PCP (phencyclidine) was originally developed in the 1950s as a general anesthetic because it provided strong pain relief without significantly depressing breathing or heart function.(Source) It was marketed under the brand name Sernyl and used in human surgery in the early 1960s.(Source) However, doctors soon observed that many patients experienced severe post-operative agitation, confusion, and psychotic reactions, so PCP was discontinued for human medical use and restricted to veterinary applications.(Source)

By the late 1960s and 1970s, PCP began appearing as an illicit street drug, often associated with high-risk behavior and violent or unpredictable reactions.(Source) Many of its street names—such as hog, horse tranquilizer, and elephant—come from its history in veterinary medicine.

PCP is a dissociative hallucinogen, meaning it alters perception, mood, and awareness while creating a sense of detachment from one’s body or surroundings.(Source) It primarily blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor for glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, learning, memory, and emotional processing.(Source) PCP also affects dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin systems, which can contribute to euphoria, agitation, or mood changes.(Source)

PCP is usually found as a white or off-white crystalline powder that can be pressed into tablets, filled into capsules, or dissolved in liquid. A typical illicit dose is often reported in the range of 5–10 milligrams, although street products are highly variable in strength.(Source) Effects can begin within minutes when smoked or vaped, or within 30–60 minutes when taken orally, and may last 4–6 hours, with some psychological effects persisting up to 24 hours or longer.(Source)

Because PCP is unpredictable and frequently mixed with other substances, any use carries significant risk—even for people who have used it before.

PCP is used less commonly than many other drugs, but it remains a concern because of its strong association with emergency department visits, violent behavior, and severe mental health symptoms.(Source)

National surveys group PCP with other hallucinogens, so most current data describe hallucinogen use overall rather than PCP alone. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 8.8 million people in the United States age 12 or older reported using hallucinogens in the past year, an increase compared with 2019.(Source) Hallucinogens in this category include LSD, PCP, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly), ketamine, DMT, and Salvia divinorum.(Source)

Key hallucinogen trends from recent NSDUH data include:(Source)

1. Among people age 12 or older, past-year hallucinogen use has risen steadily over the last decade.
2. Young adults ages 18–25 have the highest rates of hallucinogen use compared with adolescents and older adults.
3. Adults 26 and older have also shown increasing hallucinogen use, reflecting broader changes in attitudes and availability.

PCP-specific data are more limited but still concerning:

• Earlier national estimates suggested that more than 6 million people in the United States age 12 and older had tried PCP at least once in their lifetime.(Source)
• Emergency department surveillance has repeatedly identified PCP as a contributor to serious medical and psychiatric crises, including agitation, psychosis, and injuries related to violent or risky behavior.(Source)
• When the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) was re-launched in 2019 to track drug-related emergency department visits, PCP was again identified among the hallucinogens associated with high-acuity presentations.(Source)

Although PCP is not as widely used as substances like alcohol, cannabis, or opioids, its dangers are disproportionate to its prevalence. Even occasional use can lead to hospitalization, legal problems, or long-term mental health issues.(Source)

If you or a loved one is using PCP, it is important to take it seriously and seek professional support as early as possible.

PCP is a white crystalline powder with a bitter, chemical taste. It can be used in several ways, which adds to the difficulty of recognizing it and increases the risk of accidental ingestion.(Source)

Common routes of PCP use include:(Source)

• Smoking: PCP powder is often dissolved in a liquid and sprayed onto plant material such as marijuana, tobacco, or parsley, then smoked in a joint, blunt, or pipe.
• Vaping: Some users place PCP-laced liquid into vape cartridges or e-cigarette devices.
• Snorting: The powder may be insufflated (snorted) through the nose.
• Swallowing: PCP can be taken as tablets, capsules, or powder mixed into food or drink.
• Dipping: Cigarettes or joints may be dipped into a PCP-containing liquid and then smoked.

Because PCP is frequently mixed with other drugs, people may not always know they are using it. For example, a joint or vape cartridge sold as cannabis may actually be laced with PCP, dramatically increasing the risk of a bad reaction or overdose.(Source)

Common street names for PCP include:

• Peace pill
• Angel dust
• Zoom
• The sheets
• Rocket fuel
• Wolf
• Worm
• Sherms
• Hog
• Bella donna
• Love boat
• Magic dust
• Ozone
• Embalming fluid (often used to describe PCP-laced cigarettes or joints)

When combined with marijuana or tobacco, PCP-laced products may be called:

• Super grass
• Zoom
• Killer weed
• Killer joints
• Fry
• Lovely
• Waters
• Wet
• Crystal joints
• Sawgrass
• Whacko tobacco

When combined with other drugs, slang terms can include:

• Black acid (with LSD)
• Elephant flipping (with MDMA)
• Pikachu (with MDMA)
• Domex (with MDMA)
• Space (with cocaine)
• Whack (with cocaine)
• Alien sex fiend (with heroin)

Street names and combinations change over time and vary by region, but the underlying risk remains the same: PCP is unpredictable, and mixing it with other substances can significantly increase the chance of overdose, psychosis, or life-threatening medical complications.(Source)

PCP affects the central nervous system and can cause rapid shifts between extreme agitation and deep sedation.(Source) Its dissociative and hallucinogenic properties can profoundly alter how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality.

