PCP Detox

Phencyclidine, also known as PCP or angel dust, is a highly addictive schedule II drug and was initially created as a surgical anesthetic. As a result of its potency, many people who use PCP have a very difficult time discontinuing the use of the drug due to severe dependency and uncontrollable cravings.

However, you are not alone in your addiction to PCP. Our team at Future Now Detox is here to help you find addiction treatment solutions that fit your needs so that you can live a healthy life without drugs.

pcp detox

What is PCP?

PCP is used for its hallucinogenic properties and is a dissociative drug creating distorted sounds and feelings, and altered vision. Illegal forms of PCP often contain even more harmful properties in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders. Symptoms of PCP use often include image distortion, disorientation, delirium, slurred speech and/or speech impairment, numbness, difficulty with coordination, amnesia, and many other complicated, unhealthy symptoms. 

After using PCP, the drug stays in the body for several days as a result of binding to the brain and fat tissue, unlike most other hallucinogenic drugs that leave the body more quickly. Over time it will rewire your brain, making it even more difficult to discontinue the use of the drug, especially on your own. Severe addictions often result from the use of this drug, which is why it’s important to seek the help of a professional treatment center. 

What are the Side Effects of Using PCP?

PCP is an extremely dangerous drug and can have a wide variety of psychological and physical effects on you. While short-term side effects can range from euphoria to distortion of vision and time, drowsiness, anxiety, paranoia, and confusion (among many others), long-term side effects can lead to panic and terror, difficulty speaking, heartbeat and muscle issues, difficulty breathing, convulsions, coma, death, and suicidal thoughts. PCP affects behavior over time and can cause you to have violent behavior.

These are just some of the side effects PCP can produce. Therefore, if you are using PCP it is important to seek withdrawal support from a detox and rehab program.

What Types of Co-Occurring Disorders Exist with PCP?

Using PCP can increase your risk of developing and/or exacerbating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorders.

Signs of a PCP Addiction


Common behavioral signs of a PCP addiction include:

  • Being unable to stop using PCP despite how hard you try
  • Isolating from loved ones
  • Loss of interest in hobbies you previously loved
  • Relationship issues
  • Missing work and other responsibilities
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty sleeping and/or sleeping at unusual time

If you think you might be addicted to PCP, we can help.

What is Detox?

Detox is the very first step toward recovery. Also known as withdrawal treatment or detoxification, it is the process of clearing your body of drugs and alcohol. Detox is not an overnight process, but rather can take several weeks. That being said, the most intense withdrawal symptoms of detox typically occur within the first week.
A medical detox with Future Now Detox enables you to be in a monitored, safe environment while you go through the intial phase of the withdrawal process. Medication might be prescribed in order to reduce the overall effects and symptoms of withdrawal.

How Does PCP Detox Work with Future Now Detox?

Once you are admitted into the Future Now Detox program, our medical team will evaluate your health – both physical and psychological. We often provide a medication-assisted detox in order to make the detox as comfortable as we can for you and to ensure you stay healthy and hydrated. Many patients want to know ahead of time exactly what they can expect with detox symptoms, but symptoms and severity will vary from person to person. However, you can trust that you are in good hands and being carefully monitored by our experienced detox and rehab team.

Your chances of relapse are also reduced when you detox with a professional detox program since you are in a more comfortable position and therefore less likely to try to use PCP again in order to reduce your withdrawal symptoms.

PCP Withdrawal Symptoms

PPCP detox can last for several weeks, but many symptoms will only peak around the first week, typically 3 to 7 days. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical symptoms and emotional, and they can range from mild withdrawal symptoms to severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physical withdrawal symptoms and emotional symptoms often include a range of the following:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Fear
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain/body aches
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Acidosis
  • Fever
  • Increased heart rate
  • Chills
  • Severe cravings
  • Uncontrollable movements (including muscle twitching)
Get help with your PCP addiction today.

What is the Detox Timeline For PCP?

The exact amount of time it will take you to fully withdraw from PCP will depend on several factors, including how long you have been using the drug, how much of the drug you used each time, your overall physical health, your psychological health, and whether or not you used other drugs with PCP.

Can Withdrawal From PCP Be Life-Threatening?

A PCP withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but this will depend on your specific situation. Many people who detox from PCP experience a wide range of symptoms that are both physical and emotional and they can be very intense. This is why it is important to have a detox program assist with your withdrawal process from PCP.

When Should I Seek PCP Withdrawal Treatment?

