PCP, also known as Phencyclidine (PCP) or angel dust, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug. Originally developed as an anesthetic, PCP has dangerous side effects that can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Understanding how long PCP stays in your system, how it affects your body, and the withdrawal process is important for those dealing with PCP addiction or concerned about its impact on their mental health.
PCP, or Phencyclidine, is classified as a hallucinogenic drug that alters the user’s perception of reality. In slang terms, the drug is also known as:
PCP affects brain chemicals, causing hallucinations, delusions, and intense mood swings. People using PCP often report feeling detached from their surroundings.
Higher doses of PCP can lead to severe physical and psychological side effects. These include memory loss, impaired motor skills, and violent behavior.
The drug can also cause users to experience a dissociative state where they feel disconnected from their body or surroundings. This makes PCP extremely dangerous, especially when taken in higher doses or mixed with other substances.
A PCP high can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the dose and method of use. Typically, effects begin within 30 minutes of use and peak around 1-2 hours.
The duration of the high depends on how much PCP was taken and how it was consumed. Smoking or injecting the drug leads to a quicker and more intense high, while ingesting it in pill form may take longer to affect the user. The long-term effects of PCP can linger for days or even weeks, especially in frequent users.
Common psychological effects of PCP high may include:
Meanwhile, physical effects may include numbness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, poor coordination and motor skills, dizziness, and nausea.
The length of time PCP stays in your system varies based on how often the drug is used and an individual’s metabolism. PCP is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in the body’s fat cells and released slowly over time. This makes it detectable for longer periods, especially in chronic users.
Urine tests are the most common method for detecting PCP. Occasional users may test positive for the drug in their urine for up to 14 days, while heavy or chronic users may test positive for as long as 30 days.
Urine tests are highly sensitive to PCP due to its fat-soluble nature, meaning it can remain in the body for an extended period.
Here are the typical detection times for PCP based on the type of drug test:
Detection times depend on various factors, including how frequently someone uses the drug, their body fat percentage, and their hydration levels.
The half-life of PCP, or the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the body, ranges from 7 to 46 hours. The wide range of this half-life reflects how the body stores PCP in fat cells, releasing it slowly. This extended elimination time is why PCP can remain detectable for such a long period in drug tests.
Similar to drug detection times, several factors can also influence the half-life of a drug. These may include:
When someone stops using PCP, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, especially if they have been using the drug for an extended period. Withdrawal from PCP can be both physically and mentally challenging. Because PCP alters brain function, quitting can lead to a difficult recovery process.
Common withdrawal symptoms of PCP include:
The severity of these symptoms varies depending on how much and how often the person uses PCP. Those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms should seek help from a treatment center or addiction treatment program.
For those struggling with PCP addiction, professional help is crucial. A treatment program can provide medical supervision and psychological support during the detox process.
Many treatment programs offer individualized plans that include both inpatient and outpatient options. Therapy is often combined with medical treatments to manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying mental health issues.
Our addiction and detox treatment facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona, are always open to provide comprehensive treatment for people in need. Our addiction specialists can assess and guide you in exploring treatment programs that are suited to your needs.
Reach out to our team and begin your journey to a lasting recovery.
