body. Here are some of the more powerful adverse PCP drug effects:

• Effects of PCP on the Brain
  • PCP drugs can cause profound changes in perception, mood, and thought. Users may experience intense feelings of detachment from reality, dissociation, and depersonalization. They may also experience hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
• PCP Effects on the Body
  • PCP drugs can cause various biological effects, including impaired coordination, slurred speech, rapid eye movements, and elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Effects of PCP on the body may also experience numbness, tingling, and a loss of limb sensation.
• Behavioral Long-Term Effects of PCP
  • PCP’s long-term effects include unpredictable and often dangerous behavior. Users may become aggressive, violent, and paranoid and may engage in risky activities such as driving while under the influence.
• Long-Term Side Effects of PCP
  • Chronic use of PCP drugs can lead to PCP long-term effects with lasting impacts on the brain and body. Users may experience memory problems, difficulty with learning and decision-making, and psychological and psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

Prolonged PCP use can have devastating consequences, from impairing memory and speaking abilities to causing long-term psychological distress. Many users suffer depression, anxiety, and difficulty socializing after a prolonged period of using the drug. Whatever its form or effects, it’s clear PCP has damaging impacts well beyond any “high.”

In addition to these PCP side effects short term and long-term, PCP drugs can also be highly addictive, and users may develop a tolerance to the drug over time, leading them to use higher and higher doses to achieve the same effects. Overdose can also be a risk with PCP use, leading to coma, seizures, and death.

What is a PCP High Like? PCP Symptoms.

A PCP high can be a powerful and unpredictable experience, clouding reality with disconnected visuals and sounds. PCP highs can potentially distort emotions and disrupt rational thought processes, leading users on an altered journey.

Phencyclidine can have incredibly varied effects on someone high on PCP, ranging from joy to intense terror. For some users, a PCP high can lead to paranoia or delusions, while others high on PCP may separate themselves from reality and experience hallucinations. Its impact is unpredictable; age, sex, weight, and concurrent drug use affect how someone reacts when influenced by this powerful substance.

Abuse of Phencyclidine triggers adverse side effects and symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat and breathing.
• Blurred vision.
• Dizziness.
• Numbness in the limbs.

Higher doses of Phencyclidine side effects can induce symptoms like:

• Blood pressure.
• Vomiting.
• Confusion.
• Inability to feel pain.
• Coma or death if taken with alcohol or other drugs.

A PCP high is powerful and mind-altering. The PCP drug can be deadly and dangerous to your health. Be safe by staying away from this substance.

What is a PCP Flashback?

A PCP flashback is a re-experiencing of some of the effects of PCP use, even after the drug has left the body. Flashbacks can happen days, weeks, or even months after the last use of the drug. During a flashback, users may feel as if they are experiencing some of the effects of the drug, such as hallucinations, delusions, or a distorted sense of reality.

Various factors, including stress, fatigue, or other drugs, can trigger flashbacks. However, flashbacks are not common with PCP use, and research suggests that they occur in a minority of people who use the drug. It’s important to note that the experience of a flashback can be scary and disorienting. Users should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any adverse effects related to PCP use.

Popular PCP Street Names

What is PCP’s top street name? The most common street name for the PCP drug is “Angel Dust.” The term “Angel Dust” gained popularity in the 1970s and is still commonly used today. There are many PCP street names or slang terms for Angel Dust. Popular street names for PCP include:

It’s crucial to remember that PCP and the various street names for PCP are illegal drugs with potentially adverse effects on the body and mind. Using the drug can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death. It’s also important to be aware of the many street names or PCP slang terms associated with the drug, as this can help people recognize when someone may be talking about or using the drug.

Please recognize that using illicit substances, including PCP, can be dangerous and illegal. If you or someone you know is struggling with PCP use, seeking professional help is crucial to mitigate the negative effects of the drug.

