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
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
| Drug |
Time Period |
8th- Graders |
10th- Graders |
12th- Graders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP | Lifetime | - | - | 1.6 |
| Past Year | - | - | 0.9 | |
| Past Month | - | - | 0.5 |
* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year.
| Drug |
Time Period |
Ages 12 or Older |
Ages 12-17 |
Ages 18-25 |
Ages 26 or Older |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCP | Lifetime | 2.4 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| Past Year | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | |
| Past Month | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ^ |
* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year.
^ Low precision ; no estimate reported.
Emerging Trends
Get more information on Emerging Trends, we will update this page with the latest research findings as they develop.
Looking for Treatment?
Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or 1-800-662-HELP.
Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.