What is PCP?

You may be wondering, “what is PCP exactly?”. PCP (also known as phencyclidine, is a dissociative and hallucinogen drug, meaning that the user can often have an out-of-body experience when taking the substance. 

Initially used in clinical settings as an anesthetic, PCP was discontinued for medical purposes after side effects of delusions and agitation began appearing in patients. 

However, PCP was picked up by street dealers and is now dealt as “angel dust” illegally. Those who take illicit PCP typically ingest it by snorting or smoking it, with effects lasting 4-6 hours. In pill form or in capsules, this psychoactive substance’s effects can be felt 30 minutes to an hour later, and effects can stay active for up to an entire day, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects and trouble functioning in daily life. 

PCP is a powerful, mind-altering drug that has a high potential for addiction, abuse, and dangerous side effects. If you or a loved one is dealing with a PCP addiction, contact Gratitude Lodge today and get the help you need.

Are PCP and Angel Dust the Same Thing?

Yes, PCP (phencyclidine) and “angel dust” are the same thing. “Angel dust” is a street name commonly used to refer to PCP. It is important to note that PCP is an illegal and highly dangerous drug with significant risks to physical and mental health. The use of PCP is associated with severe dissociation, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, and potential long-term psychological effects. 

It is strongly advised to avoid the use of PCP due to its potential for harm and legal consequences. Angel dust is also known to be highly addictive and dangerous, with debilitating side effects and long-term risks. 

an image of someone dealing with a PCP addiction

WHY DO PEOPLE USE PCP?

People use PCP because it’s a hallucinogen that creates a distortion in perception and sensations. Hallucination and delusions can create visual and auditory experiences as well as “out-of-body,” or dissociative experiences.

However, this drug can be quite dangerous as it’s effects can be extreme, including psychiatric disorders like hearing voices, extreme paranoia, and psychosis.  

PCP SLANG TERMS

How Long Does PCP Last?

The duration of the effects of PCP can vary depending on several factors, including the dosage, route of administration, individual metabolism, and the specific formulation of the drug. However, the typical duration of the effects of PCP can range from 4 to 6 hours.

After ingesting PCP orally, the onset of effects usually occurs within 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the peak effects are generally experienced within 2 to 4 hours. The intensity and duration of the effects can be influenced by factors such as the amount taken and individual sensitivity.

It is important to note that PCP is a powerful drug with potentially dangerous effects, and its use is illegal in many countries. The drug’s effects can be unpredictable and vary from person to person. It is strongly advised to avoid using PCP due to its associated risks to physical and mental health

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCP ADDICTION?

If your loved one has a PCP addiction, you may notice a change in their personality. They may have schizophrenic and psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices and talking to themselves or inanimate objects for long periods of time. While on PCP, a rise in body temperature may cause them to remove their clothing. They may also become violent toward others. Even when they aren’t on PCP, addicts can hear “voices” telling them to commit crimes and other violent acts.

PCP Addiction Symptoms

Angel Dust Paraphernalia

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF PCP ADDICTION?

In small doses, PCP can create a trance-like effect and feelings of out-of-body experiences. When taken in large doses, PCP addiction can also adversely affect others. PCP can make users violent or suicidal. Because it is a dissociative drug, the brain can’t detect pain in the body. It’s possible for users to have a blackout experience when they are getting into legal trouble. They may also not be able to tell doctors about broken bones until after the anesthetic has worn off.

A woman sits at the lake thinking about pcp effects

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF PCP ADDICTION

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF PCP ADDICTION

Angel Dust Addiction Stats

73,000

Americans admitted to using PCP at least once in 2019.

400%

increase in ER visits involving PCP from 2011 to 2020.

AGES 25-34

Most common age group for abusers of PCP.

HOW IS PCP ADDICTION TREATED?

After detox, PCP addicts may continue to have occasional psychotic episodes, which can be helped with mood-stabilizing medication. If you or your loved one has another drug addiction, our staff at Gratitude Lodge will help you detox from PCP and other substances. PCP addicts will receive therapy after medication to make their transition back into sobriety easier.

At Gratitude Lodge, we offer inpatient residential rehabilitation services in Long Beach and Newport Beach after detox. With medical staff available 24/7, you or your loved one can safely continue on the road to recovery. We have individualized counseling, group therapy, and 12-step recovery programs to provide recovering addicts with coping mechanisms and tools for a successful recovery. We have a trained staff that is well-versed in treating PCP addiction and dual diagnoses.

Common Drugs Combined With PCP

PCP is commonly sprinkled onto and mixed with other substances. Abusers commonly use “wet” PCP, where one dips joints and cigarettes into a water mixture with dissolved PCP. Marijuana, cocaine, and heroin continue to be involved in numerous emergency department-related cases. PCP is also commonly paired with LSD, MDMA, and mushrooms to achieve a full distortion of the senses.

PCP Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you are looking for a PCP or angel dust addiction treatment program, Gratitude Lodge has rehab programs in Southern California that offer both inpatient detox and residential recovery options. At Gratitude, we can help with both drug and alcohol addiction through evidence-based treatment options as well as more holistic treatment measures.

Call our team today to learn more about the treatment programs we offer and what a personalized treatment plan may look like for you or your loved one.

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PCP/Angel Dust FAQS

PCP, also known as phencyclidine, is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can have various effects on individuals. While PCP is known to produce unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects, including agitation, aggression, and violent behavior, not everyone who uses PCP will exhibit these behaviors. The drug’s effects can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as dosage, individual tolerance, and environmental circumstances. It is important to note that the use of PCP is illegal and highly discouraged due to its potential for harmful effects and risks to personal safety.

No, PCP is not an opioid. Opioids are a class of drugs that primarily act on the opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and euphoria. PCP, on the other hand, is a dissociative anesthetic that works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain, resulting in dissociation, hallucinations, and altered perceptions. PCP and opioids have different chemical structures and mechanisms of action, and they belong to separate categories of drugs with distinct effects and risks.

No, PCP is not acid. Acid or LSD is a hallucinogen while PCP is a dissociative anesthetic.

PCP comes in white or colored powder, which can be mixed with alcohol or water. “Wet” PCP can come dissolved in a tincture or vanilla extract bottle that looks like it contains yellow oil. On the streets, PCP may also look tan or brown.

Accordion Content

PCP is synthesized from piperdine and other chemicals. It’s production is quite hazardous, and it is highly illegal in many countries due to it’s dangerous effects on users. 

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WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE

Drug and alcohol rehab should be accessible to everyone. At Gratitude Lodge, we work with all major insurance plans to cover the costs of treatment.

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Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
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Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
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Psychotherapy

An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.
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Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
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Sober Living

Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
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Outpatient Treatment

Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.
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Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.
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Drug & Alcohol Detox

A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.
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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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