Common PCP Symptoms

PCP produces a range of symptoms that can vary depending on factors like dosage, method of administration, and individual sensitivity to the drug. Here are some common symptoms of PCP use:

• Agitation.
• Anxiety.
• Confusion.
• Depression.
• Distorted perception of time and reality.
• Euphoria.
• Hallucinations (visual, auditory, and sensory).
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Muscle rigidity.
• Numbness Or tingling in the extremities.
• Paranoia and delusions.
• Respiration problems.
• Seizures.
• Sweating.
• Violent or aggressive behavior.
• Impaired motor coordination.

It’s essential to know that PCP overdose can lead to respiratory failure and even death. Long-term use can cause permanent damage to the brain and other organs. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms or side effects of PCP use, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.

PCP Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition, and not all individuals who use PCP will develop an addiction. However, if you or someone you know is experiencing PCP symptoms, seeking professional help to address the addiction may be essential.

The PCP drug, or phencyclidine, can be highly addictive, and users may develop a psychological and physical dependency on the drug over time. Here are some signs and symptoms of PCP addiction:

• Cravings: Individuals addicted to PCP may experience intense cravings for the drug and feel like they cannot function without it.
• Tolerance: As individuals use PCP more frequently, they may develop a tolerance to its effects, meaning they need to use higher and higher doses to achieve the same impact.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: When individuals addicted to PCP stop using the drug, they may have PCP drug withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, tremors, anxiety, and depression.
• Changes in Behavior: Individuals addicted to PCP may experience alterations in their behavior, such as becoming increasingly secretive or withdrawn or engaging in dangerous acts, such as driving under the influence.
• Social and Occupational Problems: Individuals addicted to PCP may experience difficulties in their relationships or at work and may withdraw from social activities or responsibilities.
• Physical Symptoms: Chronic use of PCP can cause various physical symptoms, such as weight loss, poor hygiene, and a general decline in overall health.

Phencyclidine PCP Drug Class

What kind of drug is PCP? PCP, or phencyclidine, is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and dependence but also has some recognized medical uses when administered under strict medical supervision.

PCP drug is also classified as a dissociative drug, meaning it can cause a sense of detachment from reality and feeling disconnected from one’s body or surroundings. It belongs to the class of hallucinogen drugs and has some effects similar to other drugs, such as LSD and ketamine. However, PCP is considered more potent and potentially dangerous than other hallucinogens.

PCP Drug Addiction Statistics

The PCP drug affects the central nervous system (CNS). Since rhabdomyolysis, hypoglycemia, seizures, hypertensive crisis, coma, and trauma are some of the consequences that can occur with PCP usage, emergency department doctors should become knowledgeable about how to handle patients with PCP toxicity. [1] Continue reading for more PCP statistics.

PCP Deaths Per Year Statistics

The exact number of deaths from PCP drug (Phencyclidine) abuse is difficult to estimate because many overdose deaths involving PCP also involve other drugs and alcohol, which makes it hard to identify the contributing cause. However, a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study showed that in 2019, 1,599 reported deaths involving PCP, either as the primary cause or a contributing factor. This number only represents deaths reported to the US government and may not include deaths that went unreported or occurred in other countries.

PCP drugs are illegal and dangerous substances that can have severe and unpredictable effects on a person’s health and well-being, leading to addiction, dependence, and a host of negative consequences. Consequently, it’s imperative to avoid using it altogether and seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction.

---

---

Top 5 Phencyclidine Drug FAQs

PCP Drug Phencyclidine Intoxication Symptoms

What are the effects of PCP? How can you tell if someone is high on PCP? The short term effects of PCP can trigger even in small amounts. Users tend to feel disconnected from their surroundings and experience hallucinations and changes in perception. Moreover, PCP side effects long term can lead to mood disorders or amnesia.

How Long Do the Effects of PCP Last?

Were you wondering how long does PCP trip last? This substance quickly acts, with symptoms appearing one to five minutes after smoking PCP. The drug peaks in the bloodstream 15 to 30 minutes after smoking, and the high lasts up to six hours, including PCP effect on pupils, such as rapid eye movement. Lingering effects might be noted for one to two days following usage.

How Long Does PCP Last?