### Short-Term Effects of PCP

PCP blocks NMDA receptors for glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in pain perception, learning, memory, and emotional responses.(Source) This disruption can cause a wide range of physical and psychological effects that may appear within minutes and last for hours or even days, depending on the dose, route of use, and whether other substances are involved.(Source)

Possible short-term effects include:(Source)

• Dissociation (feeling detached from one’s body or surroundings)
• Visual distortions or hallucinations
• Auditory distortions (hearing sounds or voices that are not there)
• Feelings of invincibility or super-strength
• Euphoria or intense calm
• Confusion and disorientation
• Impaired motor function and coordination
• Numbness or a sense of floating
• Slurred or stuttering speech
• Memory problems
• Rapid, involuntary eye movements
• Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Loss of balance and exaggerated gait
• Agitation, irritability, or aggression
• Paranoia and suspiciousness
• Mood swings and emotional instability
• Blank staring or unresponsiveness
• Rigid muscles
• Risky or bizarre behavior, including stripping off clothes or wandering into dangerous situations
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression or failure
• Stroke, coma, or death in severe cases

From the outside, a person under the influence of PCP may appear extremely intoxicated, confused, or combative. They may not feel pain normally, which can lead them to injure themselves without realizing it.(Source)

### Long-Term Effects of PCP

Repeated PCP use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.(Source) While research on long-term effects is still evolving, chronic PCP use has been associated with:(Source)

• Persistent problems with speech and clear thinking
• Ongoing memory difficulties
• Weight loss and poor nutrition
• Slowed reaction time
• Difficulty controlling anger or impulses
• Apathy and lack of motivation
• Ongoing anxiety or panic
• Delusions and paranoia
• Symptoms resembling schizophrenia, including hallucinations and disorganized thinking
• Depression and mood instability
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Some of these symptoms may improve with sustained abstinence and treatment, but in some individuals, cognitive and psychiatric effects can last for months or longer.(Source)

Because PCP can trigger or worsen underlying mental health conditions, integrated treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health is especially important.

PCP use disorder can develop when repeated use leads to changes in the brain’s reward and stress systems, making it difficult to stop even when the person wants to.(Source) Addiction is not a moral failing; it is a chronic medical condition that responds best to professional treatment and ongoing support.

Possible signs of PCP-related substance use disorder include:(Source)

• Difficulty keeping up with responsibilities at work, school, or home because of PCP use or recovery from its effects
• Intense cravings or preoccupation with using PCP
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or physically uncomfortable when PCP is not available
• Continuing to use PCP despite relationship problems, legal issues, or health consequences
• Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or goals that used to matter
• Needing larger or more frequent doses to feel the same effects (tolerance)
• Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from PCP
• Using PCP in risky situations, such as driving, caring for children, or mixing with other substances
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms—such as headaches, sweating, chills, tremors, or diarrhea—when cutting back or stopping

If you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to seek a professional assessment. Early intervention can reduce the risk of long-term mental health problems, legal consequences, and medical emergencies.

Drug overdose deaths in the United States have remained at historically high levels in recent years, driven largely by synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl, but also involving stimulants and other substances.(Source) While PCP is not among the most common drugs in fatal overdoses, it is frequently implicated in serious emergency department visits and can contribute to life-threatening situations, especially when combined with other drugs.(Source)

A PCP overdose can occur when someone takes a large amount at once, uses a highly potent batch, or mixes PCP with other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or stimulants.(Source)

Signs of a potentially life-threatening PCP overdose or medical emergency may include:(Source)

• Extreme agitation, aggression, or violent behavior
• Severe confusion, disorientation, or inability to communicate
• Hallucinations and intense paranoia
• Loss of coordination leading to falls or accidents
• Very high blood pressure or heart rate
• Very high body temperature (hyperthermia), often with heavy sweating
• Muscle rigidity or uncontrollable movements
• Seizures
• Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
• Loss of consciousness, stupor, or coma

In many cases, the greatest danger is not only the drug’s direct effects but also the behavior it triggers. Feelings of invincibility or superhuman strength can lead a person to jump from heights, run into traffic, or engage in other high-risk acts they would never consider while sober.(Source)

Street PCP is often contaminated or mixed with other substances, which can further increase the risk of overdose, respiratory depression, or heart problems.(Source) Combining PCP with depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax), or opioids can be especially dangerous and may lead to coma or death.(Source)

If you suspect a PCP overdose or see someone behaving in a way that suggests they are a danger to themselves or others:

• Call 911 immediately.
• If it is safe to do so, stay with the person until help arrives.
• Provide first responders with as much information as possible about what the person may have taken.

