Start Your JourneyPCP (Phencyclidine): Effects, Dangers, and Pathways to Recovery
PCP, short for phencyclidine, is a powerful dissociative drug that was originally developed as an anesthetic. It was discontinued for medical use in humans due to severe psychological side effects, including hallucinations, aggression, and paranoia. On the street, PCP is used for its mind-altering effects, but repeated use can result in dangerous behavior, long-term mental health issues, and addiction-like patterns.
Lifeline Recovery and Wellness in Malvern, PA offers outpatient treatment for individuals recovering from PCP use, with programs tailored to address the unique mental health needs and behavioral challenges associated with dissociative substance use.
What Is PCP?
PCP is a synthetic dissociative drug that distorts perception of sight, sound, and self. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its high potential for misuse and the risk of psychological or physical dependence.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), although use has declined from its peak in the 1980s, PCP remains a serious concern, especially when used in combination with other substances like cannabis, alcohol, or hallucinogens.
Street Names for PCP
PCP is often sold under different names, particularly when combined with other drugs:
- Angel Dust
- Embalming Fluid
- Wet
- Sherm
- Rocket Fuel
- Love Boat
- Supergrass
- Ozone
It may also be sold as LSD or mescaline, leading to unintentional use.
What Does It Look Like When Someone Is Using PCP?
PCP’s effects can be unpredictable and often vary based on dose, mental state, and setting. Common behavioral and physical signs of use include:
- Blank stares or rapid eye movement
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Bizarre or aggressive behavior
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Delusions or paranoia
- Decreased sensitivity to pain
- Increased strength or erratic movements
- Detachment from reality or surroundings
Higher doses can lead to psychosis, seizures, or coma. PCP use is also associated with self-harming behaviors and violent outbursts, often requiring emergency intervention.
What Does PCP and Its Paraphernalia Look Like?
PCP is sold in several forms:
- White crystalline powder
- Tablets or capsules
- Dissolved liquid
- Dipped onto cigarettes, joints, or marijuana
Paraphernalia may include:
- Rolled cigarettes or joints soaked in liquid
- Vials or containers of unknown fluids
- Burned aluminum foil
- Pipes or straws
- Blotter paper (in cases of disguised use)
Because of its dissociative effects, users may combine PCP with other substances, increasing the risk of overdose or severe psychiatric symptoms.
How Do People Use PCP?
PCP can be:
- Smoked: Often with marijuana or tobacco, dipped in liquid PCP
- Snorted: As a powder
- Swallowed: In pill or capsule form
- Injected: In rare cases, as a dissolved liquid
The effects begin within minutes and can last between 4 to 8 hours, though residual confusion or agitation may persist much longer.
What Is the Best Way to Quit PCP?
Recovery from PCP misuse requires specialized care due to the drug’s long-lasting psychological effects. Some users may experience persistent hallucinations, paranoia, or mood disturbances even after ceasing use.
Effective recovery plans typically include:
- Psychiatric evaluation and stabilization
- Individualized therapy, including CBT and DBT
- Trauma-informed care
- Medication management for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Structured outpatient programs with peer support
While PCP itself may not cause classic physical withdrawal, the emotional and behavioral symptoms require clinical oversight and extended care. You can use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator to identify appropriate detox resources. Lifeline Recovery and Wellness can also help you locate and coordinate with providers.
What Does the Detox from PCP Look Like?
There is no standard medical detox protocol for PCP, but early recovery may involve hospitalization due to psychiatric symptoms.
Typical Withdrawal and Recovery Timeline:
- First 24–72 hours: Initial confusion, mood swings, anxiety, and potential psychosis
- Days 4–7: Gradual stabilization, but paranoia, agitation, and hallucinations may continue
- Weeks 2–4: Lingering depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances
- Long-term: Some individuals report flashbacks or emotional instability months later
Close clinical monitoring is critical, especially during the first few weeks after use, to ensure safety and prevent harm to self or others.
How Lifeline Recovery and Wellness Can Help
At Lifeline Recovery and Wellness in Malvern, PA, we provide supportive, structured care for individuals recovering from PCP use. While we do not provide detox services, we assist clients in finding and transitioning from inpatient or emergency stabilization to ongoing outpatient care.
Our programs include:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
- Dual diagnosis treatment for trauma, mood disorders, and psychosis
- Relapse prevention and coping skills
- Life skills and community reintegration support
- Family education and support coordination
Our clinical team understands the unique challenges of dissociative substance recovery and offers a respectful, individualized approach. If you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of PCP, reach out to us today.
