PCP Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Phencyclidine, commonly known by its street name “angel dust”, is a potent hallucinogenic that can make anyone believe they’re invincible as if they have superhuman strength, hallucinate non-existing things, and have a distorted sense of reality. It’s also known for inducing euphoria and a sense of detachment from one’s body or surroundings.
However, alongside these “highs”, people who take PCP are also at risk of life-threatening conditions like respiratory depression and may experience delusions and paranoia up to the extent of psychosis.
This guide is here to help you understand how PCP addiction manifests, the telltale signs of addiction, and ultimately, how to recover from it through different treatment options. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with PCP addiction, this guide can help you make better-informed decisions on what your next step is towards recovery.
What is PCP?
PCP or phencyclidine was initially a drug developed in the 1950s as a dissociative anaesthetic. It was valued in medical operations as it can both function as an anaesthesia (providing loss of physical sensation with or without loss of consciousness) and analgesia (providing pain relief without loss of sensation or consciousness).
The best part is that it does all this without triggering cardiorespiratory depression. However, it was later found that it can induce patients in a state of euphoria, detachment, and hallucinations.
Today, PCP can be used, whether it be through injection, snorting, or smoking and can make anyone experience a distorted sense of reality, affecting sight, hearing, and even body image. This is why most people with PCP addiction feel they are invincible with superhuman strength and intense euphoria.
Its street names are “angel dust”, “hog”, “elephant”, and “horse tranquilliser”, which originated from the fact that it was formerly used as an animal tranquilliser. What PCP does to the brain is block the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which can make people go into a trance-like state, hallucinate, and disassociate from reality.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
What are the Effects of PCP?
Like any kind of drug addiction, PCP addiction’s effects rely on the dosage, tolerance, and method of consuming the drug. Below are the common effects that PCP can have on the brain and the body.
- Euphoria and feelings of invincibility
People using PCP can often feel a bloated sense of strength combined with an intense sense of pleasure. In such cases, they may engage in risk-seeking behaviour that can only expose them to dangers. - Distorted perception of reality
Another effect is that people will perceive reality as something more than ordinary. They’ll experience an altered state of time and space without really knowing the truth. - Detachment from self and surroundings
Together with an altered perception of reality, people can also feel as if they are detached from their bodies. It’s as if they have lost control over it as well as not fully registering their surroundings. - Hallucinations
Users of PCP can also be induced with hallucinations where they can see, hear, and feel situations that are not really rooted in reality. These hallucinations are similar in effect to the mental disorder schizophrenia. - Numbness and analgesia
Because of the analgesic properties of PCP, people won’t be able to usually register pain. This can lead them to keep on engaging in dangerous activities and can even cause accidental injuries. - Aggressive and violent behaviour
People who are under the influence of PCP are also more likely to act hostile and engage in violent behaviours. Their perceived sense of being invincible can create this kind of reaction. - Physical impairment
Aside from the psychological effects, prolonged and higher usage of PCP can cause respiratory depression or shallow breathing, which can also lead to carbon dioxide concentration in the body. They can also experience elevated blood pressure, excessive sweating, increased heart rate, and loss of muscle control and coordination - Cognitive impairment
Lastly, PCP addiction can cause long-term cognitive issues that affect an individuals memory, ability to focus, decision-making skills, learning, and many more. Because PCP can detach people from their reality it becomes harder for them to stay objective and grounded in reality.
Signs and Symptoms of PCP Addiction
PCP addiction covers physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms and depending on how long or how much a person takes, the effects can vary. In some cases where the individual has another mental health disorder or takes other drugs, the effects can be increasingly severe and show up differently.
It’s important to catch the early signs of PCP addiction so that it can be treated immediately and avoid further damage to the brain and body.
Physical symptoms
Numbness to pain
Muscle stiffness
Loss of balance
Nausea and vomiting
Slurred speech
Shallow breathing
Redness of the skin
Excessive sweating
Difficulty in moving body
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Seizures (in severe cases)
Blank stare or rapid eye movements
Frequent accidents or injuries because of numbness to pain.
Behavioural symptoms
Mood swings and irritability
Neglecting responsibilities (work, relationships, home)
Isolating from friends or family
Hanging out with new people who use PCP
Being secretive about activities
Stealing or borrowing money to get PCP
Selling belongings to buy PCP
Poor hygiene and appetite
Engaging in illegal activities while using PCP
Psychological symptoms
Believing one has superhuman strength
Intense euphoria
Auditory hallucinations
Seeing non-existent things, people, or situations
Intense paranoia that people are “out to get them.”
