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The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse addressed that roughly
6 million people from the United States aged 12 and older tried
PCP at least once in their lifetime. In addition, over 750,000
individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 used the drug at least
once. PCP (phencyclidine) effects prove to be unpredictable. PCP
was designed in the 1950’s as an intravenous anesthetic,
but was soon discontinued due to patients feeling agitated, delusional,
and irrational. Even though PCP was discontinued, it still has
leaked out in society as people illegally manufacture PCP in laboratories,
and sell it on the street as “angel dust”, “ozone”, “rocket
fuel”, and THC.”
One of the many problems PCP creates
is that it is addicting for many people. Some chose to use PCP
regularly and consistently throughout their lives. When
people exert themselves into this habit, PCP will often lead to a psychological
independence, compulsive seeking behavior, and constant craving of the drug.
PCP can produce a number of effects that include acting as a stimulant, a depressant,
and a hallucinogen all at the same time.
Unfortunately, many people who chose
to use PCP are rushed to the emergency room
because of PCP’s devastating psychological effects, and the overdoses that
people chose to take. PCP user’s behavior is unpredictable as they often
experience being disoriented, violent, and suicidal.
There are many risks that
PCP poses to younger people. Moderate use of PCP can negatively affect hormones
associated with normal growth, including cognitive
development. PCP has the power to decrease the overall learning process of
younger
individuals. The effects of PCP are often based on the dose taken by the
user. At low doses, PCP causes mild intoxication, slurred speech,
erratic eye movement,
and impaired coordination. At bigger doses, PCP causes an increased heart
rate and blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and produces a fever.
At higher doses,
PCP can cause an array of detrimental effects that include seizures, convulsions,
coma, and death. It is important to understand that low doses will usually
persist for a few hours, while higher doses of PCP will last for several
days. Finally,
PCP is illegal, and is a Schedule II substance that has a high potential
for psychological and physical dependence.
The preceding information
has provided pertinent facts about PCP. For further resources
and information, please call Health Services at 308-4850. In addition,
the following are websites that will provide supplementary insight on PCP,
and other drugs.
Websites and Links
Urine
Drug Test Fact Sheet Phencyclidne (PCP)
The Drug Library
Drug Digest
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