PCP actually started out as an anesthetic pharmaceutical in the 1950s. Later it was used only for animals due to the adverse effects it had on humans such as post-operative psychosis, severe anxiety, and dysphoria.
Later it became a popular street drug due to the mind-altering effects it had on the user. In 1978, the USA made it illegal to sell PCP and it is now a schedule II drug.
The effects of PCP
What are the effects of PCP? PCP effects depend on the dose but can include the following:
- Distortion of sight and sound
- Feelings of detachment
- Sedation
- Amnesia
- Slurred speech
- Numbness
- Lack of coordination
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Higher temperature
- Fast heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Cognitive and memory impairment
- Apprehension
- Despair
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Confusion
- Amnesia
- Distrust
- Dysphoria
The higher the dose of PCP the worse the effects are. It often gives the feeling of invulnerability much like LSD. The user often thinks he is stronger or can fly or won’t be hurt by some other risky behavior.
Signs or symptoms of PCP abuse
Signs or symptoms of PCP abuse and addiction include:
- Continued use even when it wrecks the user’s life financially, causes relationship problems, or health issues
- Lying about using
- No longer participating in things the user used to love to do
- Constantly thinking about or using it
One of the issues with PCP is that it is often a co-occurring addiction that goes with it such as alcoholism or some other drug, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This can make it hard for the user to decide to get help with recovery.
The road to recovery
The road to recovery is a lifetime journey and will require help. It will require effort on your part. You may need to start with an in-patient therapy and then move to an intensive out-patient program. It may be better for you to live in what some refer to as a halfway house.
One thing for sure you will need to address all the underlying issues of your dependencies. Learn the tools necessary to deal with life’s stresses and disappointments without the use of drugs in order to reduce your risk of relapse.
At 449 Recovery we provide a safe encouraging environment for recovery. We offer tools to the user and their families with therapies that help determine the underlying problems that began the addiction. Call us (855) 435-7449 today to find out about our constantly monitored detox program.
The therapies we offer at 449 Recovery include:
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Music or art therapy
- Equine therapy
- Dance therapy
- Recreation therapy
These are just some of the programs we use to help teach you ways to better deal with your feelings, life stresses, and disappointments. We even offer family therapy every third weekend of the month so that the whole family can learn how to co-exist without dependency issues. Don’t delay call us at (855) 435-7449 today!