Prompt medical care can be lifesaving. Most PCP-related deaths result from accidents, injuries, or suicide attempts that occur while the person is intoxicated, rather than from the drug’s direct toxic effects alone.(Source)

People who use PCP regularly can develop physical dependence, meaning their body adapts to the presence of the drug and reacts when it is reduced or stopped.(Source) While PCP withdrawal is generally less medically dangerous than withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines, it can still be very uncomfortable and may trigger intense cravings or psychiatric symptoms.

Common PCP withdrawal symptoms can include:(Source)

• Strong cravings for PCP
• Headaches
• Sweating or clamminess
• Diarrhea or stomach upset
• Chills or goosebumps
• Tremors or shakiness
• Fatigue and low energy
• Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
• Depressed mood or emotional numbness
• Sleep problems, including insomnia or vivid dreams

In some individuals, especially those who have used high doses or for a long time, withdrawal may also be accompanied by lingering psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking.(Source)

Because of these risks, it is safest to stop PCP use under medical supervision, particularly if there is a history of heavy use, co-occurring mental health conditions, or polysubstance use. A professional detox or stabilization program can monitor vital signs, manage symptoms, and provide a bridge into ongoing treatment.

There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating PCP or other hallucinogen use disorders.(Source) However, effective treatment is available and typically combines medical care, evidence-based behavioral therapies, and strong recovery support.

Emergency and Acute Care

In the emergency department, treatment for PCP intoxication or overdose focuses on stabilizing the person and managing symptoms:(Source)

• Monitoring and supporting breathing, heart function, and body temperature
• Providing a calm, low-stimulation environment to reduce agitation
• Using medications such as benzodiazepines to manage severe agitation, anxiety, or seizures when appropriate
• Treating injuries or complications such as dehydration, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), or trauma
• In some cases, using antipsychotic medications if psychotic symptoms persist and other causes have been ruled out

Once the immediate crisis has passed, ongoing treatment for PCP use disorder is strongly recommended.

Ongoing Treatment and Recovery Support

After stabilization, the most effective approach typically includes structured substance use disorder treatment, such as the programs offered by Cardinal Recovery.(Source) These may involve:

• Medical detox or stabilization: Short-term monitoring and support while PCP and other substances leave the body.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): Intensive day treatment with medical and therapeutic support while allowing clients to return home or to sober housing in the evenings.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Several therapy sessions per week focused on relapse prevention, coping skills, and mental health.
• Standard outpatient care: Ongoing individual or group therapy at a lower intensity.
• Aftercare and recovery planning: Support groups, relapse prevention planning, and connections to community resources.

Behavioral therapies that have shown benefit for substance use disorders, including PCP use disorder, include:(Source)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to drug use.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Strengthens a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.
• Contingency Management (CM): Uses structured rewards to reinforce sobriety and treatment engagement.
• Family-based therapies: Address communication, boundaries, and support within the family system.

Because PCP use often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions, integrated dual-diagnosis treatment is especially important.(Source) Addressing both substance use and mental health together leads to better long-term outcomes.

Cardinal Recovery provides a full continuum of care for people struggling with PCP and other substance use disorders, with treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Our services include:

• Medical detox and stabilization coordination: For individuals who need supervised withdrawal management before starting outpatient or partial hospitalization care.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A structured, intensive day program that offers multiple therapy sessions, medical oversight, and recovery support while allowing clients to return to a supportive living environment in the evenings.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A step down from PHP that still provides several hours of treatment per week, focusing on relapse prevention, coping skills, and rebuilding daily routines.
• Standard Outpatient Services (OP): Flexible therapy and support for individuals who are further along in recovery or have milder substance use concerns.
• Case management and aftercare planning: Assistance connecting clients with sober living, community resources, employment support, and ongoing recovery groups.

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you through every step:

1. Pre-Admissions Process: An intake specialist will ask about your substance use history, current symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and any prior treatment. This helps us understand your needs and determine the most appropriate level of care.
2. Post-Screening Discussion: We review our program options with you, answer questions, and discuss whether Cardinal Recovery is a good fit for your goals and circumstances.
3. Admission and Insurance Review: If you choose to move forward, we verify insurance benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. For those without insurance, we explore private self-pay options and any available financial assistance.
4. Arrival and Comprehensive Assessment: When you arrive, our clinical team conducts a thorough assessment of your physical health, mental health, and substance use history. You will receive information about our policies, schedule, and what to expect during treatment.
5. Individualized Treatment Plan and Length of Stay: Together, we develop a personalized treatment plan. The length of treatment varies based on factors such as the substances used, duration of use, medical and mental health needs, and the level of support available at home.

