Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly referred to as angel dust, animal tranquilizer, rocket fuel, and wack, was created to act as a legitimate anesthetic but was soon considered dangerous when patients began acting erratically while under sedation. Despite being banned for use in medical settings, the drug gained popularity on the street due to the very side effects that led to this move. It’s been estimated that at least 6 million people over the age of 12 have ingested PCP for recreational purposes. Since PCP abuse can lead to dependency and a host of physical and mental problems, obtaining PCP addiction treatment can be important when trying to manage side effects and detox from the drug.

We at Better Addiction Care know how critical it is to get help when suffering from addiction, and that’s why we work with rehabs that specialize in treating reliance on this devastating substance. Is PCP addicting? Continue reading below for more information. 

Dangers of Being a PCP Addict 

PCP continues to be a popular drug among young people decades after being introduced into the public consciousness. In addition to experiencing short- and long-term side effects of the drug, young users may also suffer permanent disruption of the hormones responsible for growth and learning. Given this, young people can find that the rest of their lives may be altered after ingesting the drug.

Recent statistics have found that PCP is a threat across multiple generations, as users belong to every age group. Early intervention in the form of PCP addiction treatment may spare young users the agony of long-term side effects that span decades.

Effects of PCP

The mental and physical side effects of PCP are numerous and can include memory loss, speech problems, loss of muscular control, seizures, anxiety, delusions, and hallucinations. Some of the psychiatric effects of PCP can mimic serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. It’s been noted that suicidal tendencies tend to develop or increase while under the influence of PCP. Serious side effects of PCP use can remain for up to a year after a successful detox from the drug. This is why it is important to seek treatment for PCP addiction as soon as a problem has been recognized.

How to Treat PCP Addiction

PCP abuse almost always results from the intense cravings associated with the substance. The insatiable desire for PCP is one of the initial symptoms addressed during PCP addiction treatment. While withdrawal and detox can be very unpleasant and give rise to a number of symptoms that are associated with PCP abuse, weaning off of the drug, sometimes with the help of prescription medications, is the first real step that addicts can take to get sober.

Safe detox can create the right situation for customized PCP addiction treatment that addresses all facets of dependency. To ensure a safe detox, the highly trained staff, physicians, and psychiatrists employed by the addiction recovery facilities in our nationwide network begin designing individualized treatment as soon as addicts have been assessed and admitted into inpatient programs.

How Addictive Is PCP? 

PCP is a very addictive drug. Unlike other drugs, the potential for psychological addiction is quite high with PCP. The possibility of psychological addiction is compounded due to the extremely altered perception of consciousness that accompanies taking the drug. This is especially true for those that are seeking intense sensory distortions and pseudo-spiritual experiences. 

Is PCP Physically Addictive? 

Is PCP addictive physically? PCP is considered to be physically addictive because when users stop taking the drug, they experience physical discomfort that is associated with ceasing to use the drug. The most intense include experiencing twitching or seizures when trying to stop using, feeling tense and confused when trying to stop using, muscle-wasting, and significant weight loss after stopping using. 

PCP Addiction Symptoms

There are many addiction symptoms that manifest both mentally and physically. Some of the most common include: 

• Social withdrawal
• Mood swings
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in activities that once were enjoyable

More About Better Addiction Care

Treatment for PCP addiction is never far away when you access Better Addiction Care’s recovery network. Feel free to take our pre-assessment to help determine your options for treatment. Our listings include top alternative rehab programs that have been vetted for their effectiveness and success rates. In addition, these rehab facilities boast stellar aftercare and addiction counseling services that can make sure that every step taken toward achieving sobriety can serve as the foundation for a drug-free life. To get help now, call today and speak with a counselor who can match you with a drug treatment program that has been approved by your private insurance.

Sources

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