Stuff You Should Know – How PCP Works

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts dive into the world of PCP (phencyclidine) and explore its history, effects, and misconceptions. They discuss the origins of PCP, its prevalence in the past and present, and its impact on individuals and society. Join them as they separate fact from fiction and shed light on this controversial drug.

Main Takeaways

PCP: From Pharmaceutical Use to Recreational Drug

• PCP was created by German chemists in 1926 and later used as a tranquilizer by a pharmaceutical company.
• Originally developed as an anesthetic, PCP was removed from the market in 1965 due to its high potential for abuse and side effects.
• PCP and ketamine were both created for legitimate uses but became popular as recreational drugs.
• Ketamine has largely replaced PCP as a trendy drug to use.

The Rise and Fall of PCP Use

• PCP use was prevalent in the 1970s and 80s but has significantly dropped off since then.
• In 1979, 7% of high school seniors reported using PCP in the last year, while in 2013, less than 1% reported use.
• PCP use tends to be overlooked and not studied due to its association with marginalized, unemployed, black, inner-city men.
• PCP is often associated with marginalized, unemployed, black, inner-city men.

The Effects and Misconceptions of PCP

• PCP is a dissociative drug that removes ego boundaries and blurs the distinction between self and the world around you.
• It can make it difficult to tell whether an event has already happened in the past, is going to happen in the future, or is happening now.
• PCP affects NMDA receptors involved in memory formation, causing blackouts and memory loss.
• PCP can depress and excite the central nervous system, leading to catatonia or serious agitation.
• PCP can cause unwanted muscle movements and is known on the street as “wobbleweed.”

The Impact and Controversies of PCP

• PCP has been associated with marijuana use.
• Urban legends about PCP proliferated, leading to a moral panic about the drug.
• Evidence shows that PCP does not trigger or cause violent behavior.
• PCP has been used to justify excessive force on marginalized communities.
• Non-lethal weapons like tasers and bear spray were created as an alternative to using police batons or guns on PCP users.

Summary

PCP: From Pharmaceutical Use to Recreational Drug

PCP, initially developed as an anesthetic, was later used as a tranquilizer by a pharmaceutical company. However, it gained popularity as a recreational drug along with ketamine. While ketamine has replaced PCP as a trendy drug, both substances were originally intended for legitimate use.

The Rise and Fall of PCP Use

PCP use was prevalent in the 1970s and 80s but has significantly decreased since then. Its association with marginalized, unemployed, black, inner-city men has led to its neglect in research and studies. The percentage of high school seniors using PCP has drastically declined over the years.

The Effects and Misconceptions of PCP

PCP is a dissociative drug that blurs the boundaries between self and the world. It affects memory formation, leading to blackouts and memory loss. PCP can have both depressive and excitatory effects on the central nervous system, causing catatonia or severe agitation. It can also result in unwanted muscle movements, earning the street name “wobbleweed.”

The Impact and Controversies of PCP

PCP has been associated with marijuana use and has been the subject of numerous urban legends, leading to a moral panic surrounding the drug. However, evidence shows that PCP does not cause violent behavior. Unfortunately, it has been used to justify excessive force on marginalized communities. Non-lethal weapons like tasers and bear spray were developed as alternatives to deal with PCP users.

Conclusion

PCP, a drug with a complex history and misconceptions, has seen a decline in use over the years. While it has unique effects on the mind and body, it is important to separate fact from fiction when discussing PCP. Understanding its impact and controversies can help dispel myths and provide a more accurate understanding of this controversial substance.