Delusions of invincibility
Violent behaviour
Extreme mood swings from euphoria to depression
Feeling anxious
Memory loss and brain fog
Confusion over where they are, what time it is, etc.
Detachment from reality and experiencing a state of psychosis
Signs of increasing tolerance and dependence to PCP?
The more people use PCP, the more the body also adapts to it, and this poses a lot of problems. For one, users need to take a higher dose as they keep using PCP because the body adjusts to it and can no longer give out the same effects. It becomes a cycle of tolerance and dependence that seems to never stop.
Alongside this kind of usage, the withdrawal symptoms of PCP addiction will also increase and can be life-threatening, like severe seizures and respiratory depression. This makes it harder to detox, as it can be dangerous without medical assistance.
Lastly, the most obvious sign that PCP addiction has increased is when a person still continues to use it despite knowing the harm it can cause to them.
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms happen when a person using PCP decides to stop or reduce it. The thing about withdrawal symptoms though is that they can be very dangerous and life-threatening which is why DIY detox can be highly risky especially in severe cases.
Some of the early withdrawal symptoms people can feel are:
Intense cravings for PCP
Mood swings and irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Restlessness
Physical fatigue
Muscle pain and stiffness
When the PCP addiction has become severe, people can experience shallow breathing and vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration and seizures. Early interventions can only be possible when you can recognize physical, behavioural, psychological, and withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one find these symptoms all too familiar, your best next step is to reach out to your GP or an addiction specialist to direct you on the treatments you can do. It’s better late than never actually seeking the help one needs in addiction treatment.
Remember, addiction is treatable, and the first step one needs is to decide for themselves that they want to get better.
What Causes Addiction to PCP – Who is at Risk?
The people at risk of PCP addiction vary, and it all has to do with different biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Like any kind of addiction, there is no single cause but instead an overlap of the right factors at the right time.
Anyone can fall into addiction; the best thing to do is to recognise it and seek treatment afterwards. Below are some of the factors that can contribute to PCP addiction.
Genetic predisposition
People with a family history of any kind of addiction may be more susceptible to falling into addiction as well. The main reason is that their genetic predisposition was inherited by their family members, which also results in an altered brain chemistry.
Their genes can affect their stress responses, the reward system in the brain, and how they respond to drugs. With this in mind, there’s a chance that people with a family history of substance abuse can also be vulnerable to addiction.
Psychological factors
Another set of factors are those relating to the psychological traits that people may have inherited, acquired, or caused by different kinds of psychological stressors.
People with existing mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar, or schizophrenia may seek the use of PCP in order to self-medicate. Most times, these people may also be unaware that they have co-existing mental health disorders, and they’re only trying to dampen the symptoms brought by them.
Personality traits also play a role in this, as people are more prone to engage in impulsive and risk-taking behaviours like experimenting with drugs. Lastly, individuals who have experienced trauma and great amounts of stress are more likely to use drugs like PCP.
Trauma surrounding bereavement, chronic stress from work or family life, abuse, and loss can make people turn to substances in order to cope.
Environmental factors
People are also susceptible to PCP addiction because of external factors like their environment. They may be exposed to groups of people who have normalised the use of recreational drugs, or they may be pressured by their peers as well.
- Exposure to drugs
People are more susceptible to using drugs like PCP in an environment where the use of drugs is highly accepted. - Peer pressure
Mostly adolescents or young adults can submit to peer pressure by using drugs and may find themselves chronically using drugs like PCP afterwards. - Socioeconomic status
Another layer to this is the socioeconomic background of people, as living in a lower-income household can put a lot of strain, have limited educational access and opportunities, and can lead them to drugs in order to cope. - Availability of drugs
Last but not least is the ease of access to drugs either in a neighbourhood, school, or office. The easier it is to acquire, the easier it takes to convince people to use drugs like PCP.
Age of first use
Early exposure to drugs like PCP can lead to developing an addiction to it especially if an individual had first used it during adolescence, where their brain chemistry hasn’t fully developed yet. Teenagers, for example, are more vulnerable to the effects of drugs like PCP, which, in turn, can affect their decision-making skills, emotional regulation, and impulse control.
