PCP:PCP and its effects on the human body PCP or phencyclidine is a very deadly drug in today's society. PCP was developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic. The use of PCP in humans was discontinued in 1965, because it was discovered that patients often became agitated, delusional, and irrational while recovering from its effects. PCP is produced illegally in laboratories and is sold on the streets under names like “evil,” “wet,” and “digital.” The variety of PCP street names reflects its bizarre and irrational effects on those who use it. (Andersen)PCP can be easily mixed with dyes and appears on illicit drug markets in a variety of colored tablets, capsules and powders. PCP can be taken in several ways: it can be smoked, snorted or eaten. When smoking, PCP is usually mixed with marijuana. PCP use often leads to psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior. It was first discovered as a street drug in the 1960s and quickly gained a reputation as a drug that could cause negative reactions in its users. Some continue to use PCP due to its addictive properties. Others say feelings of strength, power, invulnerability and a numbing effect on the mind are reasons for their continued use of PCP. (Andersen)Many PCP users are brought to the emergency room due to the bad psychological effects of PCP or from overdose. In hospital they often become violent or suicidal and are very dangerous to themselves and the people around them. At a low dose, the physiological effects of PCP include a slight increase in respiratory rate and a more pronounced increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Breathing becomes shallow and hot flashes and profuse sweating occur. Numbness of the extremities may also occur.Pape 2Psychological effects include distinct changes in body awareness, similar to those associated with alcohol. (www.nida.com)At high doses of PCP, there is a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, eye rolling and dizziness. High doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death. Psychological effects at high doses include hallucinations. PCP can cause effects that mimic the full range of symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking, feelings of distance from one's environment, and catatonia. Speech is often slurred or distorted to the point of not being understood. (www.nida.com) People who use PCP for a long time suffer from memory loss, difficulty speaking and thinking, depression and weight loss.