What is PCP?

Part of the complete guide to understanding addiction

PCP, or phencyclidine drug, is a very strong hallucinogenic drug that was first made in the 1950s as a medical anesthetic. At the time, it was seen as a promising option for surgery because it could block pain without causing unconsciousness. However, researchers soon discovered severe side effects that made it unsafe for human use. Patients who were given PCP often experienced intense hallucinations, confusion, paranoia, and sometimes violent outbursts. These unpredictable reactions led to the drug being discontinued for medical purposes by the 1960s.

Street names for the drug include:

• Angel Dust PCP
• Ozone
• Rocket Fuel
• Supergrass
• Embalming Fluid
• Wet
• Sherman
• Love Boat
• Killer Weed (when mixed with marijuana)

Risks of PCP

Today, PCP angel dust is classified as a dissociative drug. This means it alters a person’s perceptions of reality - particularly sight and sound - and can make users feel disconnected from their bodies and environment. This dissociative effect is why people who take PCP may not feel pain, act in bizarre ways, or seem entirely unaware of their surroundings. PCP is illegal and highly addictive, and often referred to by street names like "angel dust." Despite its initial medical intentions, the drug is now linked to dangerous behavior, and its mind-altering properties can make users behave violently or irrationally, putting themselves and others at risk.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding PCP is its unpredictable effects. Some users may feel really happy or detached, while others might become paranoid, anxious, or extremely aggressive. These intense, fluctuating effects make it a risky drug, with high potential for addiction and harm. In extreme cases, users under the influence of PCP have been known to engage in reckless or life-threatening activities, leading to tragic outcomes. The drug’s ability to make people lose control of their actions and perception is what makes it so dangerous.

If you or a loved one struggle with PCP addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.

What Is Angel Dust?

You may be wondering, “What is the drug Angel Dust? and “What are the effects of Angel Dust drug?” Angel Dust is a street name for Phencyclidine (PCP), a powerful dissociative drug originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic for medical use. However, due to its severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, and aggressive behavior, its medical use in humans was discontinued.

When used recreationally, PCP is often sold as a white crystalline powder, but it can also be found in liquid form or as tablets. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. People sometimes dip marijuana or tobacco cigarettes in PCP, referring to it as "wet" or "embalming fluid."

The effects of PCP can be unpredictable, ranging from a sense of detachment from the body to feelings of invulnerability, altered perceptions, and hallucinations. In high doses, it can lead to violent behavior, severe confusion, and psychosis, along with serious health risks such as seizures, coma, or death.

PCP Addiction

PCP addiction occurs when someone becomes physically and psychologically dependent on phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or "angel dust." While some people may start using it for its mind-altering effects, repeated use can quickly lead to addiction.

With PCP addiction, the brain starts to crave the drug to experience the same dissociative highs, even though the effects can be dangerous or terrifying. Over time, users may find themselves needing larger amounts of the drug to feel the same effects, which increases the risk of harmful side effects, including violent or erratic behavior, extreme anxiety, and severe mood swings. Addiction to PCP can also cause serious long-term health issues, such as memory problems, speech difficulties, and impaired motor skills.

Breaking free from PCP addiction is challenging due to the drug’s powerful impact on the brain. People struggling with addiction often need professional treatment, including detox, therapy, and support, to help manage withdrawal symptoms and overcome psychological dependence.

Signs of PCP Abuse

Signs of PCP abuse can manifest in a variety of physical, behavioral, and psychological ways. Physically, individuals may experience slurred speech, impaired coordination, numbness in the limbs, and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). Other symptoms can include increased blood pressure, muscle rigidity, shallow breathing, dizziness, excessive sweating, and skin flushing.

Behaviorally, those under the influence of PCP may display aggressive or violent behavior, paranoia, and experience hallucinations or delusions. Dissociative behavior, where the person feels disconnected from themselves or their surroundings, confusion, disorientation, and risky behavior are also common signs.

Psychologically, mood swings, anxiety, panic, depersonalization, and suicidal thoughts may occur, alongside impaired memory or cognitive function. Long-term abuse of PCP can lead to severe health complications, including seizures, comas, or even death, particularly with high doses.

