Similar term(s): angel dust, crystal, super week, rocket fuel, goon.
Definition:
This drug is considered a hallucinogen but it can also relieve pain or act as
a stimulant.
PCP is available in a number of forms. It can be a pure, white crystal-like
powder, a tablet or a capsule. It can be swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or
injected. PCP is sometimes sprinkled on marijuana or parsley and smoked.
Effects begin within 5 minutes and peak at about 30 minutes. At first, the
user feels euphoria, body warmth, and tingling, floating sensations, and a
feeling of calm isolation. Auditory and visual hallucinations may appear, as
well as altered body image, distorted perceptions of space and time, delusions,
and disorganization of thought.
Accompanying symptoms include hypertension, rapid involuntary movement of the
eyes, loss of muscular coordination, slurred speech, grimacing, profuse
sweating, overactive reflexes, diminished responsiveness to pain, muscle
rigidity, abnormally high body temperature, abnormally acute hearing, and
seizures.
Effects usually last for 4-6 hours, although residual effects may take several
days or longer to clear. During the immediate recovery period there may be
self-destructive or violent behaviour.
Effects of prolonged use include short- or long-term disturbed mental state in
which a person experiences hallucinations, delusions, personality changes and
loss of contact with reality. They also include flashbacks or re-experiencing of
drug effects, long after drug use.
