PCP drug - effects, risks & background information ✨

Phencyclidine, better known as PCP, is a synthetic substance that was originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic for medical procedures. The aim was to create an anaesthetic that would put patients into a pain-free, trance-like state of consciousness. However, it soon became apparent that PCP can cause severe side effects, such as disorientation, hallucinations and severe agitation, which make it difficult to use therapeutically. As the substance had potentially dangerous side effects, it was banned for human use in the 1960s. Nowadays, PCP is an illegally traded drug and is consumed by some people as an intoxicant due to its intense effect on the psyche and perception. The drug is usually available in powder, tablet or liquid form and is either smoked, snorted or swallowed.

Hallucinogenic effect of PCP: What happens in the brain?

PCP belongs to the group of dissociatives and produces a strong, often hallucinogenic effect. The substance has a direct effect on the central nervous system and alters the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in a change in perception. The effects can vary greatly and depend on the dosage, but also on the personal condition of the user. PCP often creates a separation between consciousness and physical sensation, which leads to dissociative experiences. These include not only intense hallucinations, but also strong changes in the perception of time and space. Users often report a feeling of being "outside" their body or their surroundings. The drug can have a euphoric effect in small doses, but can cause extreme anxiety or even panic attacks in higher doses. In addition, the higher the dose, the greater the likelihood that PCP will trigger aggressive or uncontrolled behavior, which can make the drug dangerous for the person affected and their environment.

Is PCP fat-soluble? What does this mean for the body?

PCP is a fat-soluble substance, which has particular consequences for its storage and excretion in the body. As PCP is deposited in the body's fat cells, the drug can remain in the body for a long time even after acute consumption. This means that PCP is not excreted quickly like other water-soluble substances. Instead, it can re-enter the bloodstream through physical exertion or increased stress, causing "flashbacks" or unexpected effects, even if it has been days or weeks since the drug was last taken. This reintroduction into the bloodstream can re-trigger the psychoactive effects of PCP unexpectedly and often unpleasantly, making the drug even more unpredictable.

How long does PCP remain detectable in the body?

The detectability of PCP in the body depends on several factors, including the amount consumed, the frequency of consumption and the individual's physical condition. As a rule:

-Blood tests: PCP can be detected in the blood for about 1 to 3 days after consumption.

-Urine tests: Urine tests can usually detect PCP for up to 7 to 14 days after consumption. However, the detection time can be significantly longer with regular consumption.

-Hair analyses: PCP can even be detected in hair samples for up to 90 days or longer, which makes this method particularly suitable for long-term detection.

As PCP is fat-soluble, detection times can vary greatly and be longer than for other substances. This means that consumption can still be detected weeks later in corresponding tests, which is particularly relevant for professional or forensic drug tests.

Zombie behavior and other extreme effects

PCP is known to the public as a "zombie drug", as some users fall into a trance-like state after taking it and have severely limited control over their movements and behavior. This term stems from the fact that the drug can lead to unnaturally rigid movements or a sluggish gait in some users. At the same time, the sensation of pain is strongly suppressed under the influence of PCP, which can lead to people hurting themselves without realizing it. Some reports speak of unpredictable outbursts of anger or aggressive behavior towards others, which can be attributed to the dissociative and disinhibiting effects of PCP. In this state, users are often a danger to those around them, as they may engage in unpredictable or self-harming behavior. However, these effects vary from person to person and cannot be accurately predicted, making PCP particularly unpredictable and risky.

Is the effect of PCP felt in the body for life?

Regular or long-term use of PCP can have serious and potentially irreversible effects on mental and physical health. PCP permanently impairs cognitive abilities and can lead to persistent mental disorders. Some of the most common long-term harms include:

-Chronic anxiety and depression: Many long-term users develop lasting emotional problems that can persist even after stopping the drug.

-Psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms: The hallucinations and perceptual disturbances that PCP triggers can lead to genuine psychotic disorders after prolonged use.

-Impairment of memory and learning ability: PCP can damage regions of the brain responsible for memory and concentration, which can severely impair daily life and work.

-Social isolation: The psychological effects of the drug and addiction often lead to isolation and loss of social contact, as those affected can lose interest in family, friends and work.

These long-term effects make PCP a particularly dangerous substance that can cause serious damage not only during use, but also in the long term.