You should receive treatment for PCP withdrawal at a detox treatment program as soon as possible. PCP is a powerful, dangerous drug that can lead to long-term health issues (both psychological and physical).

How Hard is it To Quit PCP?

Since PCP is a highly addictive drug that leads to severe dependence and brain re-wiring, it is very difficult to quit. For some people, the idea of quitting this drug might even feel impossible. This is often due to the fact that tolerance increases over time the more you use and therefore need to increase your dosage each use in order to feel the same effects of the drug. Essentially, PCP addiction can become an endless cycle that is difficult to leave. However, an experienced detox program can be the key to your success. Detox and rehab programs will have many different therapies available and medical staff who have knowledge and expertise in helping individuals overcome their addiction to PCP. While the process of quitting will still have its challenges, it is completely possible to live a life free of PCP when you seek the help of professionals.

Can I Go The Through PCP Detox Process On My Own?

It is never a good idea to go through the PCP detox process on your own. PCP withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly severe and uncomfortable, making it more likely you will try to use PCP again during your detox period. Some withdrawal symptoms might even cause you to become violent towards yourself or others, and/or cause seizures. If you are considering stopping your PCP use, we recommend reaching out to your primary care doctor or our team at Future Now Detox for assistance.

Can I Quit PCP Cold Turkey without Addiction Treatment Services?

Quitting PCP cold turkey can be very dangerous, especially if your addiction is severe and/or if you have been using it for quite some time. Again, it is recommended you detox in a medically supervised environment in order to keep yourself healthy and safe during your detox process.

How Effective are PCP Drug Abuse and Treatment Programs?

A detox and rehab program is extremely effective in helping you overcome your addiction to PCP. By receiving the help of professionals, you increase your chances of a successful recovery and living a healthy life that is drug-free. A detox and rehab center can help you to:
  • Work through issues that are causing you to use PCP
  • Learn how to process your emotions in healthy ways
  • Repair relationships that have been damaged by your PCP use
  • Learn healthy hobbies you can incorporate into your daily life
Help is available for your PCP addiction. At Future Now Detox, we can help you live the life you deserve.

PCP Addiction Treatment Process

In addition to detox, other evidence-based therapies can help you achieve sobriety and a healthy life. These might include:

Individual Therapy

By meeting with a therapist one-on-one, you can improve your mental health and learn valuable coping skills for dealing with stress.

Group Therapy

Speaking with and listening to others who are going through something similar to you can be powerful in your journey to recovery.

Therapeutic Activities

Other ways to heal from PCP addiction involve art therapy and meditation therapy as a way of expressing yourself and further understanding your addiction.

Additional Resources and Therapies

Additional types of therapies include employment counseling, various support groups, and financial counseling.

Detox and rehab programs play a vital role in helping you recover from drug addiction in the long term. The exact therapies incorporated into your treatment plan will depend on your specific needs. When you enter a detox program, your medical team will create a customized treatment plan for you.

Detox and rehab programs play a vital role in helping you recover from drug addiction in the long term. The exact therapies incorporated into your treatment plan will depend on your specific needs. When you enter a detox program, your medical team will create a customized treatment plan for you.

What To Do If Someone You Love Is Addicted To PCP

If you think someone you love might be addicted to PCP, you can:

  • Try to hold back any judgments
  • Avoid confrontation with the person
  • Encourage them to seek addiction treatment
  • Contact a healthcare provider for guidance

Recover From PCP Substance Abuse with Future Now Detox

You are not alone in your PCP addiction. Our team at Future Now Detox is available to help you reach the sober life you deserve. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction, please contact us today. To check on insurance coverage, you can fill out our form here for a private and convenient solution for payment options.

In Network with Most Insurance

We understand the importance of accessibility and affordability, which is why we have partnered with several insurance companies to better service you. We accept most major insurance providers and private health insurance. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you in navigating your insurance coverage. If you don’t have insurance, we are here to help you understand the options available for you or a loved one.

Take the first step toward recovering from addiction by calling Future Now Detox at (866) 419-3899, or verify your insurance by clicking the button below. 

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We strongly believe in the work we do. We are committed to the health and well-being
of every soul we treat. We don’t just want to get you sober. We want to help you
recover in body, mind, and spirit, so you can awaken to a new life.

More Than Just A Place To Get Sober
More Than Just A Place To Get Sober
More Than Just A Place To Get Sober
More Than Just A Place To Get Sober
More Than Just A Place To Get Sober

Your Recovery Starts here.

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