Social and cultural factors
When a person is exposed to cultures or communities where using drugs is widely accepted, this can lead them to experiment with substances like PCP without worry. As they have grown up in a culture where it is normalised, they can be at higher risk of drug addiction.
Another side to this is the glamorised portrayal of drugs in media. When people watch shows where drugs are glamorised and the lifestyle around them pictured as aspirational, it’s no surprise that they can be easily influenced to take drugs as well.
Co-occurring disorders
Another factor that can make people susceptible to PCP addiction is if they have co-occurring disorders and use multiple drugs simultaneously with PCP.
- Polysubstance use
People who use other recreational drugs are at a higher risk of PCP addiction as their bodies have grown dependent on it. - Behavioural addictions
This pertains to people with an addiction towards gambling or sex, and this can later on develop into drug-seeking behaviours.
Biological factors
Lastly, people with different brain structures and neurodevelopmental issues are also at risk of using recreational drugs that can later lead to addiction.
- Brain chemistry
Individuals who have a different brain chemistry can register neurochemicals differently like the chemical dopamine. When they are exposed to the drugs, they might feel more rewarded as opposed to other individuals and this can reinforce drug-seeking behaviours. - Neurological development
Another factor is the difference in the structure and function of the parts of the brain like the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. A difference in neurological development can affect emotional regulation and reward processing that can make some people more prone to addiction.
It’s important to know that while these risk factors can make a person more susceptible to drug addiction, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all people who have it can be addicted.
Anyone can fall into addiction given the right circumstances; the best thing to focus on instead is to recognize these risk factors together with the symptoms; one should seek professional help immediately.
How is PCP Drug Addiction Treated?
Treating PCP addiction involves three crucial steps in order to facilitate healing: detoxification, therapy, and aftercare.
PCP Drug Detox
Like any other kind of addiction, the first step is always detox, where the drug is flushed out of the body in order to help a person prepare for effective therapy. It’s vital that PCP detox is only done under the guidance of a medical health professional, as it can be potentially life-threatening.
The withdrawal symptoms that people can feel after detox can be difficult, and they usually peak after three days to a week. In the process of detoxifying, severe symptoms like depression, anxiety, psychosis, and seizures can happen. This is where medical professionals come in, as they have medication that can help subside the different withdrawal symptoms when needed.
The detoxification phase may last from several days to a week or more, depending on the severity of the PCP addiction. The important thing is to administer it in a safe and secure environment rather than doing it yourself.
Therapies for PCP addiction treatment
After detox is complete, the next step is to undergo therapy in order to get to the root cause of the addiction. There are many underlying reasons why a person can fall into the vicious cycle of addiction, which is why there are multiple modes of therapy that can help them get to the root of it.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapy model in which the patient and the therapist work together to explore destructive thinking patterns and behaviours. The goal is to help people challenge their distorted beliefs and narratives around their relationship with drugs like PCP, identify their triggers, and help them develop a mental toolkit of healthy coping mechanisms and relapse prevention strategies.
Contingency management (CM)
Contingency management, also known as motivational incentives, is another type of behavioural therapy where people are encouraged to maintain their sobriety through rewards and positive reinforcement. The rewards may be financial or privilege-based, with the goal of making individuals feel good while continuously making an effort to recover.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
MI approach is a collaboration between the therapist and the patient where they explore their ambivalence to change and the reason behind their usage of PCP. This method also helps in identifying their triggers and barriers of resistance. The goal of MI is to help develop motivation towards recovery and sobriety among patients.
Group therapy
Having a community around you that knows intimately where you are coming from can make anyone feel seen and heard. Community is a crucial factor in knowing that you are not alone. In this setup, a therapist facilitates the conversations, and everyone in the circle is able to share their stories as well as advice/suggestions with their peers.
Family therapy
Families play a crucial role in helping people recover from PCP addiction. After all, addiction does not only affect the user but also their loved ones who have seen it up close and have been equally affected by their behaviours as well. In this setup, each family member or loved one learns about PCP addiction, improves their communication styles, and builds a better support system within the family.
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PCP Addiction Aftercare – Relapse Prevention
After therapy, the next phase in PCP addiction treatment is learning the different ways a person can equip themselves against relapse. While relapses are only a normal part of the recovery process, it’s crucial to have basic coping strategies before going out of rehabilitation facilities.
