PCP

PCP is an anaesthetic and was designed to stop people feeling pain during operations.

The physical health risks include:

• A loss of coordination and control.
• An increase in body temperature.
• Feeling detached from reality.
• Convulsions – when your body shakes violently without you meaning it to.
• Leading users to hurt themselves: some users have been known to cut themselves or commit suicide.
• Some, who are violent towards others, may do more harm because they feel less pain. And because it’s a painkiller you can’t tell as easily when you’re hurt and you may not get medical help when you need it.
• PCP can lead to convulsions, and cause your breathing to become shallow and slow, or even stop your lungs from working completely – which can result in death.

Taking PCP can lead to a severe psychotic state. This is a mental condition that stops you from thinking clearly, telling the difference between reality and your imagination, and acting in a normal way. These states are temporary.

Long term use of PCP has been reported to cause memory and cognitive problems, poor appetite and weight loss, depression, and a prolonged paranoid state of mind.

PCP can cause anxiety and agitation.

As with any drug, you can never be sure what you are taking and how you will react to it. In the past PCP has been found to be mixed with other substances, such as cocaine and ecstasy.

• This is a Class A drug, which means it's illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

• Possession can get you up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

• Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you life in prison, an unlimited fine or both.