PCP Symptoms & Side Effects

Medical Disclaimer: This content has been evaluated by our medical staff for accuracy and is provided solely for educational and informational use. It should not be considered a substitute for expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency or a drug overdose, call 911 (or your local emergency services) immediately.

 

Phencyclidine, better known as PCP, was created in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic for surgeries. It was later withdrawn from medical use after patients reported serious psychiatric side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and psychosis. PCP is currently classified as a dissociative drug with hallucinogenic effects, meaning it alters perception, mood, and thinking, often causing a sense of disconnection from reality and one’s body.

Today, PCP is made unlawfully and is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because of its high potential for misuse and the risk of severe psychological and physical harm. Manufacturing, distributing, or possessing PCP is illegal outside of tightly regulated research environments.

On the street, PCP is referred to by names such as angel dust, ozone, rocket fuel, and wack. It typically appears as a white crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol, but it can also be found in liquid form, tablets, or capsules. The liquid form is often applied to plant material for smoking.

A common method of using PCP involves spraying the liquid form onto marijuana, tobacco, mint, or parsley and then smoking it. It can also be sprinkled in powder form onto cannabis before rolling. These mixtures are sometimes called “superweed,” “killer joints,” or “wacko tobacco.” Smoking PCP allows the drug to quickly enter the bloodstream through the lungs, increasing the risk of acute intoxication, unpredictable behavior, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Immediate Consequences of PCP Consumption

PCP  can be consumed in various ways, such as snorting, swallowing tablets or capsules, injecting into a vein, or smoking after applying it to plant material. The method of consumption affects the onset and intensity of its effects.

PCPs influence several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, mainly by inhibiting NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors. This interference results in dissociation, altered perception, and reduced cognitive ability.

Frequent Acute Effects

Immediate impacts might entail:

Perilous and Hazardous Conduct

One of the most perilous facets of PCP intoxication is its impact on self-restraint and the perception of strength. Some individuals report feeling invincible or possessing “superhuman” capabilities. This distorted sense of power, along with impaired decision-making, can lead to extreme risk-taking, such as jumping from high places, engaging in violent confrontations, or dashing into traffic.

In numerous PCP-related deaths, the fatality is not only due to the drug’s toxic effects but also the dangerous actions undertaken while under the influence.

What Is the Duration of PCP Effects?

The onset and duration of PCP effects are significantly influenced by the route of administration, dosage, and an individual’s metabolism.

While the most powerful effects might diminish within a few hours, PCP can cause lasting psychological and cognitive disruptions. Lingering symptoms, such as mood fluctuations, impaired judgment, or perceptual disturbances, can continue for 24 hours or more, particularly at elevated doses.

PCP is also lipophilic (stored in fatty tissues), which can prolong its presence in the body and lead to enduring or recurring effects. Since illicit PCP is manufactured in unregulated environments, its potency and purity can vary considerably. This unpredictability greatly heightens the risk of overdose, severe psychiatric reactions, and other life-threatening issues.

PCP Overdose: Indicators and Manifestations

Overdosing on PCP is possible. PCP impacts various brain systems, particularly those related to perception, movement, and involuntary functions, making an overdose a potential psychiatric and medical crisis.

Typical indicators of PCP overdose or toxicity include:

In extreme cases, a PCP overdose might result in respiratory failure, heart issues, extremely high body temperature (hyperthermia), or even death.

Heightened Danger with Additional Compounds

The danger of severe complications increases considerably when PCP is mixed with other substances—particularly alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or stimulants. Alcohol, as a central nervous system depressant, can enhance drowsiness, hinder breathing, and exacerbate disorientation or unconsciousness.

Steps to Take During a Crisis

If you think someone has overdosed on PCP:

If the individual becomes aggressive or extremely upset and you feel in danger, prioritize your safety and relocate to a safe area while maintaining contact with emergency personnel. Provide respondents with as much detail as possible about the substance used and the timing.

Timely medical attention can be crucial in situations of PCP overdose.

Prolonged Consequences of PCP Consumption

Prolonged consumption of PCP  can result in serious and enduring physical, mental, and cognitive effects, no matter the method of ingestion. Continuous use alters brain chemistry, particularly glutamate signaling, which is essential for memory, learning, and emotion regulation.

Psychological and Emotional Well-being Impacts

Prolonged PCP consumption might lead to:

Certain people might also experience extended psychosis similar to schizophrenia, particularly with frequent or intense use.

Health Risks Associated with Specific Methods

When PCP is inhaled, frequently mixed with tobacco, marijuana, or other plant substances, it may lead to ongoing respiratory issues, such as:

Continual inhalation of chemically altered materials raises the likelihood of enduring lung damage.

Using drugs intravenously poses significant health dangers. Besides the substance’s effects on the body, complications from injecting can include:

Sharing needles or utilizing non-sterile equipment greatly elevates the risk of transmitting bloodborne infections.

PCP Recurrences

A recognized issue with PCP consumption is the reappearance of effects similar to those of the drug after stopping, often called “flashbacks.” These occurrences, sometimes clinically identified as hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), can happen days, weeks, or even months following the last use. Symptoms might involve unexpected hallucinations, altered perceptions, or feelings of dissociation.

Reliance, Abstinence, and Habitual Compulsion

PCP can cause addiction, a health issue marked by uncontrollable use despite adverse effects.

