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Snowball sampling techniques were used to generate a sample of 200 phencyclidine users from an area with a 10-year history of extensive PCP use. Three types of users were studied: heavy chronic, light chronic, and recreational users. The extent of PCP use varied from less than twice a month for a period of 6 months to daily use for several consecutive years. Each subject participated in a structured interview which lasted an average of 11/2 h. Subjects were asked about the acute effects of PCP, and about their moods before, during, and after using PCP. Scales based on previous research were used to measure the acute effects and moods. Results showed that heavy chronic users were more likely than recreational users to feel energized by PCP, and to experience negative ideations (thoughts about suicide and death). When age was controlled for, heavy chronic users were also more likely to experience violent effects. Analysis of moods over time showed some similar patterns between heavy chronic and recreational users, as well as some striking differences. Overall, heavy chronic users reported greater mood elevations while high on PCP, and a more dramatic drop in mood after the high wore off, than recreational users. Analysis of the results by user types clarified some of the confusion about contradictory descriptions of the effects of PCP, and point to the need to continue distinguishing between user types.

With deep gratitude, we thank our beloved mentor and friend James F. T. Bugental for his vision and verve in creating "The Art of the Psychotherapist" (Arts) courses. He stoutheartedly offered this innovative five-course series on an existential-humanistic approach to psychotherapy for more than a decade to younger colleagues, who now carry the torch of this illuminating perspective. Jim, we salute you for being a wise and spirited pioneer who opened new territories in psychotherapy and in the holistic education of psychotherapists. Your legacy ripples through us to our students and through them to future generations who value the art of life-changing psychotherapy.

An interview study was conducted on 200 phencyclidine (PCP) users in Northern California. The study population, generated through snowball sampling techniques, was constituted primarily of persons not in treatment programs and included three types of users: heavy chronic, light chronic, and recreational. Differences were found between the motivations and patterns of drug use of the three different user types. Contrary to prior studies, it was found that cessation of PCP use was difficult. Most subjects wanted to stop or cut back their use of PCP but were unable to do so. Many heavy chronic users stated they had a craving for PCP.

This study examined the perceived social, behavioral, and health effects of phencyclidine (PCP) use among a sample of 200 users in northern California. The study population, generated through snowball sampling techniques, included heavy chronic, light chronic, and recreational users; the vast majority of subjects were not in treatment facilities. Subjects reported that PCP use-particularly long-term, extensive use-resulted in frequent disruption of education and employment, impairment of relationships with parents and with lovers or spouses, involvement with the criminal justice system, and deterioration of physical and mental health. These findings provide systematic documentation of the extent to which problems previously associated with PCP use occurred among this population of users. In addition, the results illustrate the importance of examining the effects of PCP use in light of the psychosocial developmental processes of adolescence and early adulthood.