PCP is a strong drug that can make people feel detached from reality. It’s also known as angel dust or peace pills. Some use it to get high, but it can be very risky.
PCP can cause scary effects like feeling out of control or seeing things that aren’t there. People who take it a lot may get addicted. PCP addiction can harm your health, relationships, and life goals.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PCP use, help is out there. Quitting can be hard, but it’s possible. Talking to a doctor or counselor is a good first step. They can guide you toward treatments that work.
Understanding PCP
PCP is a powerful hallucinogen with a complex history and effects. It comes in various forms and has many street names. PCP acts on multiple brain systems, causing intense and sometimes dangerous effects.
History and Background
PCP was first created in the 1950s as an anesthetic. Doctors stopped using it due to its severe side effects. In the 1960s, PCP became a street drug. It gained popularity for its mind-altering effects.
PCP use peaked in the 1970s but declined in the 1980s. Today, PCP abuse continues but at lower levels. The drug is illegal and has no accepted medical use in the U.S.
Pharmacology
PCP affects several brain chemicals. It blocks glutamate receptors and alters dopamine and serotonin levels. This causes hallucinations, euphoria, and dissociation.
The drug’s effects can last 4-6 hours. Higher doses lead to longer and more intense experiences. PCP can cause:
- Numbness
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
Long-term use may lead to memory loss, depression, and weight loss.
Street Names for PCP
PCP has many nicknames on the street. Common names include:
- Angel Dust
- Embalming Fluid
- Rocket Fuel
- Supergrass
- Wack
- Ozone
- Killer Joints
- Boat
- Love Boat
These names can change over time and vary by region. Knowing these terms can help you identify PCP use or offers.
Forms of Consumption
You can take PCP in several ways. Each method affects how quickly you feel the drug and how intense the effects are.
Smoking is the most common method. Users often dip cigarettes or joints in liquid PCP. This is called “dipping” or “smoking wet.”
Other forms include:
- Powder: Snorted or swallowed
- Liquid: Mixed with drinks or sprayed on leafy material
- Tablets: Swallowed
Injection is less common but very dangerous. It can lead to overdose and infections.
Physical and Psychological Effects
PCP use can lead to severe short-term and long-term effects on both the body and mind. It causes intense hallucinations and mood changes that can persist even after the drug wears off.
Short-Term Effects
PCP causes intense hallucinations and delusions. You may feel detached from your body and surroundings. Common effects include:
• Euphoria and numbness • Anxiety and paranoia
• Sweating and agitation • Confusion and memory loss • Speech difficulties
PCP can make you feel invincible, leading to risky behavior. You might experience rapid mood swings from calm to violent. In high doses, it can cause seizures, coma, or even death.
Long-Term Consequences
Ongoing PCP use can have serious long-term impacts on your health:
• Persistent memory problems and cognitive impairment • Chronic anxiety and depression • Suicidal thoughts and increased risk of suicide • Flashbacks similar to those experienced with LSD • Damage to brain cells, potentially leading to brain damage • Kidney and liver damage • Increased risk of accidental injury or death
Long-term users often struggle with social relationships and maintaining employment due to behavioral changes and cognitive issues.
Mental Health Disorders Association
PCP use is linked to several mental health disorders. It can trigger or worsen:
• Psychosis: PCP-induced psychotic symptoms may persist long after drug use stops • Schizophrenia: PCP use can mimic schizophrenia symptoms and may increase risk in vulnerable individuals • Depression and anxiety disorders • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These mental health issues can complicate addiction treatment. You may need dual diagnosis care to address both substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously.
PCP Addiction and Dependence
PCP addiction can develop quickly due to its powerful effects. Users may experience strong cravings and build tolerance, leading to increased use. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, making it hard to quit without help.
Identifying Addiction
PCP addiction signs include frequent drug-seeking behavior. You might use PCP more often or in larger amounts than intended. Your drug use may interfere with work, school, or relationships. You may spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from PCP.