How long does PCP high last? The effects of PCP (Phencyclidine) can vary in duration depending on the amount taken, the method of administration, and the individual’s tolerance. Typically, the effects of smoking or injecting PCP may begin within minutes and last for up to several hours. The effects of oral consumption may take longer to onset but can last several hours.

The duration of effects can also depend on the dose taken. Higher doses of PCP can have many longer-lasting effects and may take several days to wear off fully. The duration of the effects of PCP can also vary based on individual factors such as age, body size, metabolism, and the presence of any other substances.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

Wondering how long does PCP stay in the system? Various tests can be used to identify PCP in the user’s system. A urine test is one of the most popular tests utilized today. The urine test operates similarly to a standard lab urine test in that the user’s urine is collected in a cup and submitted to the lab.

So, how long do PCP stay in your system? Reliable tests detect PCP in the body 4 to 6 hours after consumption. PCP residues can also be seen in the urine 7 to 14 days following consumption.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Urine?

The detection window for PCP (Phencyclidine) in urine depends on various factors such as the dose, frequency of use, and clearance rate of the individual. Typically, PCP and its metabolites can be detected in a standard urine drug test for 7-14 days after the last use. However, in some cases, PCP may be detectable in urine for up to a month after use.

It’s important to note that the detection period for PCP can vary among individuals and the type of drug test used. Other factors affecting the detection period include age, body mass, metabolism, and overall health.

PCP Drug Test

The detection of PCP (Phencyclidine) in a drug test depends on the type of test being used, the timing of the test, and the amount and frequency of PCP use.

A standard urine drug test can detect PCP metabolites up to 7-14 days after the last use, depending on the dose and frequency. PCP can also be seen in other body fluids, such as blood, saliva, and hair, although these tests are less commonly used.

It’s important to note that PCP is a potent and dangerous drug with severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, seeking professional help and support is essential for recovery.

PCP Drug Test Kit

Various PCP drug test kits are available in the market for detecting the presence of PCP (phencyclidine) in urine samples. These kits often involve collecting a urine sample and using the provided testing materials to check for the presence of PCP or its metabolites.

You can find PCP drug test kits online or at some pharmacies, and they typically come with instructions on how to use them properly. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

While at-home PCP drug test kits can indicate drug use, they may not be as accurate as laboratory testing. If you require a more precise or legally recognized result, it is advisable to have the test conducted at a certified laboratory or seek professional medical guidance.

False Positive for PCP Drug Test

False positives for PCP are relatively rare but can still occur in certain situations. A false positive occurs when a drug test incorrectly identifies a non-existent substance in someone’s system. A false positive for PCP may occur if the subject has recently consumed certain medications, like diphenhydramine, with structures similar to PCP.

Certain foods like poppy seeds can cause false positives for opiates, leading to incorrect identification of PCP. If you believe that you have received a false positive for PCP. In that case, it is recommended that you get the results of your test interpreted by a medical professional to ensure accuracy.

PCP drug effects tend to last between four and six hours. Long-term use of PCP drugs also leads to health problems, including the following:

• Memory loss.
• Difficulty with Speech and Learning.
• Depression.
• Weight loss.

Is PCP Addictive?

Is PCP addicting? Yes, PCP, or phencyclidine, can be highly addictive. Chronic use of PCP can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and individuals who use the drug frequently may experience intense cravings. One reason for PCP’s addictive potential is that it can produce a range of pleasurable and euphoric effects, reinforcing drug use and increasing the likelihood of addiction. Additionally, PCP can cause changes in the brain that may contribute to addiction, such as alterations in the dopamine and glutamate systems.

