PCP Addiction and Abuse

PCP, or Phenyl Cyclohexyl Piperidine is a synthetic drug that was originally developed by a pharmaceutical company called Parke-Davis in 1959 to be used as an anesthetic. It was quickly discovered to have mind altering effects and deemed to be unsuitable for humans, and today is only of limited use to veterinarians. In the 1960's it became available to the public in the form of pills, but was not very popular for drug abuse due to the length of time for the effects to show and the reputation that quickly spread of its tendency to form "bad trips". In the 1970's it could be found in powdered form, which enabled people to smoke, snort, or to inject the drug.

When smoked, or injected, the effects are almost instantaneous. The "rush", or initial high from smoking or administering intravenously, takes about two to five minutes to become apparent. In pill form, the mind altering effects take about thirty minutes. It was common to apply PCP to a leafy material before smoking it such as marijuana, or certain basic herbs like parsley or oregano. Some reasons for continued use, in addition to the addictive properties of PCP, are the elements of increased strength, power, and feelings of invulnerability.

In it's pure form, PCP is a white, crystalline powder that is easily dissolved in water or alcohol. It is considered a "dissociative" drug because of the feelings of detachment that result from its use. "Trips" are often described as "out of body" experiences.Short term effects of PCP use include loss of inhibition, increased anxiety, delusions, panic symptoms, general numbness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, increase in blood pressure, sweating and distortion of speech. In high doses of ten milligrams or more the effects of PCP use could be quite deadly. Possible reactions include, hallucinations, seizures, kidney failure, violent tendencies, suicidal thoughts, and death. The most dangerous aspect of PCP is the unpredictability and lack of consistency of the drug. Like other drugs, every "trip" is different, and depends on a variety of factors, including strength, purity, environment, and the user's state of mind. PCP disrupts the neurotransmitter glutamate from attaching to receptors. Glutamate is involved with perception of pain. Many of the accidents caused by PCP are because of the drastic alteration of perception, ability to feel pain, and psychotic behavior associated with use. PCP is a Schedule II drug because of it's limited medical use. It is illegal and dangerous, drug addiction.. Other names of PCP include angel dust, love boat, or dipper.

Ketamine as an Alternative to PCP

Ketamine is another synthetic dissociative substance that was made in 1963 to replace PCP. It is a rapid acting general anesthetic that is still used today for both veterinary and human medical purposes. While effects of ketamine are less potent than that of PCP, they are much more rapid, and produce a trance like state. Ketamine is often used by teenagers and young adults, and recently has become popular in the club scene.

Most of the ketamine that is available derives from veterinarian offices in the form of injectable liquid. It is often evaporated to form a powder where it is then compressed into pills or snorted. Like PCP, ketamine induces complete sensory detachment, disorientation, and amnesia. It is also very dangerous, and prolonged abuse could result in brain damage, overdose, or death.