Here is all the key information you need to know about PCP.
PCP
Phencyclidine, also known as “PCP”, is a synthetic drug developed in the 1950s to be used as a surgical anesthetic. The legal use of it was discontinued after only a few years, but in today’s world, PCP continues to be produced illegally. PCP interferes with the function of your central nervous system and brain, and creates euphoria along with an “out of body” sensation that leads to aggressive and erratic behaviors. After your body becomes addicted to PCP, you experience cravings and other consequences, or drug seeking behaviors.
PCP addiction can lead to a greater desire for more of the drug to function, and can alter your psychological state. The symptoms of PCP addiction can generally be broken down into two classes: low-moderate abuse and high dosage abuse.
“Low moderate” PCP abuse can cause:
- Increase in breathing rates
- Increase in blood pressure
- Sweating
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Delusions
- Mild hallucinations
- Euphoria
- Skewed perception of reality
“High dosage” PCP abuse can cause more extreme psychological and physiological changes in your body such as:
- Loss of balance
- Vomiting
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Coma
- Seizure
- Respiratory distress
- Mania
Severe complications of long term PCP addiction include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Damage to the central nervous system
Getting the correct treatment for PCP addiction is crucial being that PCP can cause a wide array of severe health complications.
If you quit using PCP, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be frightening. PCP withdrawal symptoms can occur within the first day of last use and can last for up to 3 months if used daily. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Excessive sleepiness
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Mental confusion
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased cravings
- Delusions
It is important that you undergo detox treatment for PCP withdrawal; this will help you cleanse your body of the drug. Receiving treatment for PCP addiction from a reputable drug treatment facility immediately after detox will help you learn to manage your cravings and prepare you for a rewarding life that is free of drugs!
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
