{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder","path":"/library/pcp-use-disorder","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder","title":"Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence","family":"Library detail","description":"PCP use disorder, also known as phencyclidine dependence or PCP addiction, is a condition where someone continues using PCP despite the problems it causes them.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder","wordpressId":"178","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/ethan-cullen#person","name":"Ethan Cullen","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/ethan-cullen"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2022-11-22T12:10:08Z","dateModified":"2025-08-13T13:20:54Z","lastReviewed":"2022-11-25"},"content":{"html":"

Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence

Written by \"\"Ethan CullenMedically reviewed by \"\"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Published on · Updated on

PCP is a hallucinogenic and dissociative drug that can lead to addiction if taken for long enough in significant doses⁠[1]. PCP dependence can cause paranoia, euphoria, hallucinations, and severe changes in body image⁠[2]. Unfortunately, there is currently no FDA-approved medication for PCP addiction, although healthcare providers can usually treated it through therapeutic methods.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • PCP is a dissociative drug that can alter perception and cause confusion, paranoia, or hallucinations.
  • Repeated use can lead to dependence and difficulties involving memory, speech, or mood.
  • Professional assessment guides addiction treatment, which may involve inpatient care, outpatient therapy, and rehabilitation.

What is PCP?

\nPhencyclidine is a hallucinogenic drug with mind-altering effects on your body. Psychological effects take as little as 30 minutes to kick in and can sometimes last up to 12 hours⁠[1].\nPCP can be taken in many different ways:\n

    \n
  • Injecting it straight into a vein, sometimes referred to as ‘shooting up’
    • \n
  • Smoking
    • \n
  • Swallowing
    • \n

\nSome street names for PCP include angel dust, rocket fuel, supergrass, lethal weapon, DOA (dead on arrival), and horse tranquilizer.\nPCP works by disrupting the nerve cells in your brain from being able to receive a chemical called glutamate. This chemical is responsible for things like emotion and response to pain, hence the hallucinogenic effects of the drug. PCP also disrupts normal dopamine production in your blood⁠[1].\n

Effects of PCP

Short-term effects

\nAccording to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the effects of PCP abuse depend on the dosage used⁠[1].\nLow-dose effects include:\n

    \n
  • Numbness
    • \n
  • Disorientation and confusion
    • \n
  • Dizziness and nausea
    • \n
  • Sensory issues, such as changes in perception of body image, sound and time
    • \n
  • Hallucinations
    • \n
  • Feelings of detachment from your body
    • \n
  • Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature
    • \n

\nHigher dosages can cause:\n

    \n
  • More severe hallucinations
    • \n
  • Dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate
    • \n
  • Very high psychological distress, including extreme panic and aggression
    • \n
  • If taken with alcohol or another nervous system depressant, then it can cause respiratory issues or respiratory arrest and death in extreme cases
    • \n

Long-term effects

\nConsistent long-term use of PCP can cause:⁠[1]\n

    \n
  • Substance use disorder, where you feel like you can’t stop taking the drug
    • \n
  • Speech difficulties
    • \n
  • Memory loss
    • \n
  • Depression
    • \n

\nSome people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking PCP, including depression, headaches, and chills.\n

Symptoms of PCP dependence

\nPCP dependence symptoms are similar to other substance use disorders and addictions. The DSM-5 states that PCP dependence is characterized by showing two or more of the following symptoms over 12 months:⁠[3]\n

    \n
  • Taking more PCP than you originally intended
    • \n
  • Spending a lot of your time finding, taking and recovering from PCP
    • \n
  • Building a tolerance to it and having to use more to feel the same effects
    • \n
  • Unable to control or reduce the amount that you use willingly
    • \n
  • Craving PCP and planning on when you are next going to use it
    • \n
  • PCP is disrupting important events such as work or school
    • \n
  • It is causing relationship problems with friends and family
    • \n
  • Not doing activities that you used to enjoy
    • \n
  • Using PCP despite it causing noticeable harmful side effects
    • \n
  • Using PCP in situations where it would be dangerous to you or others, such as when driving
    • \n

\nExperiencing withdrawal symptoms is also a major sign of PCP dependence. Withdrawal symptoms occur because of the damage substances such as PCP do to your brain and the regulation of normal chemical balances in your blood. Withdrawal symptoms can include:\n

    \n
  • Tremors
    • \n
  • Chills
    • \n
  • Cravings for the drug
    • \n
  • Headaches
    • \n
  • Depression
    • \n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Peggy Ferguson Ph.D.

