National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

What are some dangers associated with PCP use?

1. Memory loss

2. Anesthetic effects leading to self-injurious behavior

3. Overdose leading to coma

4. Severe respiratory depression

The correct answer is: Anesthetic effects leading to self-injurious behavior

The dangers associated with PCP use include various risks linked to its anesthetic properties, particularly the risk of self-injurious behavior. PCP, or phencyclidine, acts as a dissociative anesthetic, detaching users from their environment and creating a sense of euphoria or hallucination. This altered state can impair judgment and hinder the user’s ability to assess risk, potentially leading to dangerous actions that may result in harm to themselves or others. The anesthetic effects of PCP can cause individuals to engage in reckless behaviors without a full understanding of the consequences, thereby increasing the likelihood of injuries. Additionally, during a PCP episode, users may feel less pain, which can lead them to sustain serious injuries without realizing it, further exacerbating the danger associated with its use. While memory loss, overdose leading to coma, and severe respiratory depression can also occur with PCP use, the most immediate and distinct risk that aligns with the use of this drug relates to the self-injurious behavior due to its anesthetic effects, making this option particularly prominent in discussions about the dangers of PCP.