How addictive is PCP? PCP is a Schedule II controlled drug in the US, which means that it is considered to have a high potential for drug addiction and dependence. Continued use of PCP despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems, work, or legal issues, is a sign of addiction. Treatment for PCP addiction may involve a combination of medications, therapy, and support services, such as counseling and support groups. If you or someone you’re concerned with is struggling with PCP addiction, it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Phencyclidine Intoxication Treatment

Phencyclidine (PCP drug) intoxication can be a medical emergency and requires prompt medical attention. Treatment for PCP drug intoxication will depend on the severity of symptoms and can include the following:

Phencyclidine PCP Treatment for Addiction

When it comes to PCP withdrawal treatment, there are no FDA-approved PCP addiction drugs or therapies. Individuals with PCP addiction symptoms often undergo a medically supervised detoxification procedure, followed by various forms of addiction-supportive therapy. Detoxification, often known as detoxification, is removing toxins from the body. The following symptoms characterize this stage:

Addicts generally get behavioral therapy, group therapy, and other forms of counseling to aid their recovery. Despite some success, further study is needed to discover the treatment most helpful for PCP and other hallucinogen addictions. Moreover, PCP makes users feel out of control or alienated from their bodies and surroundings. This can lead to aggressive behavior and a greater risk of endangering oneself or others.

PCP Treatment Addiction Relapse Prevention

Focus on the following while you heal to help prevent relapse:

• Continue to attend your therapy sessions.
• Discover new hobbies and goals to replace the ones that require the use of your PCP.
• Spend more time with relatives and friends you lost contact with while using. Consider not visiting pals who continue to use PCP.
• Work out and consume nutritious meals. Taking care of your body aids in its recovery from the adverse effects of PCP. You will feel better as well.
• Avoid potential triggers. These might be folks with whom you used PCP. Triggers might also be locations, objects, or feelings that cause you to desire to use them again.

We Level Up Treatment Center offers world-class PCP drug addiction treatment with 24-hour medical specialists to assist you. We collaborate as a team to help in PCP withdrawal therapy and other treatments. Make this your chance to recover your life. Call now to talk with one of our PCP therapy experts. Our experts understand what you’re going through and will gladly answer any questions.

Your call will be kept private and confidential, and there will be no obligation.

Top 8 What is PCP Drug? FAQs

What is PCP Drug Angel Dust? PCP Effects, Hazards & PCP Treatment Options Video.

PCP Drug Video Transcript

What is PCP drug? Angel dust is a sinister street name for the potent drug. PCP is an illicit hallucinogen and sedative that can cause severe physical and psychological afflictions. Smoking it as “fry” or mixing it with marijuana cigarettes results in temporary sensory distortions. Its dire effects include agitation, impaired coordination, strokes, depression, and even schizophrenia-like behavior. As this narcotic has unpredictable consequences during misuse, medical attention should be sought immediately if you suspect someone is under Angel Dust’s influence.

Despite its serious health risks, Angel dust remains popular amongst people of all ages. In fact, according to a survey conducted in 2000 by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), over 6 million Americans aged 12 and older had tried PCP or angel dust at least once; 225,000 teenagers/young adults and 777,000 18–25-year-olds included.

The use and prohibition of PCP, commonly known as Angel dust, is an intensely regulated subject. According to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), it has been labeled a Schedule II Controlled Substance – with justifications including its high potential for abuse and physical or mental dependence that may arise from overuse. It joins other powerful drugs such as Methamphetamine and Cocaine in this dangerous category, which carries severe consequences for those caught engaging in activities related to these substances.

There are several PCP street names, including:

PCP drugs have far-reaching implications on mental health, potentially altering behavior and mood while affecting users’ interactions with their surroundings. Through molecules that interfere with the normal activities of several brain chemicals in our central nervous system, NIH specialists suspect these substances can create drastic changes to our mindscape – a world filled with possibilities deriving from this powerful concoction.

Watch the What is PCP? PCP’s Drug Effects and Angel Dust Dangers Video

Angel dust, or PCP drug, has become increasingly popular in the hallucinogen world – but with the potential for drastically dangerous effects. Its use can temporarily remove users from their physical and emotional state of being, appearing to them as a feeling of unboundedness that comes hand-in-hand with enhanced confidence levels akin to having ‘superhuman power.’ This detachment is often accompanied by an artificial euphoria which may be pleasant at first glance yet carries far heavier risks than its initial appeal suggests.