Drug abuse

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PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP, "angel dust")

It is difficult to estimate the current use of phencyclidine in the United States, because many individuals do not recognize that they have taken it. Other illicit substances (such as marijuana) can be laced with PCP without the user being aware of it.

A 1986 National Institute of Drug Abuse survey of high school seniors revealed that over 12% of the students had used hallucinogens (substances that cause hallucinations), and that many of these drugs probably contained PCP.

PCP use in the U.S. dates back to 1967 when it was sold as the "Peace Pill" in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Its use never became very popular because it had a reputation for causing "bad trips."

PCP use grew during the mid-1970s, primarily because of different packaging (sprinkling on leaves that are smoked) and marketing strategies. During the 1980s it became the most commonly used hallucinogen, with the majority of users aged 15 - 25.

Although phencyclidine was initially developed by a pharmaceutical company searching for a new anesthetic, it was not suitable for human use because of its psychotropic (mind-altering) side effects.

PCP is no longer manufactured for legitimate, legal purposes. Unfortunately it can be made rather easily and without great expense by anyone with a knowledge of organic chemistry. This makes it a prime drug for the illicit drug industry. It is available illegally as a white, crystalline powder that can be dissolved in either alcohol or water.

PCP may be administered in different ways. How fast it affects the user depends on the means of administration. If dissolved, PCP may be taken intravenously ("shot up") and its effects noted within seconds.

Sprinkled over dried parsley, oregano, or marijuana leaves, it can be smoked, and effects noted within 2 - 5 minutes, peaking at 15 - 30 minutes. Taken by mouth, in pill form or mixed with food or beverages, PCP's effects are usually noted within 30 minutes. The effects tend to peak in about 2 - 5 hours.