PCP Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

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Updated March 21, 2024
Updated March 21, 2024
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Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

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Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

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Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Picture of Authored By:

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Picture of Edited By:

Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

Picture of Medically Reviewed By:

Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

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Long-term use of PCP can trigger the development of physical and psychological dependence, leading to a challenging withdrawal process upon discontinuation. During PCP withdrawal, a range of aggravating and uncomfortable symptoms manifest as the body struggles to cope in the absence of the addictive illicit stimulant also known as angel dust. Engaging with supervised medical detoxification streamlines the withdrawal process and mitigates complications. Read on to learn more about PCP detox and find out how to make the process safer and more comfortable.

PCP Withdrawal Symptoms

PCP withdrawal symptoms may be physical or psychological. Physical symptoms may include muscle pains, sweating, tremors, and an accelerated heart rate. Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea also commonly occur when someone is withdrawing from PCP.

These physical PCP withdrawal effects can dramatically impact well-being and daily living, complicating routine tasks and provoking anxiety and restlessness due to increased heart rate. Medical professionals can help in mitigating physical withdrawal symptoms, offering support and medications to make the process more manageable.

The psychological challenges faced during PCP withdrawal tend to overshadow the physical symptoms, though. People detoxing from angel dust often struggle with severe cravings, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, concentration difficulties, and unpredictable behavior.

The psychological toll of PCP withdrawal can dramatically impair a person’s life, with persistent cravings disrupting focus and daily responsibilities. The accompanying depression and anxiety can prompt a deep-seated sense of despair, further complicating the withdrawal experience.

Addressing these psychological symptoms often requires professional mental health support. Therapists and counselors can provide crucial assistance, offering therapeutic interventions, coping techniques, and emotional support to help people overcome PCP withdrawal and initiate recovery.

PCP Withdrawal Timeline

PCP withdrawal symptoms can emerge anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the last use, potentially lingering for several weeks. The duration and presentation of these symptoms greatly depends on the person’s history with PCP and their general health status.

During the initial phase of withdrawal from PCP, people often experience powerful urges to use the drug, coupled with feelings of irritability and anxiety. Sleep disturbances are commonplace, worsening psychological discomfort. These symptoms can be managed during supervised detox, though.

During the later stages of withdrawal, psychological symptoms like depression and mood fluctuations may persist. Difficulties with sleep can continue, alongside enduring cravings for PCP.

In these later stages, ongoing engagement with therapeutic services and counseling is highly beneficial. This support aims to tackle underlying psychological challenges and equip people with strategies for managing cravings and maintaining long-term abstinence from stimulants.

PCP Withdrawal Treatment

PCP has a unique capacity to adhere to both brain and fat tissue within the body, resulting in a prolonged elimination time that surpasses that of most other drugs in this class. When PCP binds to brain tissue, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are not only protracted but also particularly distressing.

For those looking to kickstart their recovery from PCP addiction, medical detox addresses these challenging withdrawal symptoms, as well as any co-occurring mental health issues.

In the initial phase of withdrawal from PCP, benzodiazepines might be prescribed to manage psychiatric symptoms, including agitation or seizures. Following detox, ongoing treatment helps prevent relapse and equips people with the skills necessary to thrive during ongoing abstinence from PCP.

A comprehensive treatment plan at inpatient or outpatient rehab normally involves group therapy, individual counseling, and participation in support groups. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a core component of most treatment programs for PCP addiction. CBT equips people with strategies to modify negative behaviors, avoid triggers, manage cravings, and handle potential stressors and challenges that could jeopardize long-term recovery. Read on to find out how you can achieve this if you or a loved one needs help with PCP detox.

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Get Treatment for PCP Withdrawal at California Detox

Effective treatment for PCP addiction begins with supervised detoxification. Although no drugs are approved for PCP withdrawal, clinical and emotional care mitigates complications and reduces the chance of relapse derailing your early recovery.

After tackling the issue of physical dependence on PCP, you can move into ongoing inpatient treatment at our rehab center in Laguna Beach, California. All PCP addictions are unique, so treatment programs at California Detox reflect this with personalized therapies that may include:

Call California Detox today at 949.694.8305 for effective and compassionate PCP addiction treatment.

FAQs

Angel dust withdrawal (PCP withdrawal) can be extremely challenging, involving the manifestation of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and intense cravings for angel dust.
The duration of angel dust detox can vary based on factors like individual metabolism, the amount and frequency of use, and any co-occurring substance abuse issues or mental health conditions. Generally, angel dust detox lasts from a few days to a few weeks.

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