Continuous use can lead to both physical and mental reliance. An individual might start believing that PCP is necessary for them to operate, manage emotions, or feel “normal.” Eventually, the body becomes accustomed to the drug, a phenomenon known as tolerance, which means greater doses are required to achieve the same effects. As the amount consumed rises, the danger of serious toxicity, overdose, and lasting psychiatric issues also escalates.

PCP Addiction is characterized by a lack of control over usage, despite adverse effects on health, relationships, employment, or legal status. People may invest considerable time acquiring, using, or recovering from PCP, and efforts to reduce use frequently prove unsuccessful.

Signs of Withdrawal

When an individual reliant on PCP halts or greatly reduces their consumption, they might encounter withdrawal effects. Although PCP withdrawal is mainly psychological, it can also bring about physical issues. Possible symptoms are:

Due to the potential for mental instability or the risk of seizures, it is highly advisable to have medical supervision when stopping use.

There are various effective treatment solutions, such as medical detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, behavioral therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment for concurrent mental health issues.

Acknowledging that PCP usage has become an issue is the initial, and frequently most challenging step towards recovery. With expert assistance, long-term stability and a better quality of life are within reach.

Therapeutic Approaches for PCP Dependency

Overcoming a PCP use disorder is entirely achievable. Although quitting PCP may seem daunting, particularly if an addiction has formed, treatments based on research and organized support greatly enhance the chances of success.

Healthcare Stabilization and Detoxification

Numerous people start treatment in a residential (inpatient) facility, where they are provided with round-the-clock medical and mental health supervision. This type of care is especially crucial during initial withdrawal, when symptoms like restlessness, mood swings, disorientation, or seizures might arise.

There isn’t a medication specifically authorized to counteract PCP’s effects or cure PCP addiction. Nonetheless, healthcare providers might use medications to address immediate symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, or the potential for seizures. Supportive medical observation helps ensure safety and stabilization during this period.

Behavioral Treatments

Extended recovery emphasizes counseling and behavioral strategies. The majority of rehabilitation programs include:

Since PCP consumption frequently correlates with concurrent mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders, comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment is crucial.

Creating a Strategy to Prevent Relapse

Ongoing recovery requires changes in lifestyle and heightened awareness of one’s surroundings. Steering clear of individuals, locations, or circumstances linked to previous substance use can lower the chance of falling back into old habits. Creating new habits, fortifying sober friendships, and building coping mechanisms are key elements in preventing relapse.

Physical health is important as well. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a nutritious diet, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and employing stress-management techniques support brain recovery and emotional stability.

Selecting the Appropriate PCP Therapy Program

Choosing a treatment program for PCP use disorder can feel daunting. With various levels of care, therapy models, and types of facilities available, it’s crucial to find a program that aligns with your clinical needs, medical history, and recovery objectives.

Consulting a qualified treatment specialist can assist you in assessing key aspects such as:

At California Behavioral Health, services include personalized treatment plans, medication-assisted care when clinically indicated, evidence-based addiction therapy, and a holistic approach that integrates mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

If you’re prepared to move forward, contact California Behavioral Health at (888) 355-1676 to talk to a treatment specialist and start your recovery. We offer a variety of services, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a customized therapy plan, a holistic healing perspective, and addiction therapy.

Common Inquiries Regarding PCP 

Can You Die While Using PCP?

Yes. Although lethal toxicity from PCP alone is relatively rare, it can happen, especially at high doses or when mixed with other substances. More frequently, PCP-related fatalities result from risky behaviors, injuries, or accidents linked to extreme agitation, impaired judgment, or a false sense of invincibility while under the influence.

What Does PCP Look Like?

PCP is an illegal synthetic dissociative drug that comes in various forms. It can be sold as a white or off-white crystalline powder, tablets or capsules, or a clear to yellowish liquid. The color and texture may vary due to production methods and impurities, as it is typically produced in unregulated environments.

What Happens When PCP Is Mixed With Other Substances?

Using multiple substances significantly raises the risk. Combining PCP with central nervous system depressants, like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, can cause respiratory depression, cardiovascular instability, and overdose. Stimulants might increase agitation, psychosis, and heart strain. Mixing substances makes effects far less predictable and more dangerous.

How Is PCP Used?

PCP can be taken orally (tablet, capsule, or mixed into food or drinks), snorted (as a powder), smoked (often applied to plant material such as cannabis or tobacco), or injected intravenously. Injection carries additional risks, including bloodborne infections and vascular damage.

What Are the Immediate Effects of PCP?

PCP is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. Immediate effects may include detachment from reality, distorted perception of time and space, reduced sensitivity to pain, paranoia, agitation, hallucinations, impaired coordination, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. At higher doses, seizures, coma, or life-threatening issues can occur.

Is PCP Addictive?

Yes. PCP use can lead to a substance use disorder, characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harm, and loss of control over intake. Tolerance may develop, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Psychological dependence is common, and withdrawal symptoms can occur after heavy or prolonged use.

How Long Does PCP Stay in the Body?

The duration varies based on dose, frequency of use, body composition, and route of administration. Immediate effects may last several hours, but PCP can remain detectable in the body for days or longer, especially with repeated use due to its storage in fatty tissues.

Can PCP Cause Long-Term Mental Health Effects?

Yes. Repeated or high-dose PCP use has been linked to ongoing cognitive issues, mood disorders, anxiety, and prolonged psychotic symptoms in some individuals. Those with existing mental health vulnerabilities may be at higher risk for lasting psychiatric complications.