PCP
Katie Fitzsimmons
PCP (Phencyclidine)
-Developed as an anesthetic
-Discontinued in 1965
-Many troubling side effects
-Discontinued in 1965
- People were scared of its negative side effects
-Many troubling side effects
Description:
- white, crystal-like powder
- dissolves quickly in liquids
- has a distinct, bitter, chemical-like taste
- comes as a white or colored powder or liquid
Can be Added to:
Ways to be Added into the Body
May be sold in a pill/tablet/capsule form
Can be:- Swallowed
- Snorted
- Injected through a syringe (mixed with a liquid)
Short-Term Effects
Mental Effects:
- Hallucinations
- Out-of-Body Experiences
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Non-Coherent Thoughts
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Bizarre or Violent Behavior
- Numb Body
- Dizziness
- Drooling
- Slurred or Garbled Speech
- Decrease in Muscle Coordination or Balance
- A lot of Sweating
- Rapid eye Movements
- Blank Stares
- Nausea or Vomiting
Long-Term Effects
- Mental and Physical Cravings for PCP
- Compulsive behavior to obtain the drug
- Constant usage (even after experiencing side-effects)
- Memory Loss
- Problems in Thought Forming
- Speech Problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Unhealthy Weight Loss
- Flashbacks of Previous Drug usages
Effects by Dosages
Small Doses-
Dramatic increase in:
- Blood Pressure
- Body Temperature
- Heart Rate
Dramatic decrease in:
- Blood pressure
- Body Temperature
- Heart Rate
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
What do users suffer from?
Hallucinogen-induced Persisting Perpetual Disorder (HPPD)
- frequent hallucinations or flashbacks of drug usage
- may cause trouble with work and/or personal life
- makes users hostile, paranoid, and/or delusional
Extra Facts
PCP is potent enough to kill people
- most victims commit suicide or are in a fatal accident
- people jump off of buildings and bridges - thought that they could fly
If mixed with alcohol or depressants, it can lead to:
- Comas
- life-threatening consequences
More Important Facts:
-PCP is listed as a SCHEDULE II substance in the United States
- Possession or usage are punishable by fines and/or jail time
-Most doctors recommend:
- behavioral therapies
- Rehab treatment in a facility
Bibliography
Lancaster, Julia Brown. "PCP." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. The Nemours Foundation, Feb. 2014. Web. 31 Mar. 2016. <http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/pcp.html?WT.ac=ctg#catdrugs>.