PCP (Phencyclidine) is a strong and illegal hallucinogenic or dissociative drug. It can seriously affect your health in both the short and long term.
Researchers first created PCP in the 1950s as a medical anesthetic. Now, it is mostly misused for its mind-altering psychedelic and dissociative effects.
Users often seek the drug because it can cause hallucinations. It also creates a feeling of being detached from reality and a sense of euphoria.
The long-term effects of PCP can be very harmful. They can cause serious physical, mental, and behavioral problems. These issues can persist long after the high fades.
We’ll examine the long-term effects of PCP. Both people and healthcare providers need to be aware of its potential dangers.
What is PCP?
PCP (Phencyclidine) is a synthetic drug originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic for medical use. However, people now primarily abuse it recreationally due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties.
PCP abuse makes users have strong hallucinations and a twisted sense of reality. It can also create feelings of happiness and detachment from their body or surroundings. This makes it a powerful and dangerous drug with a high potential for abuse and serious long-term consequences.
PCP can come in several different forms:
- Powder: Powder represents the most common form of PCP, and users can smoke, snort, or mix it with other substances.
- Tablets: Often sold as pills that can be swallowed or crushed for ingestion.
- Liquid: PCP is sometimes sold as a liquid. People often dip it in leafy substances like marijuana or tobacco and then smoke it.
The methods of abuse can vary, with people using PCP in a variety of ways depending on the form it comes in.
Short-Term Effects of PCP
When someone uses PCP, the immediate effects are often intense and disorienting. Hallucinations are common. Users may see vivid images or hear sounds that are not real.
In addition to hallucinations, delusions—false beliefs that are not grounded in reality—are also common. These can include paranoia, in which the user feels that someone is watching or persecuting them. The user may also feel grandiose, believing they have special powers or abilities.
Another significant short-term effect of PCP use is violent or aggressive behavior. Some users may become extremely agitated, which can lead to risky actions or conflicts with others.
Numbness is common with PCP use. It can cause a loss of physical feeling. This keeps users unaware of pain and increases their likelihood of getting hurt.
The Long-Term Effects of PCP
Long-term use of PCP can significantly affect mental health, contributing to a range of persistent psychological issues.
One of the most concerning long-term effects is psychosis, where individuals may experience severe distortions of reality. This can include paranoia. A person may believe they are being watched or followed. It can also involve strong delusions. These delusions may make someone feel invincible or think they have special powers.
Depression is common in long-term users. Feelings of hopelessness and the impact of the drug on their lives often make it worse.
Memory loss and trouble concentrating are common problems. PCP can hurt the brain’s ability to store and recall information.
Even after someone stops using PCP, they may still have flashbacks. These are repeated episodes of hallucinations. They can happen weeks, months, or even years after using the drug. These flashbacks can be upsetting. They often make it hard for a person to feel connected to reality and can lead to lasting anxiety or fear.
Cognitive Impairment and Psychological Effects
Chronic PCP use can lead to significant cognitive impairment. Attention and problem-solving skills can decline, making it difficult for people to focus or finish tasks that require deep thinking.
Over time, this cognitive decline can affect people’s ability to learn new information and perform everyday functions effectively.
This impairment results from damage to the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, especially involving dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, attention, and cognitive processes.
As the brain adapts to PCP, it can change how it processes and stores information, which can cause long-term problems with thinking. These issues can affect one’s personal, school, and work success.
Physical Health Effects:
Liver and kidney damage are serious issues that can result from PCP use. The liver breaks down PCP, and long-term use can harm both organs.
Smoking PCP can cause respiratory problems. These include chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and possible lung damage. Mixing PCP with other substances like marijuana or tobacco increases this risk.
Lastly, using PCP can lead to dental problems. This often happens because of neglecting personal hygiene and poor nutrition. The drug’s numbing effects can also cause a lack of pain awareness.
Behavioral Issues
Long-term PCP use can also have profound effects on behavior. One of the most troubling behavioral effects is the development of impulsive behaviors.
Individuals may act without regard for the consequences, leading to risky actions, violence, and even self-destructive tendencies. These impulsive behaviors can cause significant damage to personal relationships, employment stability, and overall social functioning.
As PCP use continues, individuals may become more withdrawn, and relationships with friends and family can deteriorate. They may become aggressive or erratic, which can result in legal troubles, lost jobs, or broken relationships.
Impact on Day-to-Day Life
The side effects of PCP can greatly impact a person’s life. They often struggle with their relationships, jobs, and mental health.
Psychological side effects can prevent people from enjoying social interactions, leading to isolation or alienation.
Physical side effects, such as poor coordination or weak muscles, can make daily tasks harder, leading to more frustration and possible injury.
Memory problems or confusion can also make it difficult for someone to function normally in daily life.
The Risk of Addiction and Dependency
PCP is known for its addictive nature, and long-term use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. The drug can make users feel happy and see things that aren’t there. However, over time, the body may rely on the drug to feel “normal.”
As the brain adapts to PCP, it begins to require the drug to function properly. This leads to tolerance, which means needing more of the drug for the same effect, and physical dependence.
People with PCP addiction may have strong cravings for the drug and use it more over time. They may also find it hard to stop using, even when it causes problems.
Treatment and Recovery from Long-Term PCP Use
Recovering from PCP addiction and its long-term effects requires a comprehensive treatment approach. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support, but it requires professional help and commitment.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with PCP addiction, Alamo Behavioral Health can help. Our team helps people overcome addiction. We provide full treatment for those healing from PCP use, so reach out to learn more.
References:
- Science Direct: Phencyclidine (PCP): Some human studies
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Phencyclidine Toxicity
- NIH: Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects: A Clinical and Pharmacological Review of an Illicit Drug
