PCP is a dissociative and anesthetic drug. Doctors in the 1920s began using it as a general anesthesia during medical procedures. People begin manufacturing it illegally in the 1960s. By the 1970s, many people in the United States used PCP recreationally.

Research shows that emergency department visits related to PCP have increased significantly in recent years. Adults aged 25 to 34 are using PCP at higher rates now than in recent decades. 

PCP abuse can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening consequences. Those who abuse this dangerous drug must seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid the consequences of PCP addiction.

This article will explore PCP abuse. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of PCP
• How long PCP stays in your body 
• What to expect from PCP withdrawal
• How long TCP may be detected in drug tests
• Where to find substance abuse treatment and support in recovery

If you or someone you love struggles with PCP abuse or another kind of substance abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to the compassionate professionals at The Living Room to explore our treatment programs. Contact us with questions, to verify insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment. 

What is PCP?

PCP is a street term for phencyclidine. This powerful, illicit drug is a dissociative anesthetic. While PCP was once used in medical settings, now it is an illegal drug classified as Schedule II by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Common slang terms for PCP include:

• Rocket fuel
• Love Boat
• Magic dust
• Bella Donna
• Angel dust
• Supergrass
• Peace pill
• Ozone

People who use PCP frequently may develop symptoms of addiction. These symptoms can include needing higher doses to get the desired side effects, experiencing cravings, and having withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Overdose is also a significant risk of PCP abuse. 

In addition to the short-term risks of PCP abuse, frequent use can lead to severe and long-term health complications, including:

• Muscle tissue damage
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia elevated body temperature
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage

It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize PCP abuse.

What are the Effects of PCP?

PCP users may use this potent drug for its dissociative effects. Low or moderate doses of PCP can result in side effects that include:

•  Confusion
•  Feelings of detachment from the environment or self
•  Altered perceptions
•  Disorientation
•  Numbness in the feet and hands
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Hallucinations
•  Dizziness
•  Facial sweating
•  Difficulty controlling physical movement
•  Dangerously elevated heart rate, body temperature, respiration, and blood pressure

People who take larger doses of PCP may experience other side effects, including:

• Panic 
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Exaggerated strength
• Disordered thinking
• Severe muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Violent behaviors
• Coma
• Death

Unpleasant or dangerous side effects can vary from person to person, depending on how often they use it and at what dose. People may continue to experience side effects of PCP abuse for months or even years after they quit using it. 

Common long-term side effects of PCP abuse include:

• Problems with speech
• Memory issues
• Anxiety
• Depression with suicidal thoughts
• Social withdrawal

These long-lasting effects can disrupt people’s daily functioning and quality of life. Many people who develop PCP abuse and addiction require intensive treatment and ongoing support to manage their symptoms and avoid relapse.

How Long Does PCP Stay in Your System?

If someone with PCP dependence suddenly stops using it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Acute withdrawal symptoms may include:

•  Anxiety and fear
•  Muscle twitching
•  Diarrhea
•  Agitation or restlessness
•  Headache
•  Excessive sweating
•  Elevated body temperature

Long-term PCP withdrawal symptoms might last for months or longer, and may include:

• Memory problems
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Weight loss
• Mood disorders
• Sleep problems
• Depression

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms does not indicate that PCP remains in the body. People may experience withdrawal symptoms until their body has returned to its natural, balanced state.

How Long Can PCP be Detected on a Drug Test?

Different drug tests can detect PCP throughout the body for various lengths of time. Here is an overview of the detection times for several types of drug screening tests.

Urine testing

Urinalysis tests may detect PCP in urine for up to 14 days after your last dose.

Blood testing

Blood testing may detect PCP for up to 24 hours after your last dose.

Saliva testing

Saliva tests may detect PCP for up to 10 days after your last dose.

Hair testing

Hair tests typically have the longest detection window for PCP. A hair test may detect PCP for up to 90 days after your last dose.

Many factors can affect how long a drug test can detect this dangerous street drug. Your age, gender, metabolism, and other factors can influence the detection window of these tests.

If you are concerned about passing a drug test, you may require substance abuse treatment. Participating in a comprehensive treatment program can help you detox safely and learn the skills you need to avoid relapse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with PCP abuse or another type of substance use disorder, help is available at The Living Room. Contact our intake team now to schedule an appointment or ask questions. 

References:

1. National Drug Intelligence Center: PCP Fast Facts
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug
3. BMJ Journals: False-positive phencyclidine (PCP) on urine drug screen attributed to desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) use
4. National Institute of Health (NIH): How Often Do False-positive Phencyclidine (PCP) Urine Screens Occur with Use of Common Medications?