Dangers of PCP Addiction

Phencyclidine, or PCP, is an addictive narcotic often mixed with other drugs such as Marijuana or Crack.  Originally developed as an anesthetic, PCP was never administered to humans due to the side effects experienced in trial studies.  Known on the streets as angel dust, dust, ozone, wack, or rocket fuel, the effects of PCP can be devastating to the user.

PCP was introduced as a street drug in the 1960s and was generally regarded as too risky to become a popular option in the drug market.  However, it remained available and those who chose to use found the feelings of strength, power, invulnerability, and a numbing effect on the mind to be too desirable to give up.  Many users found themselves in emergency rooms, with especially high occurrences in Boston, Massachusetts (MA), due to PCP overdose or because of the drug’s unpleasant psychological effects. In a hospital or detention setting, these people often become violent or suicidal and are very dangerous to themselves and others.

In low dosage use, PCP use can result in a slight increase in breathing rate and a pronounced rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. Breathing becomes shallow, and flushing and profuse sweating occur. Generalized numbness of the extremities and loss of muscular coordination also may occur.

Those who choose to take higher doses can expect to experience blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration drop. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss of balance, and dizziness. High doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death (though death more often results from accidental injury or suicide during PCP intoxication). High doses can cause symptoms that mimic schizophrenia, such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, disordered thinking, a sensation of distance from one’s environment, and catatonia. Speech is often sparse and garbled.

Long term use will result in memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist up to a year after stopping PCP use.  If you or someone you know suffers from addiction to PCP, the time to stop is now.  Seabrook House has a national reach, with patients from all 50 states.  Give us a call to discuss our treatment options.  We are a short flight or drive away from Boston, Massachusetts (MA), Washington DC, Baltimore, Maryland (MD), and New York, New York (NY).  For those who live further away, the flight is worth it.