PCP, or phencyclidine, is a powerful and dangerous drug originally developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic for surgery. Its use in humans was discontinued in 1965 due to severe side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, and delirium during recovery

. PCP is a dissociative drug and hallucinogen that alters the brain's perception, causing hallucinations, distorted sensory experiences, and a feeling of detachment from the body and surroundings. It acts mainly as an NMDA receptor antagonist, disrupting normal brain communication

. In its pure form, PCP is a white crystalline powder with a bitter chemical taste that dissolves easily in water or alcohol. It is commonly found as a powder, liquid, tablet, or capsule and is often smoked by lacing it onto leafy substances like tobacco or marijuana. It can also be snorted, swallowed, or injected

. Effects of PCP include euphoria, hallucinations, distorted perceptions, feelings of invulnerability, and reduced inhibition. However, it can also cause paranoia, psychotic behavior, seizures, coma, and even death in high doses. Long-term use may lead to speech difficulties, depression, memory loss, and motor skill impairment

. Street names for PCP include angel dust, hog, ozone, rocket fuel, supergrass, embalming fluid, and killer joints, among others

. In summary, PCP is an illegal, mind-altering hallucinogenic drug with serious health risks, originally developed as an anesthetic but abandoned due to its dangerous side effects