Physical Effects of PCP

Physical Effects of PCP include:

• Numbness: PCP is a dissociative anesthetic, so it often numbs pain. Users may feel detached from their bodies and may not notice injuries or physical harm.
• Muscle Rigidity and Tremors: PCP can cause muscle stiffness, twitching, and even convulsions at high doses.
• Loss of Coordination: The drug impairs motor skills, making it difficult for users to walk or move normally. They may appear clumsy or stagger.
• Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: PCP stimulates the central nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can strain the heart and cardiovascular system.
• Blurred Vision and Dilated Pupils: Visual disturbances are common, including blurred vision, dilated pupils, and sensitivity to light.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some users experience nausea, dizziness, and vomiting after taking PCP.
• Respiratory Issues: In extreme cases or with high doses, PCP can suppress breathing, leading to respiratory failure.
• Seizures or Coma: At high doses, PCP can cause seizures or even lead to a coma, which can be life-threatening.

Psychological Effects of PCP:

Psychological Effects of PCP include:

• Hallucinations: One of the most well-known effects of PCP is its ability to cause intense hallucinations. Users may see, hear, or feel things that are not real.
• Delusions and Paranoia: PCP can distort reality, leading to paranoid thoughts, delusional thinking, and a sense that others are out to harm them.
• Aggression and Violent Behavior: Some individuals become highly agitated or aggressive under the influence of PCP, potentially leading to violent behavior toward themselves or others.
• Euphoria or Detachment: In lower doses, users may feel euphoric or detached from their surroundings, leading to risky or reckless behavior.
• Anxiety and Panic: PCP often induces severe anxiety and panic attacks, making users feel fearful or out of control.
• Depersonalization and Dissociation: A hallmark of PCP use is the sensation of being disconnected from one's body or environment, often described as an “out-of-body” experience.
• Memory and Cognitive Problems: Long-term or repeated use of PCP can lead to memory loss, trouble concentrating, and difficulty with basic thinking processes.
• Psychosis: Chronic use of PCP can lead to persistent psychotic symptoms like paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations, even after the drug’s effects have worn off.

Dangers of PCP (Phencyclidine)

These are some of the risks of using PCP:

• Hallucinations and Delusions: One of the most dangerous aspects of PCP is its ability to induce intense hallucinations and delusions, where users perceive things that aren’t real. This altered reality can lead to paranoia or irrational fear.
• Loss of Pain Sensation: PCP numbs pain, which can be risky if users injure themselves without realizing it. The lack of awareness of physical harm can lead to untreated injuries or self-mutilation.
• Erratic Behaviour: The drug can cause users to act in bizarre, reckless, or impulsive ways, making accidents or injuries more likely.
• Seizures and Respiratory Failure: High doses of PCP can cause seizures and suppress respiratory function, both of which are life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
• Addiction: PCP is highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. Users develop a tolerance, needing more of the drug to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose and dependence.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Chronic users who try to quit often experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including depression, anxiety, agitation, and cravings, making it difficult to stop using the drug without professional help.
• Speech and Motor Skill Issues: PCP can cause slurred speech, unsteady movement, and difficulty with coordination. These effects can be permanent after long-term use.
• Overdose Symptoms: Taking too much PCP can result in severe symptoms, including convulsions, coma, respiratory distress, and death. Overdose is a real threat, especially when the drug is mixed with alcohol or other substances.
• Criminal Behavior: Due to the loss of self-control and aggressive tendencies associated with PCP, users may engage in illegal activities or violent acts, leading to legal consequences such as arrest or incarceration.
• Social Isolation: PCP addiction can lead to social withdrawal, relationship breakdowns, and difficulty functioning in everyday life, contributing to isolation and long-term psychological problems.

Half-Life of PCP

Here is a table displaying the half-life of PCP based on various factors:

What is the Treatment for PCP Addiction?

Treatment for PCP (Phencyclidine) addiction typically involves a combination of medical care, behavioral therapy, and support programs.

Detox: The first step is detoxification, where medical supervision is crucial to manage withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings. During this phase, medications may be used to stabilize the individual and alleviate discomfort.

Behavioral Therapies: After detox, behavioral therapy is essential for long-term recovery. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to their drug use, while Contingency Management offers rewards for remaining drug-free. Additionally, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is used to encourage personal motivation to quit PCP.

Rehab: Depending on the severity of the addiction, individuals may enter either inpatient or outpatient rehab like the programs offered at Avenues Recovery. Inpatient rehab provides a structured, supportive environment, while outpatient programs offer flexibility for those who need to balance treatment with daily responsibilities.

PCP Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery

If you or a loved one suffer from PCP addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so our experts can guide you on your path to recovery. Our highly professional programs have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and can help you too. Our skilled admissions team will give you a free assessment and direct you to the treatment option most suited to you. Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community and to begin the journey to the sober future you deserve.

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