How to Detox From PCP Safely
Phencyclidine, more commonly known as PCP, is a hallucinogenic drug. Depending on the dose, PCP may also have the effects of an anesthetic, stimulant, or painkiller.
The primary danger of taking PCP is its ability to impact mental health.
Due to the complexities of hallucinogens, special care needs to be taken if you or a loved one are seeking help with PCP detox and addiction treatment.
If you or someone you love is suffering from PCP addiction, Zinnia Health can help. Our caring team can answer your questions, just call us at (855) 430-9439 to have a confidential conversation about your treatment options.
What is a PCP Detox?
Recovering from PCP requires an individual to go through an initial phase known as withdrawal. The withdrawal process is the natural, unavoidable phase where the body must adapt to no longer taking PCP after it has become physically dependent on it.
If you choose to detox from PCP, staff members of a residential treatment facility or healthcare professionals in a hospital setting are responsible for overseeing the withdrawal process.
The reason why a detox is recommended over trying to quit PCP on your own is that the detox process helps prevent relapse while also protecting your physical and mental well-being.
Because PCP abuse can contribute to mental health struggles and substance use in general can harm heart health and other major organs, undergoing a short-term detox under the guidance of professionals can help you recover sooner.
The rehab facility may also help you manage PCP cravings and other withdrawal symptoms depending on your needs.
How Long Will a PCP Detox Last?
The initial PCP detox phase only lasts 1-2 weeks, but you may continue to experience withdrawal symptoms for months after the detox process.
This is why it’s important to involve yourself in either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program to provide you with the support you need to overcome PCP abuse.
Particularly worrying side effects of PCP withdrawal include depression and memory loss, which may continue for up to a year after you finish detox.
Impaired speech and impaired cognitive function may also persist for months. Fortunately, PCP addiction rehab can help minimize these symptoms and offer the correct support to help you cope with, understand, and work through them.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During a PCP Detox?
If you have been using PCP for a long time, in large doses, and/or by mixing it with other substances, the withdrawal process will likely be more severe.
Some withdrawal symptoms you might experience include:
- Raised body temperature
- Seizures
- Muscle twitching and agitation
- Weakness
- Speech impairment
- Trouble concentrating
- Weight loss
- Memory loss
- Flashbacks that mimic the “high” of taking PCP, which can occur days, weeks, or months after the last time you took PCP
- Depression
What Types of Treatment Are Used During a PCP Detox?
PCP addiction treatment doesn’t look the same for any two people. Where and how you receive treatment depends on you and your preferences.
As such, you have a number of options for addiction treatment, including:
- Inpatient treatment at a hospital, which tends to last for less than 2-3 weeks
- Inpatient treatment at a residential facility, where you may choose to stay for multiple months
- Outpatient treatment at home where you attend weekly appointments based on your treatment plan
If you are at risk of seizures or if you have a dual diagnosis (which means you’re suffering from a mental health condition and substance abuse), you may be pointed to a hospital for full medical monitoring during the PCP detox process.
If you choose to go to a hospital, you’ll likely head to a residential facility upon discharge.
Can You Detox from PCP at Home or Not?
Detoxing from PCP at home (outpatient) is rare, but you can choose to detox at a residential facility and then transition to an outpatient program.
The treatment process will be customized based on your needs, you just need to choose the right facility.
How to Find a PCP Detox Center Near Me
Finding an addiction treatment center is the first step in recovering from the use of PCP. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Look for a rehab center nearby your home if you’re looking for an outpatient treatment program
- Ask whether they accept your health insurance or if they offer payment options to help you afford treatment
- If you’re struggling with something other than PCP addiction, like alcohol addiction or a mental health disorder, ask if they have experience with it
- Check what supports they offer to help you work through drug addiction and beyond, like individual therapy sessions and ongoing text support
- Have them walk you through the admissions process and explain how they will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan
Zinnia Health offers rehab programs in several states, making it easy to find a PCP detox center near you.
The best way to find the nearest detox facility is through the locations page on our website or by calling our support line.
If you have questions about the available treatment options, Zinnia Health can give you answers. Reach out to our team at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
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