PCP Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

PCP (phencyclidine), also known as angel dust, is a powerful hallucinogen that can provoke severe physical and mental health issues. While some people use it for its mind-altering effects, long-term use can trigger severe dependence. Stopping PCP means the brain and body need to adjust, leading to intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, ranging from anxiety and depression to memory problems and muscle tremors. PCP withdrawals can last weeks or months.

This page outlines what to expect during PCP detox, the common side effects of stopping PCP, the typical PCP withdrawal timeline, and how to get PCP addiction treatment.

What Is PCP?

PCP is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters brain function and perception [1]. Initially developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic, it was discontinued for medical use due to its severe psychological effects. Today, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it has a high potential for abuse and addiction [2].

 PCP is often found in powder, liquid, or pill form and can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. When smoked, it is sometimes mixed with other substances like marijuana or tobacco. People seek out PCP for its intense dissociative effects, including hallucinations, feelings of invincibility, and a distorted sense of time. However, these effects can quickly become dangerous, leading to paranoia, aggression, or complete detachment from reality.

 Long-term use of PCP can lead to serious mental and physical health problems, including memory loss, depression, and speech difficulties. Because it alters brain chemistry, regular use can result in dependence, making it challenging to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms of PCP.

What Is PCP Withdrawal Like?

When someone who has been using PCP regularly stops taking it, their body and brain go through a difficult adjustment period. Withdrawals from PCP occur because the drug disrupts neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, which regulate mood, perception, and cognition [3]. As the drug leaves the system, the brain struggles to regain balance, causing a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

 The severity and duration of PCP withdrawal depend on the frequency of use, dosage, and individual health. Some people may experience only mild discomfort, while others face prolonged psychological distress. PCP withdrawal typically begins within 8 to 24 hours of the last use and can last for weeks or months.

 PCP withdrawal can be both physical and psychological. Symptoms include:

• Intense cravings
• Depression
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Confusion and disorientation
• Suicidal thoughts
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle aches
• Tremors
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rapid eye movements
• High blood pressure and irregular heart rate

Some symptoms, like depression and memory issues, can persist for months after stopping PCP. This is why medical detox from PCP and professional treatment is often recommended to help people manage withdrawal safely and reduce the risk of relapse.

Why PCP Abuse Causes Withdrawal

PCP affects the brain differently than many other addictive substances, but it still leads to dependence with repeated use. Unlike opioids or alcohol, which create physical dependence by altering neurotransmitter levels, PCP primarily affects brain receptors that control perception, emotion, and motor function.

When PCP is used frequently, the brain adapts by adjusting its regular neurotransmitter activity. It stops producing certain chemicals at normal levels, relying on the drug instead. Once PCP use stops, the brain struggles to function without it, leading to PCP withdrawal.

PCP interferes with glutamate and dopamine, which regulate mood, memory, and perception. When the drug is removed, the brain experiences a temporary chemical imbalance, causing anxiety, depression, and confusion.

Many people develop a powerful psychological reliance on PCP’s effects. When they stop using it, they may feel emotionally unstable, paranoid, or unable to experience pleasure, leading to cravings and mood swings.

Unlike some drugs that clear the system quickly, PCP can remain in fat and brain tissue for an extended period [4]. This means withdrawal symptoms can last longer than with other substances.

PCP distorts sensory processing and perception. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to these altered states. Once the drug is removed, the brain struggles to readjust, sometimes causing lingering hallucinations or paranoia.

Withdrawal from PCP can be unpredictable, and symptoms may return unexpectedly weeks or months after quitting. Because of this, professional detox and treatment are often recommended to manage withdrawal safely and provide long-term recovery support.

PCP Withdrawal Timeline

The withdrawal process from PCP is different for everyone, but symptoms usually follow a similar timeline. While some drugs cause severe physical withdrawal, PCP mainly affects the brain, leading to intense psychological symptoms. The length and severity of withdrawal depend on several factors, including how long someone has used PCP, the amount taken, and individual health. Some people may recover in a few weeks, while others experience symptoms for months.

• First 24 hours: Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability begin. Mild physical symptoms like sweating, headaches, and muscle tension may appear. Some people experience paranoia or hallucinations.
• Days 2 to 7: PCP withdrawal peaks. Intense drug cravings develop. Depression, mood swings, and agitation increase. Trouble sleeping, nightmares, and fatigue set in. Physical symptoms like nausea, tremors, and muscle pain may occur.
• Weeks 2 to 4: Lingering symptoms begin to fade. Most physical symptoms start to improve. Anxiety and depression may persist but become more manageable. Memory and concentration difficulties may still be present. Cravings may continue but become less intense.
• Months 1 to 6: Some people experience lingering depression or mood swings. Memory and cognitive issues can take time to recover fully. Cravings may still occur, especially in stressful situations.

