### What Is PCP (Angel Dust) Phencyclidine?

PCP (Angel Dust) Phencyclidine is a dissociative drug that can change a person’s perception, mood, thinking and awareness of their surroundings. Originally developed as an anaesthetic by researchers, doctors stopped using phencyclidine medically because it could cause severe psychological effects.

Today, PCP is known primarily as an illegal recreational drug. It may be a powder, a tablet, a capsule or a liquid. The effects of PCP are unpredictable because illegally made PCP is often of varying strength and composition.

What Does Phencyclidine Do to the Brain?

PCP primarily targets the brain’s glutamate system, especially the NMDA receptors. The result is that it can interfere with normal brain cell communication.

PCP can thus cause dissociation, changes in perception, confusion, and changes in the sense of time or environment. “Some may also exhibit odd behaviour, agitation, hallucinations or impaired judgement.”

The strength of these effects can vary a lot. This means that a person can not know for sure what effect an illegal PCP product will have on them.

The Effects of PCP

Effects reported include:

• Distorted senses and altered perception
• Isolation from the environment
• Confusion and disorientation
• Mood or behaviour changes
• Reduced pain awareness
• Poor coordination and impaired judgement.
• Restless or nervous
• Hallucinations
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

But the effects vary from person to person and can be much more serious with higher exposure or if PCP is taken with other drugs.

Serious risks & side-effects

“PCP can do a lot of physical and mental damage. Heavy intoxication may lead to extreme confusion, aggression, loss of coordination, seizures or unconsciousness.

PCP can also affect cardiovascular and neurological function. Some people may develop dangerously high blood pressure, abnormal body temperature or breathing problems.

Long-term or repeated use can also cause lasting psychological problems, memory problems, and thinking or behaviour problems.

Why Is PCP So Unpredictable?

One major concern is the unregulated nature of illicit PCP. Illegal products may contain unknown concentrations or other substances. This is why you cannot know what a product really contains from its appearance or packaging.

Combining PCP with alcohol, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, or other drugs can increase the risk of dangerous effects.

Dependence and withdrawal from PCP

Repeated use of PCP can cause problems and dependence. People who use the drug regularly may have cravings and be unable to quit.

Withdrawal can cause changes in mood, sleep problems, anxiety, confusion and other psychological symptoms. Severe intoxication and withdrawal can require medical attention, so anyone struggling with PCP use can benefit from professional help.

What to do in a PCP emergency?

If the person becomes very confused, unconscious, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, is very agitated, or seems unstable medically, call for emergency medical help right away.

Don’t leave a drunk person alone. • Keep the environment as calm and safe as possible. • Do not give them any more drugs or alcohol.

Is it safe to use or buy PCP?

None. There are no safe ways to use PCP recreationally. Its effects can be unpredictable, and illegal products do not reliably disclose potency, purity or ingredients.

In addition, PCP can impair judgement and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries and dangerous behaviour.

Conclusion:

Phencyclidine (PCP) (Angel Dust) PCP is a strong dissociative drug that can cause many dangerous physical and mental effects. First, scientists studied phencyclidine as an anaesthetic, but its unpredictable effects led to its discontinuation in routine medical use.

Knowing about the effects and dangers of PCP can help people recognise dangerous intoxication and get proper medical attention. Those who are worried about their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use should consider talking to a trained health professional.