Throughout treatment, our focus is on safety, dignity, and respect. We understand that asking for help is a courageous step, and we work to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Cardinal Recovery, located in a tranquil suburban setting in South Bend, Indiana, serves individuals from across the Midwest and beyond. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can step away from daily stressors and focus on healing.

We adhere to high clinical standards and incorporate current research into all levels of care, including:(Source)

• Detoxification coordination: Helping you access medically supervised detox when needed before entering our programs.
• Inpatient or residential referrals: When a higher level of 24/7 care is appropriate, we coordinate with trusted partners within the Zinnia Health Network and beyond.
• Partial hospitalization (PHP): Intensive day treatment that combines medical oversight with multiple therapy modalities.
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient care (OP): Flexible programs that allow you to continue working, going to school, or caring for family while receiving structured support.
• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on trauma, mental health, relapse prevention, and personal goals.
• Group therapy: Peer-based support and skill-building in a safe, facilitated setting.
• Family therapy: Helping loved ones understand addiction, improve communication, and support healthy boundaries.

Our team understands the unique challenges of PCP use disorder, including the risk of psychosis, mood instability, and co-occurring mental health conditions. We work closely with each client to create a plan that addresses both substance use and underlying issues such as trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Cardinal Recovery offers a range of evidence-based therapies designed to support long-term recovery from PCP and other substances.

### Group Therapy

Our intensive group therapy sessions may include:

• Early recovery psychoeducation: Education about addiction, the effects of substances like PCP on the brain and body, and what to expect in recovery.
• Relapse prevention groups: Identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, and building a personalized relapse prevention plan.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups: Learning to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.
• Peer support groups: Sharing experiences, building accountability, and challenging unhelpful beliefs in a supportive environment.
• Interpersonal process groups: Exploring relationship patterns, emotional responses, and life issues that may have been avoided through substance use.

Group therapy helps reduce isolation, normalize the challenges of recovery, and provide a safe space to practice new skills.

### Family Therapy

Addiction affects the entire family system. Cardinal Recovery offers family-focused services that may include:

• Family engagement sessions: Opening lines of communication and involving loved ones in the recovery process when appropriate.
• Addiction psychoeducation for families: Helping family members understand addiction as a medical condition, recognize enabling patterns, and learn healthy ways to support recovery.
• Collaborative aftercare planning: Involving families in discussions about next steps after treatment, including housing, employment, ongoing therapy, and support groups.

Family therapy can help repair trust, set healthy boundaries, and create a more stable environment that supports long-term sobriety.

If you or someone you care about is using PCP, you do not have to wait for a crisis to seek help. Taking action now can prevent serious medical emergencies, legal problems, and long-term mental health issues.

Here are steps you can take today:

1. Reach out for a confidential assessment. Contact Cardinal Recovery by phone, through our website contact form, or via online chat to speak with an admissions specialist. We will listen without judgment and help you understand your options.
2. Gather basic information. If possible, have a list of current medications, medical conditions, and any prior treatment history available when you call. This helps us recommend the most appropriate level of care.
3. Consider medical detox or stabilization. If there has been heavy or long-term PCP use, or if other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids are involved, supervised withdrawal may be the safest first step.(Source)
4. Explore treatment options. Depending on your needs, we may recommend partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), standard outpatient (OP), or referrals to residential care.
5. Plan for ongoing support. Recovery is a long-term process. After completing a higher level of care, continuing with outpatient therapy, support groups, and healthy routines can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.(Source)

If you live in Indiana or elsewhere in the Midwest, Cardinal Recovery’s suburban South Bend location offers a peaceful environment where you can step away from daily triggers and focus on rebuilding your life. Our facility is designed to provide comfort, privacy, and space to heal while you work with our clinical team.

Recovery from PCP addiction is possible. With the right support, many people go on to build stable, fulfilling lives free from substances.

PCP is a powerful and unpredictable drug that can cause severe psychological and physical harm, even after a single use. Its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects can lead to dangerous behavior, medical emergencies, and long-term mental health problems. While there are no medications specifically approved to treat PCP addiction, comprehensive, evidence-based treatment can make recovery achievable.(Source)

Cardinal Recovery is part of the Zinnia Health Network, a group of treatment centers dedicated to high-quality, compassionate care for addiction and mental health conditions. Within this network, clients have access to a range of services, including detoxification and stabilization, residential and outpatient programs, holistic therapies, family-focused care, and specialized tracks for diverse communities.(Source)

If you or a loved one is struggling with PCP or any other substance, you are not alone. Help is available, and healing is possible. Contact Cardinal Recovery today to take the first step toward freedom from addiction and a healthier, more hopeful future.