PCP Detox Centers
PCP is a hallucinogenic drug that causes severe physical and psychological side effects, strange behavior, and an intense addiction syndrome in those who abuse it. Unfortunately, many still do and will require intensive treatment, starting with a professional detox program.
If you or someone you love has been abusing PCP, it is important to seek help now. Find a reliable detox program where you can begin your journey of recovery from PCP by calling 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now.
How PCP Detox Works
Unlike most hallucinogenic drugs, PCP does actually cause an addiction syndrome as well as withdrawal symptoms in those who suddenly stop abusing it (National Institute on Drug Abuse). This is why it is so important to seek professional treatment after abusing the drug––and to do so quickly. PCP detox works by treating each symptom individually and using whatever methods are necessary to help the individual avoid relapse. Then, once the individual’s symptoms begin to minimize, the program helps them make the transition to addiction treatment.
PCP Withdrawal
The symptoms associated with PCP withdrawal range from mild to life threatening. Common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty speaking
- A lack of impulse control
- Seizures
- Coma
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Most PCP users administer the drug intermittently, although daily use has been reported and tolerance may develop.” The more frequently the drug is used, the more likely one is to experience these severe withdrawal effects. Unfortunately, withdrawing from the drug, in some ways, can be just as dangerous as abusing the drug, which is why professional treatment is always necessary.
Symptoms of PCP Withdrawal Treated in PCP Detox
The symptoms of PCP withdrawal are often treated on an individual basis, as there are no medications currently approved by the FDA to treat the syndrome as a whole. Antidepressants can be very helpful for treating depression and anxiety, and the drug should not be withheld from individuals simply because they are experiencing symptoms as the result of their substance abuse. Counseling can be extremely helpful for these issues as well. Often, many individuals need to receive treatment in a quiet, dark room with little stimulation so that they do not become agitated.
Patients will require professional care if they are experiencing issues like seizures or if they are likely to undergo this effect. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, individuals abusing PCP are also very likely to suffer from severe comorbid mental disorders, like schizophrenia and severe mood disorders, which can require additional treatment during withdrawal.
Is It Safe to Detox at Home?
In most cases, it is unsafe and unwise to attempt to detox from PCP at home. The symptoms caused by this disorder are dangerous in themselves but also unpredictable. It can be difficult to anticipate the possibility of a PCP dependent individual experiencing a seizure or another severe symptom, and this is why most detox programs will suggest going through your withdrawal in a residential center.
This will also make your transition into addiction treatment much easier, as many residential detox centers also provide rehab treatment or help patients move from one program to another easily. In every sense, it is much safer to detox from this particular drug in a 24-hour professional facility where you can receive constant surveillance and care from healthcare providers.
How Long Will PCP Detox Take?
Detox from any given drug usually takes as long as the individual requires to fully move through the cycle of withdrawal. Sadly, some of the symptoms caused by PCP abuse that are apparent during withdrawal, such as memory loss, may persist for more than a year after the individual stops using the drug, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center. In addition, some of these symptoms may even be permanent.
However, it is important to consult a doctor about your detox program and to take as long as you need to withdraw from the drug. Sometimes, this could take up to six months or a year, but without a proper consultation, it is difficult to know for sure.
Help Me Find a PCP Detox Center
Seeking PCP addiction treatment will help you make a much-needed change in your life, and the first step is to detox safely from the drug’s effects. You can do so in a detox center that provides safe, reliable care. Call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now to find the best facility for your needs.