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PCP Drug Facts

PCP stands for phencyclidine, an illicit drug that many people have become addicted to. Struggling with a serious PCP problem can be detrimental to your health, family life, relationships, career, and future. To get help for a PCP drug abuse problem, it’s essential to have the right information. Here are the PCP drug facts that you should know:

3 Minute Read | Published Sep 25 2023 | Updated Mar 02 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Ashley Bayliss
Reviewed by

The Top 4 PCP Drug Facts to Know

#1 – PCP was once used as an anesthetic but caused dangerous side effects.

One of the PCP drug facts you may be unaware of is that PCP was once a commonly used general anesthetic. In the 1950s, doctors used it intravenously prior to surgeries and procedures that required anesthesia. It was also used on animals in similar procedures or as a tranquilizer.

Soon, however, medical experts concluded that the drug was too dangerous to be used on humans and animals. It caused severe agitation, anxiety, and even delusions and hallucinations in patients after waking up from the drug. By 1965, use of the drug was discontinued for human use.

Still, in hidden laboratories, PCP continued to be produced. In the mid-1960s, around the time that the drug was discontinued, it appeared as a recreational drug in pill form. Peaking in the 1970s, many individuals around the nation began smoking or snorting PCP to get an immediate high.

#2 – There are specific signs of PCP abuse.

Numerous signs and symptoms may show up in an individual who is struggling with a PCP abuse problem.

  • Hallucinations
  • Blank stare
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Involuntary rapid eye movements
  • Numbness, and mobility
  • Amnesia,
  • Sedation
  • Speech difficulties, such as slurred speech
  • High blood pressure

Additionally, PCP statistics show that long-term use of the drug may result in chronic anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, isolation and withdrawal, stuttering, and the inability to think clearly.

#3 – Marijuana is often laced with PCP

PCP can be used and abused in multiple ways. When in pill form, it is not uncommon for the drug to be snorted for an instant high. But PCP in powder form can also be added it to a leafy substance and smoked.

Some users may add the powdered PCP to a dried herb, such as parley, oregano, or mint, and roll it into a cigarette to smoke. Commonly, however, the powdered PCP is put into a marijuana cigarette. It’s important for marijuana smokers to know that there is some marijuana being sold that may be laced with PCP.

#4 – PCP is a particular problem among high school students

According to PCP statistics from the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey, over 3% of seniors in high school have used PCP at least once in their lives. Other PCP facts continue to reveal that over 1% of these students used the drug in the last 12 months.

These PCP drug facts may not seem particularly alarming, but 3% and 1% add up to a large number of students, making PCP one of the most dangerous drugs on the streets for young teens. Because of the medical ramifications of using this drug, it is possible that PCP could actually alter or stunt the growth of growing men and women, causing permanent health damage.

Are You Struggling With PCP Abuse?

If you are interested in learning more about PCP and PCP drug facts, Better Addiction Care can help. We are here for you, whether you’re a struggling addict or the family member of a struggling addict.

In addition to providing essential PCP facts and information about this and other drugs, we can also help you find help with our extensive directory of rehab facilities. It’s never too late to get help for an addiction, Give us a call today at 1 (800) 429-7690 to speak with one of our courteous and knowledgeable representatives.

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