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PCP Facts, History, and Statistics

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What Is PCP Used For?

“Angel Dust,” “Animal Trank,” and “Rocket Fuel”—these are only some of the street names used to reference the drug PCP (Phencyclidine), an infamous hallucinogenic (more specifically a dissociative drug) often sought for its ability to create the delusion of supreme strength, euphoria, and enhanced sexual and social abilities.

The National Drug Intelligence Center has estimated that in the U.S., more than 6 million people aged 12 years and older have tried PCP at one time in their lives.

In a 2013 report, SAMHSA reported that overall emergency room visits related to PCP increased by more than 400% between 2005 and 2011.

Today, PCP is most commonly found laced with other drugs—specifically marijuana. The drug was found in 24% of street marijuana samples.

History of PCP

PCP dust

The abbreviated term ‘PCP’ originates from the chemical name phencyclidine or, more specifically, Phenylcylohexyl piperidine. It’s been claimed that the drug’s street name—“the peace pill”—also contributed to the abbreviation PCP.

PCP was originally marketed as an anesthetic pharmaceutical in the 1950s by Parke, Davis and Company. At that time, the trade name for the drug was Sernyl, and in 1957 it was recommended for and later used in clinical trials on humans. Initially, PCP was used as a surgical anesthetic, and it later began to be utilized by veterinarians as an animal tranquilizer.

In the beginning, PCP was widely embraced by the medical community because the drug was able to provide effective anesthesia without negative effects on the heart and lungs. However, because of its adverse side effects, including post-operative psychosis, severe anxiety, and dysphoria (feeling of unease or general dissatisfaction), the drug was discontinued in 1965. By 1967, the use of PCP was restricted to “veterinary use only,” and it rapidly gained popularity as an effective animal tranquilizer.

PCP entered the street scene in the 1960s in Haight Ashbury, San Francisco—a district known for being central to the hippie movement, as well as for its culture of psychedelic drug use. PCP is used for its mind-altering effects and can be snorted, swallowed, or smoked. Smoking PCP is the most common method, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The sale of PCP became illegal in the United States in 1978Today, PCP in classified as a Schedule II substance. Drugs under this classification carry a high probability of abuse, as well as the possibility that the user may become physically or psychologically dependent.

Statistics on Illicit PCP Use

  • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.1 million individuals in the United States aged 12 and older reported lifetime use of PCP (DHHS, 2011)—that’s 2.4% of all people in this demographic.
  • PCP is predominately used by high school students and young adults (DEA, 2013).
  • There was a significant increase—from an estimated 37,266 to 53,542—in PCP-related hospital visits between 2008 and 2010 (DEA, 2013).
  • The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that PCP was most prevalent among African American males aged 21-24.
  • PCP-related emergency room visits increased by 400% between 2005 and 2011, with increases seen across both genders.
  • In 2011, males accounted for 69% of PCP-related ER visits, with the largest age group being 24-35 year olds (SAMHSA, 2013).

Side Effects of PCP

Classified as a hallucinogen (DEA, 2013), PCP is a glutamatergic NMDA receptor blocker that binds to sites in the brain’s cortex and limbic structures—affecting dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin release and reuptake (Brenner, et. al, 2014). It also induces a dissociative anesthetic state, which can entail:

  • Sight and sound distortion.
  • Detachment.
  • Sedation.
  • Amnesia.

PCP effects are dose-dependent and also vary by administration route. When smoked, PCP produces effects within 2-5 minutes, while it produces effects within 30-60 minutes when it is swallowed. Intoxication can last for 4-8 hours, with some users experiencing effects for 24-48 hours.

Depressed man holding his head

When taking low-to-moderate amounts of PCP (1-5 mg), users experience:

  • Feelings of detachment.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Numbness.
  • Loss of coordination, coupled with a sense of strength and invulnerability.

At higher doses, PCP produces:

  • Hallucinations.
  • Catatonic posturing.

Physiologic PCP effects include:

  • Increased blood pressure.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Raised temperature.
  • Shallow breathing.

Chronic PCP use can result in:

PCP users may present with disorganized thought processes—including delirium, amnesia, paranoia, and dysphoria.

If you or someone you love is using PCP, it’s important to seek help right away. This powerful drug can have devastating effects. Please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at to speak with someone who can help you find a treatment provider.

The PCP Market

PCP is a water- or alcohol-soluble white, crystalline powder when in its pure form. It may also be found in other forms, including as liquid, tablets, or capsules.

It has been reported that a spike in PCP-related cases being reported does not involve the presence of pure PCP, but rather PCP mixed with other substances. These include tobacco, marijuana, and various synthetic drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy). PCP has even been reported as being sold disguised as entirely different substances altogether—including the drugs LSD, meth, and even marijuana.

According to the DEA, PCP is sold at anywhere from $5-$15 per tablet, $20-$30 per powder gram, and $200-$300 per liquid ounce.

PCP is manufactured relatively inexpensively in clandestine laboratories, primarily in Southern California. Additionally, pharmaceutical-grade PCP is diverted to the illicit market, as the drug is still being manufactured and used in veterinary medicine.


Is PCP Illegal?

In 1978, PCP was changed from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug by the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs, which include cocaine and methamphetamine, are considered to carry high potential for abuse and may lead to dependence (NDIC, 2003).

Is PCP Dangerous?

PCP can be extremely dangerous. Aside from the severe side effects the user is likely to experience, as well as the alarming risk of self-injury, high doses of PCP may actually cause death.

The primary cause of PCP-related fatality was attributed to behavioral disturbances during intoxication that lead to self-injurious behavior and impaired judgment, including self-inflicted injury, extreme physical exertion, and injuries sustained while resisting physical restraints.

Deaths resulting from the direct effects of PCP intoxication involved:

  • Hyperthermia.
  • Acute renal failure.
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle cell death, with breakdown products released into bloodstream).
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (blood clotting proteins become overactive).
PCP ED VIsits_DAWN Report

Image Credit: SAMHSA DAWN Report, 2013

PCP is one of the scariest and most dangerous illicit drugs. If you have a problem with PCP use or you know someone close to you who does, don’t wait until it’s too late to get help. Please call American Addiction Centers (AAC) free at for more information about drug abuse treatment options—you can get your life back on track.

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