PCP Treatment

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Phencyclidine (PCP), a dissociative anesthetic, was first used medically in the 1950s. Its usage declined during the following decade due to causing severe anxiety, agitation and hallucinations in patients. PCP’s popularity as a recreational drug peaked in the late 1970s, garnering an infamous reputation for causing its users to become aggressive and violent. Often called “angel dust,” PCP still shows up in illicit drug markets today, often sold as ecstasy, MDMA or other popular club drugs.

Sovereign Health understands the destructiveness of addiction, and our detoxification and residential treatment programs provide an ideal, structured environment for PCP treatment. Without such treatment, PCP addiction may result in psychosis and other severe consequences.

PCP Abuse

PCP is usually sold as a bitter, crystalline powder, with colors ranging from dark brown to white depending on purity. The powder can be taken orally or sprinkled on tobacco, marijuana or other herbs and smoked. PCP can be dissolved into water or alcohol as well – some users dip cigarettes containing marijuana or tobacco into liquid containing PCP, a practice often called “wet,” “sherm,” and “loveboat.” The liquid PCP used to dip cigarettes in is often called “embalming fluid.”

PCP’s effects can last a long time. When snorted or smoked, the effects can last for up to six hours. If taken orally, the effects can last up to 24 hours. It’s important to note that PCP’s effects can vary widely. Like other designer drugs, PCP is largely manufactured illegally, and its ingredients can be as unpredictable as the drug’s effects making PCP drug addiction that much more dangerous.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that manipulates a person’s sense of reward, motivation, memory and a number of related neurological functions.

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Symptoms of PCP Abuse

Some of the symptoms of PCP abuse may include

Red Flags of PCP Abuse

How do I Start?

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PCP Inside the Body

PCP works by affecting how the body’s glutamate receptors work. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter which plays a role in both the body’s pain perception and areas of function like emotion and memory. PCP also has an effect on dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the body’s reward system. When large amounts of dopamine are released due to drug use, the user experiences the euphoria that spurs repeated drug use.

Perhaps the most infamous quality of PCP is its association with violence – depictions in the media of PCP users have implied the drug gives its users incredible strength during violent rages. However, research results seem to show that users of PCP who become violent do so because of a history of psychosis or antisocial behaviors, rather than strictly due to PCP use. It’s also worth pointing out that PCP’s effects can make users utterly unaware of their surroundings. While under the drug’s influence, a PCP user may not even realize that they’re involved in a physical altercation.

There have been few studies on PCP’s effects on the body after long-term use. Some users may develop chronic speech difficulties, such as being unable to form words. Other users have reported difficulties with memory and so-called “flashbacks” similar to those experienced by long-term users of psychedelics. Additional studies have shown a relationship between PCP abuse and suicide. Finally, long-term use of the drug may cause toxic psychosis in some users, even in those with no prior history of psychosis.

The different dangerous effects of PCP use make the need for PCP addiction treatment that much more important. Treatment can normally be found at PCP rehab centers.

Getting Help for PCP Abuse

PCP is addictive, and addiction ruins lives. However, addiction is treatable, and Sovereign Health offers safe, structured PCP treatment. Our locations across the United States offer people dealing with PCP addiction a place to detox from the drug and to discover the possibilities of a sober life.

We interview and examine all of our patients before they receive the help they need. This helps us determine a personalized treatment program that addresses each patient’s specific needs. During treatment, we use effective and proven methods to heal patients, from psychotherapy to cutting-edge brain restoration programs. Additionally, we take a holistic approach to our patients, treating their underlying mental issues along with addiction to ensure they have the best chance of a lasting recovery.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that manipulates a person’s sense of reward, motivation, memory and a number of related neurological functions.

Learn more

Why Choose Sovereign Health?

We’re fully committed to your recovery. We offer:

Our patients aren’t simply a collection of problems – they’re individuals in need of help. We’ll be with you and your loved ones every step of the way, from initial admission to starting a new life once you leave our care. A new life can start today. Don’t hesitate; call our 24/7 helpline now.