 Since PCP can stay in fat and brain tissue for an extended time, some symptoms may return unexpectedly weeks or months after stopping. This is why long-term treatment and support are often necessary for lasting recovery.

What Is Detox for PCP Like?

Detoxing from PCP is the first step in recovery. Because the drug affects brain chemistry, PCP withdrawal can be unpredictable, and medical supervision is often recommended. Detox programs help manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Here’s what to expect during detox from PCP:

• Medical assessment: Doctors and nurses evaluate a person’s health, drug history, and withdrawal risk. They may run tests to check for other substances in the system.
• Symptom management: While there are no FDA-approved medications for PCP withdrawal, doctors may prescribe medications to ease anxiety, depression, or agitation. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to prevent seizures or severe distress.
• Hydration and nutrition: Detox programs provide fluids, vitamins, and healthy meals to help the body recover.
• Monitoring and safety: Medical staff watch for complications, especially if the person experiences paranoia, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
• Emotional support: Counselors or therapists may be available to help with anxiety, cravings, and the mental effects of PCP withdrawal.

Some people may need inpatient detox, where they stay at a facility for 24/7 care, while others can detox in an outpatient setting with medical check-ins. The right option depends on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and individual health needs.

What Happens After PCP Detox?

Detox helps clear PCP from the body, but it does not treat the underlying reasons for drug use. Without further treatment, the risk of relapse is high. After detox, people are encouraged to enter a structured treatment program to address the mental and emotional aspects of addiction.

• Inpatient or residential rehab: Provides a drug-free environment with 24/7 medical and emotional support. Includes therapy, group counseling, and relapse prevention strategies. Recommended for those with severe addiction or a history of relapse.
• Outpatient treatment: Allows people to live at home while attending regular therapy sessions. It can include individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management. Best for those with strong support systems at home.
• Behavioral therapy: Helps individuals identify triggers and learn healthy coping skills. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is commonly used to change thought patterns that lead to drug use. Therapy can also address underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
• Support groups and aftercare: Programs like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) provide peer support and encouragement. Sober living homes offer a structured environment for people transitioning out of rehab. Ongoing therapy helps prevent relapse and provides long-term emotional support.

Recovery from PCP addiction takes time, but with the proper treatment and support, lasting sobriety is possible. Many people experience significant improvements in their mental and physical health after quitting PCP, allowing them to rebuild their lives and relationships.

PCP Withdrawal FAQs

How do you treat PCP intoxication?

Treatment for PCP intoxication focuses on managing symptoms and preventing harm. Medical professionals may use benzodiazepines to control agitation or seizures and provide IV fluids to stabilize vital signs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for monitoring and supportive care.

What is the timeline for drug withdrawal?

Withdrawal timelines vary depending on the drug, frequency of use, and individual factors. PCP withdrawal symptoms can begin within 8 to 24 hours after the last use, peak within a few days, and may persist for weeks or even months in some cases. Psychological effects like depression and cravings can last much longer.

What reduces withdrawal symptoms?

Medical detox programs can help ease PCP withdrawal symptoms with medications, hydration, and psychological support. Therapies like counseling, relaxation techniques, and proper nutrition can make the process more manageable. In some cases, medications may be used to address anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances.

Is PCP a dissociative?

Yes, PCP is a dissociative that distorts a person’s perceptions of sight and sound while prompting feelings of detachment from reality. It affects the brain’s NMDA receptors, leading to hallucinations, confusion, and a loss of coordination. Other dissociatives include ketamine and DXM (dextromethorphan).

Get Help with PCP Detox and Addiction Treatment at a Premier Rehab

If you need help getting off PCP, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We can connect you with detox centers near you to streamline PCP withdrawal and prepare you for outpatient treatment at one of our beachside facilities.

 When you choose outpatient treatment at our Florida or California rehab, you can live at home and attend therapy sessions around your everyday obligations. All PCP addictions are unique, so all treatment programs at Renaissance are personalized to reflect this. Therapies include:

• Counseling
• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
• Medication management
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery today by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000797.htm

[2] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html

[3] https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/hallucinogensrrs.pdf

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/451333/