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PCP Abuse Fact Sheet

PCP, or phencyclidine, was originally developed in the 1950s and was intended to be used solely as a surgical anesthetic. The effects of PCP make users feel detached from their body, calm, peaceful and tranquil. Although used in veterinary settings extensively, it was not approved for use in humans due to some of the nasty side effects that were found to take place. Some of these side effects included agitation, delirium and extreme anger/ violence from patients when they awoke from the anesthetic state. PCP goes by a number of nicknames including angel dust, peace and supergrass, but regardless of the form or name it goes by, PCP is highly dangerous.

At The Canyon, we can help you if you are suffering from PCP addiction or if you know of someone who is. We provide services that allow patients to recover from their drug addiction and make long-lasting recoveries and go on to lead healthy, happy lives.

PCP: The Basics

PCP is distributed in either a crystal or liquid format and is technically known as a "dissociative hallucinogen." Users will commonly dip ordinary cigarettes or marijuana joints into liquid PCP, and then smoke them, combining the effects of two or more drugs together. When in a state brought on by PCP, users may appear agitated, nystagmus and may exhibit signs of tachycardia, as well as moody or violent behavior. Because of the types of behavioral disorders that can be caused by PCP, the chances for violent behavior increase greatly once the drug is taken.

The history of PCP Abuse

PCP became abused quite widely during the 1960s, but once users tired of waiting for a long time between taking the drug and feeling its effects, the initial surge died off. Still, illegal use of the drug is rampant, as many users chase after the effects that it promises. Use began to rise again with the popularity of PCP in a powdered form, which allowed them to include it with other drugs, such as marijuana or cigarettes. This combination of drugs brings the effects of PCP on very quickly, allowing users to feel them much more rapidly than other, more traditional methods.

The Effects of PCP Abuse

PCP, when taken in through either snorting or smoking, quickly enters the brain and affects sites in the brain known as NMDA receptors, which are where glutamate neurotransmitters attach themselves to in the brain. These chemicals are largely responsible for the feeling of pain in the body, and when they are blocked, the perception of pain is dulled considerably. They also play roles in learning, memory and cognition in general, as well as in how a person's emotions affect them. Finally, PCP also affects dopamine, which is why users experience an intense high when they take it. When taken in small amounts, PCP can cause mild to moderate physical effects, like increased breathing and blood pressure, but at higher doses, PCP can cause serious physical damage to the body, including bringing on blindness, dizziness and violent behaviors.

Drug Rehab at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we will help you overcome your PCP addiction - and any other alcohol or drug addiction you may have - by providing you with the best tools, treatments and resources you need to combat your addiction and achieve a permanent abstinence. If you have any questions about our club drug rehab program, contact us at The Canyon today at .

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