PCP Addiction Guide

The perception or experience of pain, emotion, learning, memory, and reaction to the environment are all regulated by glutamate. The hallucinogen and dissociative substance phencyclidine alters the brain’s glutamate levels, causing hallucinations. 

Hallucinations, sensory or emotional shifts, a sensation of invincibility or super-strength, euphoria, and calmness are all possible side effects of PCP use.

The addictive qualities PCP also leads to behaviors such as dependency, cravings, and drug seeking. Anyone who starts using PCP or uses it compulsively risks developing aggressive tendencies, convulsions, coma, or could perhaps die.

If you or a loved one could benefit from 12 Steps to Recovery, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn about our comfortable residential setting.

Understanding PCP Addiction

PCP can be found in a variety of forms, including pills and capsules, although it is most frequently used in liquid or powder form. PCP may be smoked after being sprinkled over leafy items including tobacco, parsley, and marijuana. It can also be injected, eaten, and inhaled.

PCP was first marketed in the United States under the trade name Sernyl and used as a general anesthetic after being discovered in 1926. However, due to associated post-operative hallucinations and uneasiness (also known as dysphoria), it was banned for use in humans in 1967, and legal usage has since been restricted to veterinary procedures only.

However, PCP began to gain popularity as an illicitly produced street drug in the 1960s. And by 1970, it was widely used. People of all ages, genders, and religious backgrounds may suffer from an addiction. The likelihood of having a drug use disorder can be influenced by a number of things; there is no single element that causes addiction. These elements are mostly beyond a person’s control and do not necessarily indicate a drug use disorder.

PCP Abuse 

PCP is a white, crystalline powder with a bitter flavor that may be vaporized, snorted, eaten, or smoked. Or it is frequently mixed in alcohol or water for use. It may even be laced into cigarettes or marijuana.

Dissociative substances like PCP have immediate physical and hallucinogenic effects that can persist for hours or even days. The results vary according on the amount utilized.

Some of PCP’s other names are:

  • Rocket fuel
  • Bella donna
  • Love boat
  • Embalming fluid
  • The sheets

When combined with marijuana or tobacco or other drugs the name may change to:

  • Elephant flipping (with MDMA)
  • Pikachu (with MDMA)
  • Black acid (with LSD)
  • Whack (with cocaine)
  • Killer joints
  • Lovely
  • Waters
  • Zoom
  • Sawgrassts

PCP Abuse Symptoms

Psychosis episodes and significant changes in a person’s physical or behavioral health are two prominent indicators that someone is using angel dust. If someone is worried about PCP usage, they should learn how to recognize this behavior in themselves or in their loved ones.

Some things to look out for are:

  • Loss of weight
  • Muscular spasms
  • High-risk activities
  • Lack of self-care
  • Cravings
  • Psychosis and hallucinations
  • Speech that is slurred or stammers
  • Mood changes
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work or in the classroom
  • Ongoing use
  • Sweating
  • Blank looks

PCP Abuse Statistics

There are many statistics associated with PCP use. We have outlines some here for you to look at:

  • The proportion of adults 12 and older who used hallucinogens rose from 1.8 percent (or 4.7 million people) in 2015 to 2.2 percent (or 6.0 million people) in 2019.
  • According to DHHS (2011), 6.1 million Americans aged 12 and older reported using PCP at some point in their lives.
  • In 2019, 7.2% (or 2.4 million) of young people between the ages of 18 and 25 reported using hallucinogens in the previous 12 months.
  • Hallucinogen usage increased among persons 26 and older rising from 0.8 percent (or 1.7 million people) in 2015 to 1.5 percent (or 3.1 million people) in 2019.
  • In 2019, 440,000 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 (1.8 percent) reported using hallucinogens in the previous 12 months.
  • Between 2008 and 2010, the number of hospitalizations linked to PCP increased significantly.
  • PCP usage was highest among African American males aged 21 to 24, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).

PCP Withdrawal 

Some research indicates that recurrent PCP use can result in tolerance, dependence, and an accompanying withdrawal syndrome when the drug is stopped, however the consequences of long-term PCP use has not been completely studied. 

It can also result in addiction. Addiction is a chronic illness marked by obsessive usage despite harmful effects on the individual. When users makes the choice to quit PCP they may experience the following symptoms:

  • PCP-related cravings.
  • Alot of sleep.
  • Depression.
  • Headaches.
  • An increase in appetite.
  • Sweating.

Get Help Today with Myrtle Beach Recovery 

If you or a loved one are struggling with PCP addiction, let Myrtle Beach Recovery help you with our 12-step immersion program. Our experienced staff will help you work through the steps to help you regain control of your life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.

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