Side Effects of PCP Use

When a person uses PCP recreationally for the first time, they think they will experience euphoria and psychedelic effects. Little do they know about the dangerous hallucinations and disturbing side effects which they may have with PCP use. PCP causes a trance-like state where the user feels detached from their body and surrounding area. Many users say that they feel as if they are outside their body, looking down. This drug produces auditory and visual distortions.

What is PCP?

PCP (Phencyclidine)  is also known on the streets as “Angel Dust.” This drug came on the market in the 1950s as an anesthetic medication. However, it was taken off the market in 1965 due to the hallucinogenic dissociative side effects.  It emerged as a recreational drug around 1967. PCP is a Schedule II drug in the United States today and a Schedule I drug in Canada.

PCP is most commonly sold on the streets as a powder or liquid. It can be snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected.  This substance has a very strong taste, so it is often applied to herbs to mask this taste. Sometimes users apply PCP to marijuana to enhance the high. This drug is highly addictive and users develop a tolerance very quickly which means it takes more of the substance to create the high desired. When stopping the use of PCP, the user develops withdrawal symptoms. When addiction does take over, it is very hard to overcome it without professional help.

Signs and Effects of PCP Use

If you observe a person using PCP, you may notice them sitting very still and staring blankly into space. They may be sitting very still and not responding to any kind of stimulation. Another sign can be rapid eye movement. A person taking PCP does not know what kind of hallucinations they are going to have but they do know that they are going to see and hear things which are not real. A person on PCP has a high potential of harming someone else or their self while on this drug.

Some of the effects of PCP include:

  • Relaxation
  • Hallucinations
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Drowsiness
  • Anxiety
  • Distorted sense of time
  • Paranoia
  • Mood Swings
  • Dissociation with surroundings

Much depends on the person’s personality and their mood when they take PCP as to what type of hallucinations they will experience. The dosage a person takes will also determine the type of experience they have while on the drug.  PCP use can cause people to become extremely violent, even to people they love and would never normally act that way towards. A person can experience side effects from PCP use up to a year after stopping the use of the drug.

PCP Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms from PCP can be very dangerous and you should never attempt this alone. Some of these symptoms can include:

  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Weight loss
  • Anxiety
  • Decreased reflexes
  • Impaired speech
  • Coma
  • Suicide

You should go through the detoxification process under the care of medical professionals in an inpatient treatment facility. Here, you will have around-the-clock care with specialists on hand who can take care of any medical emergencies that might arise from the detoxification process.

Treatment for PCP Addiction

If you are struggling with PCP addiction, you can get help and return to a life of sobriety. There are many treatment options available today.  Inpatient addiction treatment centers are located throughout the US. By entering an addiction treatment facility, you will have professionals to design a treatment program which suits your individual needs and preferences.

You can recover from PCP addiction. Don’t keep taking chances with PCP use. Get the help you need to return to a life of sobriety and away from the chains of PCP addiction. Call today!