Physical signs of PCP addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Rapid eye movements
- Increased blood pressure
Psychological signs include paranoia, anxiety, and mood swings. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek help.
Understanding Dependence
PCP dependence occurs when your body adapts to the drug’s presence. You may need more PCP to get the same effects, showing tolerance. Without PCP, you might feel sick or uneasy.
Signs of PCP dependence include:
- Needing PCP to function normally
- Experiencing withdrawal when not using
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
PCP affects brain chemicals linked to mood and reward. This can lead to strong cravings and make it hard to stop using on your own.
Withdrawal and Detoxification
PCP withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Symptoms may start within hours of your last use and can last for weeks.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Muscle pain and twitching
- Increased sweating
- Sleep problems
Severe symptoms may include seizures or psychosis. Due to these risks, medical detox is often recommended. In a detox program, healthcare providers can monitor your symptoms and provide support.
Medications may help manage specific withdrawal symptoms. After detox, ongoing treatment is crucial for long-term recovery. This may include therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes to address the root causes of addiction.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Options
Getting help for PCP addiction is possible. There are several ways to treat PCP abuse and support long-term recovery. Medical care, therapy, and support groups can all play important roles.
Approaches to Recovery
The first step in PCP recovery is often medical detox. This helps you safely clear the drug from your system. Detox can take place in a hospital or rehab center where staff can monitor you.
After detox, you may enter an inpatient or outpatient rehab program. Inpatient care offers 24/7 support. Outpatient lets you live at home while getting treatment.
Rehab teaches you to cope without PCP. You’ll learn about triggers and how to avoid relapse. Programs often last 30-90 days but can be longer.
Behavioral Therapies and Support
Therapy is key for PCP addiction recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change harmful thoughts and actions. It teaches coping skills to manage cravings.
Group therapy lets you connect with others facing similar struggles. You share experiences and offer mutual support.
Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous provide ongoing help after rehab. They offer a space to talk openly about your journey.
Family therapy can mend relationships damaged by addiction. It helps loved ones understand PCP abuse and how to support you.
Medications and Medical Interventions
There’s no specific medication approved to treat PCP addiction. But doctors may prescribe meds to ease withdrawal or manage symptoms.
Antidepressants can help if you have depression. Anti-anxiety meds might be used short-term to reduce anxiety.
For severe cases, ketamine therapy may help. It can reduce cravings and depression linked to PCP use.
Always take medications under a doctor’s care. They’ll monitor for side effects and adjust doses as needed.
Risks and Long-Term Health Implications
PCP use can lead to severe physical and mental health problems. It can damage your organs, alter your brain chemistry, and harm your relationships. Taking steps to avoid PCP is crucial for your wellbeing.
Physical Health Risks
PCP can cause serious damage to your body. It may lead to liver damage and kidney failure. You might experience severe headaches and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
PCP use increases your risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis, especially if you inject the drug. Overdose is a major concern. It can cause:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Long-term PCP use can harm your heart, lungs, and brain. It may lead to memory problems, speech difficulties, and impaired thinking.
Mental Health and Social Effects
PCP can trigger psychotic symptoms that may last for weeks or months. You might experience:
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Severe anxiety
- Depression
These effects can persist even after you stop using PCP. Your relationships may suffer as PCP alters your behavior and decision-making. You might become aggressive or withdrawn.
PCP addiction can lead to job loss, financial problems, and legal troubles. It often strains family bonds and friendships. Recovery can be challenging, but professional help is available.
Prevention and Risk Reduction
The best way to avoid PCP risks is not to use it. If you’re struggling with PCP use:
- Seek professional help
- Join a support group
- Avoid situations where PCP is present
- Find healthy coping strategies
If you use PCP, never mix it with other drugs or alcohol. This increases your risk of overdose and other complications. Use clean needles if injecting to reduce infection risks.
Be aware of PCP’s effects on your judgment. Don’t drive or operate machinery while under its influence. Have a trusted person with you if you use PCP to help in case of emergency.