Overview
PCP (Phencyclidine), widely known by street names such as Angel Dust, Embalming Fluid, Killer Weed, Love Boat, Rocket Fuel, Super Grass, and more, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug originally developed as an anesthetic. The document states that marijuana or tobacco cigarettes dipped in PCP—known as illy, wet, or fry—are commonly misused for their strong dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.
PCP induces the illusion of euphoria, omnipotence, superhuman strength, and heightened social or sexual confidence, making it a high-risk recreational substance. Its primary mechanism of action is detailed on page 3, where PCP functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. This leads to profound changes in perception, cognition, and behavior.
Today, PCP has no accepted medical use, and its relevance lies mainly in forensic toxicology, criminal investigations, workplace screening, roadside testing, and sports regulations, where its use is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms
According to the symptom chart on page 5, PCP intoxication produces a wide range of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
- Increased blood pressure
- Tachycardia
- Insomnia
- Small or dilated pupils
- Flushed skin
- Loss of coordination
Psychological Symptoms
- Delusions
- Paranoia (irrational suspicion or distrust)
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Altered perception of reality
- Distorted sensory experiences
- Emotional instability
- Psychosis
- Depression
Behavioral Symptoms
- Memory loss
- Intense craving
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Confusion or disorientation
- Impulsivity
- Bizarre or violent behavior
These symptoms often prompt clinicians, law enforcement officers, or employers to request PCP toxicology testing.
Causes
The document identifies several causes behind PCP intoxication and its detection:
1. Pharmacological Mechanism
PCP acts as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, preventing normal excitatory signaling. This results in dissociation, hallucinations, and impaired cognitive and motor function.
2. Recreational Misuse
Users may consume PCP unknowingly when it is mixed with other substances or intentionally for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. Dipping cigarettes in PCP (page 2) is a common method of administration.
3. Multiple Testing Requirements
PCP exposure is evaluated during:
- Criminal investigations
- Random workplace screening
- Clinical assessments
- Post-accident analysis
- Pre-employment testing
- Sports and athlete compliance monitoring
- (as explained on page 4)
4. Forensic Detection Methods
Detection relies on highly sensitive analytical techniques listed on page 6, such as:
LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, HPLC-MS, CE-MS, UV/IR spectrophotometry, paper chromatography, TLC, spectrofluorometry, immunoassay, lateral-flow assays, and ELISA.
5. Sample Types
PCP can be detected in urine, blood, hair, saliva, and tissues, with collection guidelines shown on page 8.
Risk Factors
Risk factors associated with PCP use and its detection include:
1. Severe Psychological Effects
Individuals with predispositions to anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, or psychosis may experience significantly worsened symptoms.
2. Cardiovascular Instability
People with hypertension or heart rhythm issues are at heightened risk due to PCP’s stimulant-like physical effects.
3. Risk of Violent or Impulsive Behavior
The behavioral symptoms on page 5—especially violence, confusion, and impulsivity—pose risks to users and others.
4. Interpretation Challenges in Toxicology
Pages 11–12 describe limitations such as:
- Technical or procedural errors
- Adulterants like bleach or alum
- Dilution or sample substitution
- False negatives when the concentration is below the cut-off
- Variability in metabolism and excretion
- Immunoassays are unable to quantify individual metabolites
5. Legal and Occupational Consequences
Workplace bans, probation requirements, and sports prohibitions create substantial non-medical risks for individuals using PCP.
Prevention
The document highlights several preventive measures:
1. Education and Awareness
Understanding PCP’s strong hallucinogenic and dissociative effects reduces the likelihood of experimentation or misuse.
2. Strict Screening Programs
Workplace testing, random screening, roadside assessments, sports testing, and probation monitoring help deter PCP use.
3. Proper Sample Collection
Using sterile containers, avoiding contamination, and following correct urine, blood, hair, saliva, or tissue collection guidelines (page 8) ensure accurate detection.
4. Use of Confirmatory Testing
GC/MS is the preferred confirmatory technique (page 11) to minimize false results and misinterpretation.
5. Monitoring High-Risk Individuals
Follow-up testing supports rehabilitation, ensures abstinence, and helps manage individuals with repeated PCP intoxication.
