Overview

Phencyclidine Intoxication, commonly referred to as PCP intoxication, is a dangerous condition caused by the use or overdose of the hallucinogenic drug phencyclidine (PCP). Originally developed as an anesthetic, PCP was discontinued for medical use due to severe psychiatric side effects. Today, it is classified as a Schedule II illegal drug in many countries, including South Korea, and is abused for its dissociative and hallucinogenic properties. PCP intoxication can lead to violent behavior, psychosis, and life-threatening health emergencies.

What is Phencyclidine Intoxication?

Phencyclidine intoxication is a state of acute poisoning caused by ingesting, inhaling, or injecting PCP. It affects the central nervous system and disrupts neurotransmitter function—particularly involving glutamate—leading to hallucinations, dissociation, agitation, and even seizures or coma.

PCP is sometimes referred to by street names such as “angel dust,” “wet,” or “rocket fuel”, and is often mixed with other substances without the user’s knowledge. Intoxication can last from a few hours to several days depending on dose and route of administration.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PCP intoxication vary based on the dose and the individual’s tolerance. They can range from mild agitation to extreme, life-threatening psychiatric and physical symptoms:

Mild to Moderate Intoxication:

• Euphoria or feeling detached from reality
• Disorientation or confusion
• Blank stare
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination and muscle rigidity
• Numbness or loss of pain sensation
• Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)

Severe Intoxication:

• Hallucinations and delusions
• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Paranoia
• Suicidal or homicidal tendencies
• High blood pressure and rapid heart rate
• Seizures
• Coma
• Hyperthermia (dangerous rise in body temperature)

PCP intoxication often presents a medical emergency due to the unpredictable nature of its psychiatric and physical effects.

Causes

The cause of phencyclidine intoxication is the deliberate or accidental use of the drug PCP. Common routes of administration include:

• Smoking (often with marijuana or tobacco)
• Snorting
• Oral ingestion
• Intravenous injection

PCP use may be intentional for recreational purposes or may occur unknowingly due to contamination of other street drugs. Because it is fat-soluble, PCP is stored in body fat and released slowly, prolonging its effects.

Risk Factors

Individuals most at risk for PCP intoxication include:

• People who use recreational drugs
• Adolescents and young adults exposed to drug culture
• Individuals with a history of substance use disorder
• Those unknowingly exposed to PCP in adulterated street drugs
• People with pre-existing psychiatric conditions (may worsen symptoms)
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged or marginalized communities

The combination of PCP with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants increases the risk of severe outcomes.

Complications

PCP intoxication can lead to several serious short-term and long-term complications:

Acute Complications:

• Respiratory depression
• Seizures or coma
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) leading to kidney failure
• Hyperthermia or heatstroke
• Self-injury or harm to others during psychosis

Chronic Use or Repeated Intoxication:

• Long-term memory problems
• Depression or anxiety disorders
• Persistent psychosis or schizophrenia-like symptoms
• Social and occupational impairment
• Substance dependence

Without immediate medical intervention, severe PCP intoxication can be fatal.

Prevention

Preventing PCP intoxication involves both individual actions and public health measures:

• Education about the dangers of PCP and synthetic drugs
• Avoiding use of any recreational drugs, especially from unregulated sources
• Seeking help for substance use disorders
• Community outreach programs targeting at-risk youth
• Routine drug screening in psychiatric and emergency care settings
• Parental and school-based education for teens and young adults

There is no safe level of PCP use, and prevention through awareness is critical.

Treatment Options in Korea

South Korea takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug use, including PCP. Although PCP is not widely abused in Korea, the country has a well-developed healthcare system capable of managing drug intoxication emergencies.

Emergency Care:

• Hospitalization in acute cases, typically in an emergency room or psychiatric facility
• Sedation with benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) for agitation or seizures
• IV fluids to manage hydration and flush toxins
• Cooling techniques for hyperthermia
• Monitoring for respiratory or cardiac complications

Psychiatric Evaluation and Support:

• Mental health consultation for hallucinations or psychosis
• Behavioral therapy and psychiatric follow-up for individuals with substance use disorder
• Inpatient detox programs in addiction recovery centers

Substance Use Rehabilitation in Korea:

• South Korea has government-funded programs for addiction treatment through the National Center for Mental Health, local public health centers, and private psychiatric hospitals.
• Patients may receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family counseling as part of recovery.
• Strict legal penalties may apply, and early intervention is encouraged to avoid legal consequences.