Addiction counseling and recovery

View experience

Complications of PCP abuse

\nAs well as the intended recreational side effects of PCP use, there are some major complications it can cause⁠[1]. It is not guaranteed that taking a low dose will stop any major complications, as you do not know how your body will react. Potential complications of PCP abuse include:\n

    \n
  • Seizures and uncontrollable muscle spasms
    • \n
  • Violent behavior
    • \n
  • Severe psychotic symptoms
    • \n
  • Extremely high blood pressure
    • \n

\nDue to people building up a tolerance to PCP, overdoses can be common. Severe overdoses can cause you to enter a coma⁠[4] and even lead to death.\n

How to stay safe with PCP

    \n
  • Do not take it with other substances, such as alcohol, as this can worsen the side effects and put additional stress on your body.
    • \n
  • As with other hallucinogens and addictive substances, do it with friends you trust and who will remain sober if you experience adverse effects that need medical attention.
    • \n
  • Only take low doses. Even if you did not experience many negative side effects the last time you took it, increasing your dose may lead to phencyclidine use disorder as you become more tolerant and need larger doses.
    • \n

Diagnosing PCP dependence

\nIf you think you or a loved one are experiencing PCP dependence or addiction, speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may ask you questions about what symptoms you are experiencing, how much PCP you have been taking and over what period, and any family history of addiction. They may also do a blood test to determine exactly how much you have taken.\n

\n

PCP dependence falls under a substance use disorder according to the DSM-5⁠[3]. Your doctor may use the DSM-5 criteria of at least two symptoms over the last 12 months to refer you for treatment. (See the signs and symptoms of PCP dependence for the full list)\n

Treatment for PCP abuse and dependence

\nTreatment for PCP abuse and dependence depends on how well you manage your addiction. There are inpatient options if you tend to take high doses and feel like you cannot control your addiction. Outpatient options include therapies and rehabilitation⁠[5]. There is currently no approved medication for PCP dependence.\nInpatient:\n

    \n
  • Inpatient treatment can be most effective if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or take high doses and need more supervision during recovery.
    • \n
  • This will be an environment with no possible access to PCP, allowing you to stay fully on track with recovery.
    • \n
  • You will have access to therapy methods such as family, group and individual to aid your recovery.
    • \n
  • Inpatient treatment programs last between 60 and 90 days.
    • \n

\nOutpatient:\n

    \n
  • Outpatient methods may be more suitable if your addiction is not as severe or you cannot take the time away from work, school or home.
    • \n
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you establish what triggers your use of PCP and develop coping mechanisms to deal with those triggers.
    • \n
  • Contingency management uses rewards to help you stay on track with recovery if you struggle for motivation.
    • \n
  • Family therapies can help if your drug use has harmed your relationships. It can also help your family members understand your addiction more and give them ways to help you.
    • \n

Helping someone with PCP dependence

\nWhen helping someone with PCP dependence, it is important to be considerate of what you are saying to them. Make sure they know that intervention is out of love and concern.\n

    \n
  • Make it clear that you will be there throughout the whole process. You can help them by setting reminders for their therapy sessions and taking them if they do not have transport.
    • \n
  • As PCP dependence is an addiction, they will need to be willing to give it up. Give them time to realize that they have a problem, and do not initially make them do something they don’t want to unless there is a danger to their life, like continued overdoses.
    • \n
  • Supporting someone with addiction can be challenging, and your own well-being matters. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) teaches communication and positive-reinforcement skills that can support treatment engagement[6].
    • \n
  • Don’t be confrontational. Treat the addiction like any other disease or disorder. Blaming or stigmatizing them for what they have done will not help.
    • \n

References

  1. Bey T & Patel A. (2007). Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug. The California Journal of Emergency Medicine, 8(1), 9-14.
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013d). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. American Psychiatric Association. Accessed October 10 2026.
  3. Phencyclidine overdose. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026.
  4. Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). In PubMed. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). National Library of Medicine.
  5. Meyers, R. J., Smith, J. E., & Lash, D. N. (2005). A program for engaging treatment-refusing substance abusers into treatment: CRAFT. International Journal of Behavioral and Consultation Therapy, 1(2), 90-100. psycnet.apa.org:443.
  6. Analyzing Components of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). (n.d.). PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Ethan Cullen

