PCP Fast Facts

What Is PCP?

PCP (phencyclidine) was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic, but its use for humans was discontinued because it caused patients to become agitated, delusional, and irrational.

Today, individuals abuse PCP because of the mind-altering, hallucinogenic effects it produces.

What Does PCP Look Like?

PCP is a bitter-tasting, white crystalline powder that is easy to dissolve in water or alcohol. PCPs may be dyed various colors and often are sold as a:

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Liquid
• Powder
  

How Is PCP Abused?

Users may:

• Snort PCP powder
• Swallow tablets or capsules
• Smoke the drug by applying powder PCP to a leafy substance such as marijuana, mint, parsley, or oregano
• Dip marijuana or tobacco cigarettes in liquid PCP and smoke them
  

Who Uses PCP?

Individuals of all ages use PCP.

Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicate that an estimated 6 million U.S. residents aged 12 and older have used PCP at least once in their lifetime.

The survey also revealed:

• 225,000 individuals aged 12 to 17 used PCP at least once
• 777,000 individuals aged 18 to 25 used PCP at least once
  

PCP use among high school students is a particular concern:

• More than 3% of high school seniors in the United States used PCP at least once in their lifetime
• More than 1% used PCP in the past year
• (According to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey)
  

What Are the Risks?

PCP is an addictive drug. Its use often results in:

• Psychological dependence
• Craving
• Compulsive PCP-seeking behavior
  

PCP produces unpleasant psychological effects, and users often become violent or suicidal.

Risks for Young People

PCPs pose particular risks for young people. Even moderate use can:

• Negatively affect hormones associated with normal growth and development
• Impede the learning process in teenagers
  

High-Dose Effects

High doses of PCP can cause:

• Seizures
• Coma
• Death (often as a result of accidental injury or suicide while under the drug’s effects)
  

At high doses, PCP’s effects may resemble symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including:

• Delusions
• Paranoia
  

Long-Term Effects

Long-term use of PCP can lead to:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty with speech or thought
• Depression
• Weight loss
  

These problems can persist for up to a year after an individual has stopped using PCP.

What Is It Called?

Common names for PCP include:

• Angel dust
• Animal tranquilizer
• Embalming fluid
• Ozone
• Rocket fuel
• Wack
  

Marijuana or tobacco cigarettes dipped in PCP are called:

• Illy
• Wet
• Fry
  

Street Terms for PCP

Additional street terms include:

• Animal tranq
• Black dust
• Boat
• Cliffhanger
• Crystal T
• Dipper
• Dust joint
• Goon dust
• Happy sticks
• Horse tranquilizer
• Kools
• Lethal weapon
• Magic dust
• O.P.P.
• Paz
• Peter Pan
• Shermans
• Trank
  

Is PCP Illegal?

Yes, PCP is illegal.

PCP is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

Schedule II drugs (which include cocaine and methamphetamine):

• Have a high potential for abuse
• May lead to severe psychological or physical dependence