PCP, Phencyclidine - Drugs of Abuse and Related Topics

Brief Description:	PCP is a synthetic drug sold as tablets, capsules, or white or colored powder. It can be snorted, smoked, or eaten. Developed in the 1950s as an IV anesthetic, PCP was never approved for human use because of problems during clinical studies, including intensely negative psychological effects.
Street Names:	Angel dust, ozone, wack, rocket fuel More at Street Terms (Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site)
Effects:	PCP is a "dissociative" drug, distorting perceptions of sight and sound and producing feelings of detachment. Users can experience several unpleasant psychological effects, with symptoms mimicking schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, extreme anxiety).
Statistics and Trends:	In 2008, 99,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused PCP at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.1% of 12th graders had abused PCP at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site)

	NIDA InfoFacts: PCP/Phencyclidine. Brief description of the health hazards and extent of use of PCP. For a general audience. (Fact sheet). En Español
	NIDA Research Report: Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs. Detailed look at current research findings on PCP, LSD, Ketamine, and others. For a general audience. (Report). En Español

View all related NIDA publications >> 1218255since 10/25/99