PCP drug addiction treatment is available and effective for those willing to seek help. “PCP” is an acronym for phencyclidine, the scientific name of the drug’s active ingredient. However, this substance is known by several other names, too. The most common names for PCP include:

• angel dust
• embalming fluid
• ozone
• the peace pill
• Peter Pan
• rocket fuel
• trank (short for ‘tranquilizer’)

PCP Classification

Depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens are the three major categories of illicit drugs. However, of the three, hallucinogens are the most diverse. This is because certain drugs can be categorized as being a hallucinogen in conjunction with one of the other two categories. Additionally, PCP is a prime example of this, as its effects are those of both stimulants and hallucinogens.

The Effects of PCP

PCP offers users a number of pleasurable effects that usually vary depending on how it’s taken. There are a few noteworthy ways of ingesting PCP, including:

• injecting it
• smoking it
• snorting it
• eating it

The Dangers of PCP Use

While most users would argue that hallucinogens don’t cause very much physical harm and are not very addictive, it’s the dual-classification as a hallucinogen and stimulant that makes the effects of PCP especially dangerous. Similarly, like with MDMA, PCP causes physical dependence through altering the brain’s chemical levels and thus affecting the rest of the body. Additionally, the hallucinogenic and dissociative influence that PCP has over cognitive function can result in uncharacteristically risky behavior, increasing the likelihood of injury, or even death.

PCP Withdrawal

PCP is an especially addictive drug, so the withdrawal symptoms can range from moderate to extreme depending on the user’s habits. So, the milder withdrawal symptoms of stopped PCP use include:

• decreased reflexive responses to stimuli
• lack of energy and motivation
• weight loss or weight gain
• speech impairment
• memory loss
• confusion

Moreover, the more serious withdrawal symptoms that open door to other problems include anxiety, depression, lack of impulse control and suicidal ideations or actions.

PCP Addiction Recovery and Treatment

Finally, the combined stimulant and hallucinogenic properties of PCP make it more dangerous than most people realize. Furthermore, anyone struggling with PCP has the best chance of overcoming their addiction for good by coming forward to receive help in a safe setting surrounded by professionals. At Wellness Recovery Center, there are a number of resources that can help anyone with a PCP addiction achieve lifelong sobriety and addiction recovery.