What Is PCP (Phencyclidine)? | Facts, Effects, & Warnings Of Angel Dust Use

PCP (phencyclidine) is a dissociative drug. It’s part of the hallucinogen class—a group of drugs people abuse because they produce euphoria, hallucinations, and disconnection from reality. PCP is mostly abused by young adults. 

Despite the common belief that hallucinogens are harmless, PCP is addictive. Long-term abuse may cause health problems and overdose can be fatal.

Facts About PCP (Phencyclidine)

It’s illegal to use PCP on humans in the United States. But phencyclidine is still available as a street drug throughout the country.

Forms Of PCP 

You can most commonly find PCP as a white crystalline powder or liquid. It also comes in tablet or pill form. The powder can be dissolved in water to produce a liquid solution.

PCP isn’t usually formulated in high doses. The average dose is five to 10 mg.

How To Use PCP

PCP can be snorted, injected, smoked, or swallowed. Some people combine it with other drugs or food before consuming it.

• Snorting: You can snort PCP powder by inhaling it into your nose. Insufflation (snorting) takes the drug quickly to your bloodstream.
• Injecting: PCP liquid or dissolved powder can be injected straight into your bloodstream through a vein.
• Smoking: Some people put PCP on mint, oregano, or marijuana leaves and roll it into cigarette paper to smoke. Some dip a marijuana joint into PCP liquid (called a “dipper”).
• Swallowing: PCP can be swallowed in any form and may be mixed with food or drink.

PCP Street Names

Commonly called “angel dust,” PCP has several street names, including:

• supergrass
• rocket fuel
• peace pill
• oregano
• embalming fluid
• wack

PCP Addiction

There isn’t evidence that all hallucinogens are addictive, though most produce tolerance (you need to take higher doses over time to have the same effect). However, research shows that PCP is addictive. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies PCP as a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.

If you use angel dust (phencyclidine) regularly and suddenly stop, you may have withdrawal symptoms like headaches, profuse sweating, and drug cravings.

PCP (Phencyclidine) Effects

PCP is similar to other hallucinogens like LSD (acid) and ketamine, which change your perception of the world around you. 

Angel dust affects the central nervous system, raising your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature. PCP intoxication can make you feel separated from your body, surroundings, and reality.

Other effects of PCP are:

• euphoria
• lowered inhibition
• feeling of floating
• sense of clear thinking
• perceived superhuman strength
• lack of rational fear
• a blank stare
• rapid, involuntary eye movements

How Long Do The Effects Of PCP Last?

How soon PCP becomes effective and how long the effects last depends on how you take the drug:

• Oral Ingestion: Effects come on within 30 minutes and peak at two to five hours.
• Smoking: Effects start after two to five minutes and peak at 15 to 30 minutes.
• Injection: Effects begin after two to five minutes.

Oral ingestion (swallowing) lasts much longer because the drug is slowly processed through the digestive system before being released into the body.

Negative Effects Of PCP (Phencyclidine)

In low to moderate doses, PCP may cause loss of coordination and numbness in your entire body. The drug is an anesthetic, which decreases sensitivity to pain. You could seriously hurt yourself while on PCP and not know it.

High doses of PCP can lead to adverse side effects, such as:

• paranoia
• psychosis
• hearing voices
• strange behavior
• aggression
• violence
• irregular heart rate (arrhythmia)
• rigid muscles
• kidney failure
• seizures

Long-term use of PCP (phencyclidine) abuse can cause hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPS), which makes you have flashbacks and hallucinations long after using angel dust. 

Prolonged drug use can also cause psychological effects like:

• memory loss
• difficulty thinking clearly
• trouble talking (slurring words or stuttering)
• mood changes (often depression or anxiety)

Depending on how you abuse PCP, you may develop other health problems: 

• Snorting the drug into your nose can damage nasal tissue and affect your ability to smell and taste.
• Smoking PCP is damaging to the lungs and airway.
• Injecting PCP can lead to collapsed veins, scarring, and abscesses (pus-filled sores).

Warnings Of Angel Dust Use

If you’re using angel dust regularly, you need to know it’s addictive, and overdose can be deadly. 

High doses of PCP may cause seizures, coma, or death. Mixing phencyclidine with central nervous system depressants (alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines), increases the risk of overdose.

The angel dust withdrawal process can also be fatal. PCP withdrawal symptoms may include:

• excitement
• feeling tense
• anxiety or worry
• fear or unease
• irritability or agitation
• muscle twitching
• weight loss
• hallucinations
• seizures

Seizures are life-threatening. The safest place to detox from PCP is in a medical inpatient environment.

PCP (Phencyclidine) Treatment

If you or a loved one are struggling with PCP (phencyclidine) abuse or addiction, there is hope. Rehab centers like Ark Behavioral Health offer holistic and personalized care that nurtures your physical and mental health.

Treatment programs for PCP addiction may begin with medical detox, which ensures your safety through the withdrawal process. You’ll be closely monitored and stabilized if needed.

Addiction treatment typically involves behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups, and exercise. You’ll learn to replace substance abuse with positive coping strategies and sober activities. Taking care of your body and mind will become second nature as you heal.
Connect with an Ark Behavioral Health specialist today to explore our treatment options and begin your recovery now.