PCP (Phencyclidine)
The effects, the risks, the law.
Slang:
Angel dust, ozone, wack, rocketfuel, peace pill, elephant tranquiliser, dust, kools, sherms and wet daddies.
Background:
A white crystalline powder which can be prepared for injection, sniffing, smoking or swallowing. PCP is a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties.
The effect:
- Feelings of dreaminess and mild hallucinations;
- Users also experience distortions in their perception of time and space.
The risks:
- Even in low doses, PCP can lead to severe psychological trauma;
- Users may feel agitated and paranoid, leading to outbursts of violent behaviour including self-mutilation;
- Large doses can cause respiratory arrest or kidney failure;
- Excessive doses can lead to convulsions and even death;
- It can be difficult to administer safe doses of a drug whose strength wildly fluctuates;
- PCP is frequently laced with other illicit substances (such as marijuana) and the buyer not made aware of its presence.
The law:
Phencyclidine is a Class A drug.
If you are planning on taking PCP:
If you do decide to take PCP, make sure you are in a safe environment with people you know. People have been known to drown in pools and jump to their deaths on PCP. It is notorious for causing "bad trips" so keep close to your mates.
