PCP or Angel Dust (Phencyclidine)

Description. Orally ingested, injected, sniffed, smoked. It is a dissociative anesthetic and central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, and is often classified as a hallucinogen due to its tendency to induce paranoid delusions.

What to Look for:

Dilated (large) pupils
Slurred speech
Blank stare; rapid eye movements
Strange or uncoordinated gait
Severe mood swings
Extreme strength
Lack of pain response
Psychosis
Paranoia
Mania
Mask-like facial expression
Disoriented and/or easily agitated
Violent

Because of the wide range effects of PCP, the user's personality will often determine which effects are most pronounced in that individual. PCP was used as a veterinary anesthetic in the 1960s under the trade name Sernylan. PCP is considered by many to be one of the most dangerous and unpredictable drugs on the illicit market.

Slang: Crystal, angel dust, supergrass, killer weed, crystal dust, cycline, dust, fake THC, hog, horse tranquilizer, lethal weapon, lovely, gorilla pills, rocket fuel, trank, whack, jet fuel, wave, purple rain, DOA (would you want to try a drug with these initials as a slang name?)

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"Adolescents are particularly at risk of adverse reactions from hallucinogen use as they enter puberty, a time of rapid physical and emotional changes. Hallucinogens are particularly dangerous because the effects are so unpredictable. They can cause violent behavior in some and suicidal tendencies in others. As memory, perception, and judgment are clouded under the influence, users are at risk of severe injuries, overdose, and death from drowning, burns, falls, and car accidents. Sometimes, hallucinogen use can uncover severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or severe depression." Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.