Is PCP (Phencyclidine) Addictive? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

Phencyclidine, also known as PCP, was initially used as an intravenous anesthetic. Nowadays, it has been used as a potent hallucinogen with addictive qualities. Investigating the addictive characteristics of PCP, including its potential for abuse and associated hazards, can give insights into the struggle for abuse and its effective treatment.

• Definition of PCP

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an illegal substance classified as a hallucinogen. It alters the mind’s perception and makes you see, hear, and feel things that aren’t real. PCP is usually a white powder that can be sniffed, snorted, or dissolved in liquid. It is often used a an additive of other illegal drugs nowadays.

• Legal Status and Regulation

PCP is illegal since it is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II substances, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, have a significant potential for abuse. Abuse of these substances can result in severe psychological or physical dependence.

• Common Street Names and Forms

Phencyclidine is typically used as a white powder or dissolved in liquids such as water and alcohol. It is utilized in several ways, such as:

• Smoking
• Swallowing
• Snorting
• Injections

Here are the common street names of PCP:

• Angel Dust
• Hog
• Ozone
• Rocket Fuel
• Shermans, Wack
• Crystal
• Embalming Fluid

PCP has both physical and psychological effects, such as the following:

Physical:

• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Fast breathing
• Elevated body temperature.
• Involuntary eye movement
• Impaired coordination
• Muscle rigidity

Psychological:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Vivid or disturbing hallucinations
• Altered perception of time and space
• Impaired memory
• Lack of focus
• Slurred, incoherent speech
• Disorganized thoughts
• Feeling disconnected from surroundings, body, or emotions

PCP hooks users through intense psychological cravings rather than strong physical withdrawal, but its grip on the brain's reward system makes repeated use dangerously compelling.

DEA data shows PCP abuse leads to emergency visits spiking with compulsive patterns, as users chase highs despite violent outbursts or psychosis risks. PCP is known for its addictive characteristics.

It works as a dissociative anesthetic by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly glutamate.

Factors Contributing to PCP Addiction Risk

• Drug Dosage and Potency: Higher, street-grade doses deliver more intense dissociation, increasing dependence as users up doses for the rush. DEA notes purity varies wildly, spiking overdose odds.
• Unpredictable Effects: Every hit varies, addicting thrill-seekers who gamble on outcomes.
• Potential for Acute Mental Problems: PCP triggers hallucinations/delusions for those with trauma or stress self-medicate, spiraling into daily use per SAMHSA patterns.
• Genetics: Family history of substance issues raises PCP vulnerability 2-4 times more through reward gene variants, per addiction studies.
• Existing Mental Condition: Anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia sufferers face amplified risks because PCP worsens symptoms, trapping users in cycles where highs mask pain.
• Environmental Influences: Urban peer pressure, polydrug scenes (PCP-laced weed), and easy street access drive initiation; stress from poverty or violence keeps use chronic.

Although PCP use has declined since its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, it still shows up in certain communities and remains a serious concern for public health and safety. Modern PCP use is often “on and off” or recreational rather than daily, but even occasional use can lead to blackouts, aggressive behavior, and severe mental health episodes.

PCP abuse patterns are shaped by factors like age, stress, neighborhood environment, and access to other substances. People may smoke PCP with marijuana or use it alongside alcohol and other drugs to change or intensify the high, which raises the risk of unpredictable reactions, injuries, and emergency room visits.​

In some cases, PCP is added to other drugs without the user’s knowledge or sold through hidden online marketplaces, making it harder for law enforcement and families to see where it is coming from and how it is spreading.

Recognizing the indicators of PCP abuse is critical for timely intervention and obtaining assistance from experts. If someone exhibits these symptoms, it is vital to encourage them to speak with healthcare providers or addiction specialists about the potential effects of PCP misuse and how to rehabilitate them.

Physical Signs:

• Slurred speech, blank stare, involuntary eye movements
• Impaired coordination, sweating, fever
• Elevated heart rate/blood pressure
• Numbness
• Strange posture
• Nausea/vomiting (especially high doses)

Behavioral Signs:

• Aggressiveness, restlessness, agitation
• Detachment from reality
• Isolation, neglect of hygiene
• Declining work performance
• Risky actions like illegal activities, financial struggles, relationship conflicts

Psychological Signs:

• Intense cravings
• Compulsive use despite harm
• Vivid hallucinations, delusions, mood swings (euphoria to despair)
• Memory/focus loss
• Paranoia
• Disorganized thinking

PCP overdoses strike fast and hard because even small amounts can overwhelm the body and mind, turning a 'trip' into a medical crisis with seizures, coma, or violent outbursts.

The factors that influence PCP overdose risk are:

• High dosage
• Impure or contaminated PCP
• Individual tolerance
• Inconsistent drug purity
• Mixing PCP with Alcohol and Other Drugs

PCP combined with alcohol has a more substantial depressive effect on the central nervous system. This can result in increased sedation, reduced coordination, and a higher risk of accidents.

PCP is also frequently used in combination with other narcotics, like marijuana or synthetic substances. Polydrug use worsens the effects and increases the risk of adverse responses. Combining PCP with other substances can cause unexpected reactions. 

For example, mixing PCP with stimulants may have opposing effects, increasing the strain on the cardiovascular system. Generally, mixing PCP with other harmful substances can worsen the impact, especially when it comes to mental conditions.

For many people, recovery begins with medically managed detoxification at a licensed treatment facility to eliminate substances from the system. Seeking professional help can greatly support recovery and efforts toward long-term sobriety.

Here are the steps in PCP addiction treatment:

During detox, clinical professionals assess the patient’s physical and psychological condition, considering intoxication and withdrawal risk to determine the appropriate detox level and create a personalized treatment plan. The detox clinic employs approved therapies and medications to facilitate a safe withdrawal.

After detox, many people enter inpatient treatment programs operated by licensed providers, which can offer safety, distance from triggers, and a strong recovery community before transitioning to sober living. The experience in an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab varies based on the program type, with patients often staying full-time for varying durations.

Outpatient treatment involves regular visits to a licensed treatment center, hospital, mental health clinic, or behavioral counselor within specific hours and days, accommodating patients to manage treatment alongside personal, family, and professional responsibilities.

Therapeutic modalities aid individuals on their rehabilitation journey, including psychotherapy, counseling, mindfulness, meditation, and holistic therapies. These different approaches may be combined within licensed treatment settings to support a person’s recovery process.

Supportive communities, such as sober living homes, offer a drug-free environment with peer support for individuals transitioning from intensive addiction treatment to an independent life. Residents benefit from disciplined routines, life skill development, and accountability, fostering long-term healing.

Aftercare programs provide ongoing support for post-addiction treatment, including continued therapy, participation in support groups, sober living homes, skill-building programs, and family involvement. These activities contribute to sustained recovery and overall well-being.