Writer

Ethan Cullen is a medical writer with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Pharm.D., BCPS

Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Addiction

Connect around the experiences, relationships, and questions that surround addiction.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Substance Use Disorders Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence Written by Ethan CullenMedically reviewed by Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Published on November 22, 2022 · Updated on August 13, 2025 PCP is a hallucinogenic and dissociative drug that can lead to addiction if taken for long enough in significant doses⁠[1]. PCP dependence can cause paranoia, euphoria, hallucinations, and severe changes in body image⁠[2]. Unfortunately, there is currently no FDA-approved medication for PCP addiction, although healthcare providers can usually treated it through therapeutic methods. Key takeaways PCP is a dissociative drug that can alter perception and cause confusion, paranoia, or hallucinations. Repeated use can lead to dependence and difficulties involving memory, speech, or mood. Professional assessment guides addiction treatment, which may involve inpatient care, outpatient therapy, and rehabilitation. What is PCP? Phencyclidine is a hallucinogenic drug with mind-altering effects on your body. Psychological effects take as little as 30 minutes to kick in and can sometimes last up to 12 hours⁠[1]. PCP can be taken in many different ways: Injecting it straight into a vein, sometimes referred to as ‘shooting up’ Smoking Swallowing Some street names for PCP include angel dust, rocket fuel, supergrass, lethal weapon, DOA (dead on arrival), and horse tranquilizer. PCP works by disrupting the nerve cells in your brain from being able to receive a chemical called glutamate. This chemical is responsible for things like emotion and response to pain, hence the hallucinogenic effects of the drug. PCP also disrupts normal dopamine production in your blood⁠[1]. Effects of PCP Short-term effects According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the effects of PCP abuse depend on the dosage used⁠[1]. Low-dose effects include: Numbness Disorientation and confusion Dizziness and nausea Sensory issues, such as changes in perception of body image, sound and time Hallucinations Feelings of detachment from your body Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature Higher dosages can cause: More severe hallucinations Dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate Very high psychological distress, including extreme panic and aggression If taken with alcohol or another nervous system depressant, then it can cause respiratory issues or respiratory arrest and death in extreme cases Long-term effects Consistent long-term use of PCP can cause:⁠[1] Substance use disorder, where you feel like you can’t stop taking the drug Speech difficulties Memory loss Depression Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking PCP, including depression, headaches, and chills. Symptoms of PCP dependence PCP dependence symptoms are similar to other substance use disorders and addictions. The DSM-5 states that PCP dependence is characterized by showing two or more of the following symptoms over 12 months:⁠[3] Taking more PCP than you originally intended Spending a lot of your time finding, taking and recovering from PCP Building a tolerance to it and having to use more to feel the same effects Unable to control or reduce the amount that you use willingly Craving PCP and planning on when you are next going to use it PCP is disrupting important events such as work or school It is causing relationship problems with friends and family Not doing activities that you used to enjoy Using PCP despite it causing noticeable harmful side effects Using PCP in situations where it would be dangerous to you or others, such as when driving Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is also a major sign of PCP dependence. Withdrawal symptoms occur because of the damage substances such as PCP do to your brain and the regulation of normal chemical balances in your blood. Withdrawal symptoms can include: Tremors Chills Cravings for the drug Headaches Depression Subject matter expert Peggy Ferguson Ph.D. Addiction counseling and recovery View experience Complications of PCP abuse As well as the intended recreational side effects of PCP use, there are some major complications it can cause⁠[1]. It is not guaranteed that taking a low dose will stop any major complications, as you do not know how your body will react. Potential complications of PCP abuse include: Seizures and uncontrollable muscle spasms Violent behavior Severe psychotic symptoms Extremely high blood pressure Due to people building up a tolerance to PCP, overdoses can be common. Severe overdoses can cause you to enter a coma⁠[4] and even lead to death. How to stay safe with PCP Do not take it with other substances, such as alcohol, as this can worsen the side effects and put additional stress on your body. As with other hallucinogens and addictive substances, do it with friends you trust and who will remain sober if you experience adverse effects that need medical attention. Only take low doses. Even if you did not experience many negative side effects the last time you took it, increasing your dose may lead to phencyclidine use disorder as you become more tolerant and need larger doses. Diagnosing PCP dependence If you think you or a loved one are experiencing PCP dependence or addiction, speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may ask you questions about what symptoms you are experiencing, how much PCP you have been taking and over what period, and any family history of addiction. They may also do a blood test to determine exactly