Ongoing therapy and counselling
Meeting up with a therapist while in recovery can be helpful for people as they can address issues that may crop up once they’re back in their lives. They may feel like they get triggered by certain situations, and through therapy they can cope better and realign themselves with their values and what they have learned in treatment.
Support groups
Support groups are crucial in helping people find support and accountability, especially when they don’t know anyone in their circle who has had the same experiences as they do. Some support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are just one of them.
Relapse prevention planning
In relapse prevention planning, people can recognize their triggers, notice when they crop up, and build a mental toolkit of strategies to help combat them. As external triggers won’t necessarily be gone after treatment, the best course of action is to prepare to deal with them to cope in a healthier way.
Life skills training and vocational support
Life skills training is especially important for people who have missed the opportunity to finish their education when in treatment, acquire job skills they can use outside, and also discover hobbies that can help them in their sober lifestyle.
Sober living homes
Lastly, some people also benefit from sober living homes where they live in a drug-free environment and can easily access the support of their family and peers.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
In-Patient vs. Out-Patient Rehab Treatment Options
There are two treatment options environment-wise when it comes to treating PCP addiction. Each specific treatment option has its own advantages, and choosing the “right” one largely depends on the severity, personal circumstances, and treatment plans available to people.
In-patient rehab treatment
Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 medical and psychological support, and this structured environment is highly ideal for people with severe PCP addiction. During the detox phase, the withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening, which is why it’s crucial that they can access the help of medical professionals to help them get through. Patients usually last from 30 days to several months, depending on the treatment plan they need.
Out-patient rehab treatment
Out-patient treatment is another treatment option where the patients get continuous treatment sessions while living at home. This is ideal for those with mild PCP addiction and people who have a strong support system. This usually varies from a daily session to several meetings in a week.
The benefits of in-patient rehab for Percocet addiction
Rehab treatment for PCP addiction is highly beneficial as it helps people access a more comprehensive treatment for their addiction. It can be risky to administer treatment on your own as there are potentially life-threatening effects from withdrawal, and it might only reinforce the cycle of addiction.
In rehabilitation facilities, patients can expect to have:
- Structured environment
Where they can have a safe and secure environment free from triggers and help them avoid relapsing during the critical stages of their recovery.
- Comprehensive care
People can access not just medical and psychological support but also social support through workshops, communities, and even group therapy. In this sense, patients are assured that every aspect of their addiction can be treated and addressed in a comprehensive manner.
- Peer support
In rehab centres, individuals can interact with people who are in the same boat as them, share their struggles, and build relationships where there is mutual support and motivation towards healing.
- Access to professionals
Patients can also feel safe and secure knowing that they have medical professionals, doctors, therapists, and counsellors who can help them achieve complete recovery.
- Aftercare planning
Lastly, this enables people to feel continuously supported in their post-rehab life through ongoing therapy, community support, and also assisted medication to help with cravings and possible relapse.
Your Next Steps
Addiction can be very challenging and suck out the life of the user and their loved ones as well. However, it is also treatable, and if you recognise the signs of PCP addiction in yourself or a loved one, you can take these steps in your recovery.
- Consult with a medical professional
Whether it is through your GP or an addiction specialist, it helps to get guidance from a medical professional so they can diagnose you and guide you through ideal treatment options and rehab centres near you.
- Explore treatment options
There are many kinds of treatment plans, and it’s important to identify the place that has the program you think you’d like to get.
- Contact a rehab centre
Once you have decided on a rehab centre, it’s best to contact them or learn more about their treatment programs either on the facility itself or their website. The best part is that many rehab centres offer free consultations and assessments as well.
- Seek support from loved ones
Going through addiction treatment can be terribly isolating. It’s important to seek the support of family and friends so they can be aware of your situation and also help you get back on your feet once you complete treatment.
- Prepare for detox and treatment
Lastly, it’s best to prepare for detox when you enter a rehab facility. This means that you’ll have to process your work leaves, ensuring your house and children are supported, and your other responsibilities are covered while you’re in treatment.
Addiction treatment may be challenging, but it is highly achievable. The only thing you need from here on out is to take the first step: deciding that you want to get better and live a drug-free life. Remember, treatment demands commitment and the desire to heal must come from you first.
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