Phencyclidine (PCP) is a powerful dissociative drug known for its intense hallucinogenic effects. Originally developed as a surgical anesthetic, PCP is now widely misused, leading to often dangerous and unpredictable behavior. Long-term use of PCP has been linked to memory loss, depression, and suicidal thoughts, while the risk of PCP overdose, especially in combination with other substances, can be life-threatening.
Despite its relatively low profile compared to drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine, PCP still poses a significant public health risk. Contact our drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta today to speak with someone who can guide you or your loved one toward recovery from PCP.
What Is Phencyclidine (PCP)?
Phencyclidine (PCP) is an illegal dissociative drug that is abused for its hallucinogenic effects. It is often sold as a tablet, capsule, liquid, or powder. PCP is also occasionally found in tablets sold as MDMA or ecstasy. Street names for PCP include “angel dust,” “ozone,” and “love boat.”1 PCP is a Schedule II substance of the Controlled Substances Act. The drug is sometimes combined with marijuana to create what is known colloquially as “super grass,” “wet,” or “lovely.”1,2
PCP was originally developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic for surgery, but was discontinued in 1965 due to a large number of patients experiencing postoperative delirium and hallucinations. These days, PCP is not produced or used for medical purposes in the U.S. The drug became popular in its illicit form through the 1970s and 1980s, then fell out of fashion before staging a comeback in the early 21st century. Still, its popularity is much lower than other drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Effects of PCP Addiction
Because PCP is a dissociative drug, it causes users to feel separated from their body and surroundings. Sensations of floating, euphoria, dream-like states, reduced inhibition, and a general decrease in sensory experiences are among the drug’s effects.1
How fast and the level of intensity with which PCP’s effects are felt depends on the size of the dosage as well as the way in which it is ingested. If swallowed, either in pill form or mixed with food or drink, the effects usually begin within 30 minutes and peak within two to five hours. When smoked or injected into the veins, the effects of PCP on the body are felt more quickly, usually within five minutes and peaking within 15 minutes.1
PCP is well known for having unpleasant effects for users. The short-term effects of PCP use can include:3
- Numbness
- Loss of coordination, disorientation, and confusion
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in sensory perceptions such as sight, sound, shapes, time, and body image
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased respiration and body temperature
Long-term effects of PCP use have been known to persist for a year or more after the chronic use of PCP stops. These effects include:3
- Speech difficulties
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Thoughts of suicide
PCP Overdose Symptoms
As with many illicit substances, large amounts of PCP in a person’s system can lead to PCP overdose, which can be deadly. Also, because of the loss of coordination and feelings of detachment that come with taking the drug, the dangers of PCP overdose are increased when taken in combination with other drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol. PCP overdose symptoms include:1,4,
- Lack of coordination
- Catatonia
- Extreme agitation or violent behavior
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- Severe overheating
- Convulsions or seizures
- Paranoia and psychosis
- Coma
Because there is no set treatment for PCP overdose, treatment is generally tailored to each user’s PCP overdose presentation. If you believe someone is experiencing a PCP overdose, seek medical care immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number and stay with that person until medical help arrives. Be prepared to give information about the types of substances and the amount of substances the person took.
Signs of PCP Addiction
Research indicates that dissociative drugs like PCP have a low potential for physical addiction. This could be due to the fact that PCP use comes with such unpleasant physical side effects, discouraging repeated use.
However, studies suggest that long-term use of PCP can result in tolerance. Regular use of PCP could contribute to someone developing a physical tolerance to the drug. This tolerance requires the person to take more PCP to achieve the desired effects, increasing the chances of overdose when using and strong drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not using.
Psychological dependence on PCP presents a small but real risk. Dependence occurs when a person is unable to control their use of PCP, needing it to get through daily life.3 If dependence continues, it could lead to a PCP addiction. The signs of PCP addiction include:6
- Taking PCP in larger amounts or for longer than you meant to
- Wanting to cut down or stop using PCP but failing
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using PCP
- Cravings and urges to use PCP
- Not managing to fulfill work, home, or school duties because of substance use
- Continuing to use PCP, even when it causes problems in relationships
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use
- Using PCP repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger
- Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by PCP
- Needing to use more PCP to achieve the desired effect
- Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance
Can You Withdraw from PCP?
Yes, you can withdraw from PCP. For those who have developed a tolerance or addiction to PCP, withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of the drug is stopped. PCP withdrawal symptoms include:1,7
- Diarrhea
- Unease or anxiety
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Increased body temperature
- Muscle breakdown
- Twitching
- Weight loss
- Seizures
- Psychotic episodes
Prolonged psychosis presents a small risk to chronic users of PCP. This condition has the potential to develop into diagnosable schizophrenia.7
How is PCP Addiction Treated?
Problematic PCP use can be treated in a variety of ways. That said, treatment should always start with detox. PCP detox is the multi-day process of ridding PCP and other illicit substances from the body while managing any withdrawal symptoms that might occur. Following detox, the patient moves through one or more substance abuse treatments designed to keep them sober over the long term.
Choosing the most appropriate PCP treatment program depends on factors like the person’s medical history and physical makeup and how long the drug use has lasted. Common treatment options for PCP addiction include:
- Inpatient treatment, also known as residential care, involves living at a PCP rehab facility for a period of time. This setting provides intensive, personalized therapy and support while imparting long-term coping strategies and essential life skills for a healthier future.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer structured treatment without requiring an overnight stay. Patients typically attend sessions for several hours a day, three to five days per week. PHPs help people manage ongoing withdrawal symptoms and continue developing key coping mechanisms.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) involve multiple therapy sessions each week, which may include one-on-one counseling and group therapy. IOPs are a good fit for those who need more structure than standard outpatient care but can still manage daily responsibilities while in recovery.
- Outpatient Programs (OPs) provide the most flexibility. Patients live at home and continue with work, school, or family obligations while attending scheduled therapy or counseling, either in person or via telehealth. OPs are often suitable for people with mild to moderate substance use disorders.
- Aftercare offers ongoing support following the completion of a treatment program. It helps people maintain their recovery progress, stay committed to their goals, and live healthier lives. Aftercare may include some combination of individual counseling and participation in group support meetings.
Many PCP treatment programs also offer dual diagnosis care, which addresses both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Some programs also provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which features the use of prescription medications designed to avoid drug relapse as well as therapy to support recovery.
PCP Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we understand that overcoming long-term PCP use can be extremely challenging. However, with the right support, lasting recovery is within reach.
Our PCP addiction treatment programs are designed to help you take control and make meaningful, positive changes in your life. Whether you’re looking for partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), or standard outpatient (OP) care, our options can be tailored to your unique needs. We also go the extra mile of offering a full year of recovery coaching at no additional cost, so you can keep feeling supported after your time in treatment.
Not sure how paying for rehab works, or even whether your insurance covers rehab? Our rehab admissions team is happy to walk you through your options and even verify your insurance benefits. Reach out today to start working toward the life you deserve.
References
- MedLine Plus. (2024). Substance use – phencyclidine (PCP). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved May 2, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000797.htm
- Department of Justice/U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (2025). Phencyclidine. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/pcp.pdf
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (2014). Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/hallucinogensrrs.pdf
- City of Philadelphia (n.d.) Phencyclidine (PCP). City of Philadelphia. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://www.phila.gov/media/20190812161524/PCP.pdf
- MedLine Plus (2023). Phencyclidine overdose. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002526.htm
- National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (n.d.). DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Assessment. National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/resource_1_dsm-5_sud_checklist.pdf
- U.S. National Library of Medicine (2007). Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2859735/
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