how much you have taken. PCP dependence falls under a substance use disorder according to the DSM-5⁠[3]. Your doctor may use the DSM-5 criteria of at least two symptoms over the last 12 months to refer you for treatment. (See the signs and symptoms of PCP dependence for the full list) Treatment for PCP abuse and dependence Treatment for PCP abuse and dependence depends on how well you manage your addiction. There are inpatient options if you tend to take high doses and feel like you cannot control your addiction. Outpatient options include therapies and rehabilitation⁠[5]. There is currently no approved medication for PCP dependence. Inpatient: Inpatient treatment can be most effective if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or take high doses and need more supervision during recovery. This will be an environment with no possible access to PCP, allowing you to stay fully on track with recovery. You will have access to therapy methods such as family, group and individual to aid your recovery. Inpatient treatment programs last between 60 and 90 days. Outpatient: Outpatient methods may be more suitable if your addiction is not as severe or you cannot take the time away from work, school or home. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you establish what triggers your use of PCP and develop coping mechanisms to deal with those triggers. Contingency management uses rewards to help you stay on track with recovery if you struggle for motivation. Family therapies can help if your drug use has harmed your relationships. It can also help your family members understand your addiction more and give them ways to help you. Helping someone with PCP dependence When helping someone with PCP dependence, it is important to be considerate of what you are saying to them. Make sure they know that intervention is out of love and concern. Make it clear that you will be there throughout the whole process. You can help them by setting reminders for their therapy sessions and taking them if they do not have transport. As PCP dependence is an addiction, they will need to be willing to give it up. Give them time to realize that they have a problem, and do not initially make them do something they don’t want to unless there is a danger to their life, like continued overdoses. Supporting someone with addiction can be challenging, and your own well-being matters. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) teaches communication and positive-reinforcement skills that can support treatment engagement[6]. Don’t be confrontational. Treat the addiction like any other disease or disorder. Blaming or stigmatizing them for what they have done will not help. References Bey T & Patel A. (2007). Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug. The California Journal of Emergency Medicine, 8(1), 9-14. American Psychiatric Association. (2013d). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. American Psychiatric Association. Accessed October 10 2026. Phencyclidine overdose. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. Accessed October 10 2026. Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). In PubMed. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). National Library of Medicine. Meyers, R. J., Smith, J. E., & Lash, D. N. (2005). A program for engaging treatment-refusing substance abusers into treatment: CRAFT. International Journal of Behavioral and Consultation Therapy, 1(2), 90-100. psycnet.apa.org:443. Analyzing Components of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). (n.d.). PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Ethan Cullen Writer Ethan Cullen is a medical writer with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University. Published November 22, 2022 Updated August 13, 2025 Medical Reviewer Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Pharm.D., BCPS Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital. Reviewed November 25, 2022 Related community Addiction Connect around the experiences, relationships, and questions that surround addiction. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section What is PCP? Effects of PCP Symptoms of PCP dependence Complications of PCP abuse Diagnosing PCP dependence Treatment for PCP abuse and dependence Helping someone with PCP dependence View more","wordCount":1641},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Substance Use Disorders","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/caef65efe01a9f40ba945c36.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/caef65efe01a9f40ba945c36.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A group of adults talks together in a comfortable counseling room."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/ethan-cullen#person","name":"Ethan Cullen","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/ethan-cullen","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/cd94ef374fa55302345c2afb.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-cullen-b1346123a/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid","jobTitle":"Pharm.D., BCPS","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/90339bb61ace127cee8df5f2.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-khurshid-pharmd-bcps/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder","headline":"Phencyclidine (PCP) Dependence","description":"PCP use disorder, also known as phencyclidine dependence or PCP addiction, is a condition where someone continues using PCP despite the problems it causes them.","wordCount":1260,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/pcp-use-disorder#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Substance Use Disorders","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Bey T & Patel A. 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