Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsRisksAddiction and WithdrawalTreatment

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Risks

Addiction and Withdrawal

Treatment

Phencyclidine use disorder is a diagnostic label that appeared for the first time in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, also known as DSM-5. The disorder is given to people who are experiencing problems as a result of using a group of substances called phencyclidines (PCP), or substances that are pharmacologically similar to them, such as ketamine.Phencyclidines are sometimes mixed with other substances, including marijuana. This can be particularly harmful due to the rapidly addictive characteristics and effects, including an increased risk of violence and hallucinations.What is the most important information I should know about phencyclidine use disorder?Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can produce distorted perceptions, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior.PCP use can lead to dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is illegal in the U.S.What to Know About Ketamine UseSymptoms of Phencyclidine Use DisorderTo receive a diagnosis of a phencyclidine use disorder, the person must have been taking one of this group of drugs, and as a result, experienced at least two of the following problems within a 12-month period:Taking more phencyclidine or a similarly acting drug than was intendedTrying unsuccessfully to cut back or control the use of phencyclidine or a similarly acting drugSpending a great deal of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of phencyclidine or a similarly acting drugExperiencing cravings to take more phencyclidine or a similarly acting drugFailing to carry out normal role expectations at school, work, or home, such as repeated absences from school or work, or neglecting the care of home and familyContinuing to use phencyclidine or a similarly acting drug, even in the face of ongoing social or interpersonal problems as a resultDropping out of other important social, occupational, or recreational activitiesTaking phencyclidine or a similarly acting drug in situations that are dangerous to self or othersUsing phencyclidine or a similarly acting drug with the knowledge that it is causing physical or psychological problems or making existing physical or psychological problems worseTolerance for phencyclidine or a similarly acting drugWhat Is Addiction?Health Risks of Phencyclidine Use DisorderPhencyclidine has several serious health risks in addition to that of addiction, such as:An increased risk for mental health problems, including anxiety and depressionShort-term health effects such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and body temperatureCognitive problems, including trouble with memory and concentrationSocial withdrawal and isolationHallucinations, delusions, and flashbacksSuicidal thinking and behaviorIn some cases, people will experience repeated hallucinations and flashbacks that continue for long periods after stopping PCP use. This condition is known ashallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD).Addiction and WithdrawalUsing phencyclidine regularly can lead to addiction. When people become dependent on PCP, they need to continue taking it in order to avoid experiencing symptoms of withdrawal.People can also develop a tolerance to phencyclidine, which means that they need to take more of the substance in order to continue experiencing the same effects.People who develop dependence and addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using PCP. Symptoms of withdrawal can include:Drug cravingsConfusionDepressionIncreased agitation and anxietyWhile phencyclidine withdrawal is not life-threatening, it can be unpleasant and distressing. Talk to your doctor about managing your symptoms during withdrawal and your options for treatment and recovery.Treatment for Phencyclidine Use DisorderThere are no medications approved to treat phencyclidine use disorder. Interventions typically focus on talk therapies that help people identify problematic thoughts and behaviors contributing to substance use.Some possible treatment options include:Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): Focuses on helping people change thoughts and behaviors associated with drug use while fostering coping skills that aid in recoveryContingency management (CM): Utilizes small monetary rewards or vouchers to reward people for staying off of drugsMotivational enhancement therapy (MET): Helps people improve their motivation and commitment to changeTwelve-step recovery programsand support groups can also be helpful for recovery from phencyclidine use disorder.Lifestyle changes and self-help approaches can also be helpful. In addition to going to treatment sessions and following your therapist’s recommendations, you can also benefit from the following:Finding ways to stay busyand filling your time with activities that help take your mind off of drug cravingsCreating healthy habitssuch as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep each nightBuilding a support systemand spending time with friends who can encourage drug abstinenceAvoiding triggers, including people, places, or situations, that might contribute to drug cravings or drug useIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.How to Overcome an Addiction

Phencyclidine use disorder is a diagnostic label that appeared for the first time in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, also known as DSM-5. The disorder is given to people who are experiencing problems as a result of using a group of substances called phencyclidines (PCP), or substances that are pharmacologically similar to them, such as ketamine.

Phencyclidines are sometimes mixed with other substances, including marijuana. This can be particularly harmful due to the rapidly addictive characteristics and effects, including an increased risk of violence and hallucinations.

What is the most important information I should know about phencyclidine use disorder?Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can produce distorted perceptions, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior.PCP use can lead to dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is illegal in the U.S.

What is the most important information I should know about phencyclidine use disorder?

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative anesthetic drug that can produce distorted perceptions, hallucinations, and aggressive behavior.PCP use can lead to dependence, addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is illegal in the U.S.

What to Know About Ketamine Use

Symptoms of Phencyclidine Use Disorder

To receive a diagnosis of a phencyclidine use disorder, the person must have been taking one of this group of drugs, and as a result, experienced at least two of the following problems within a 12-month period:

What Is Addiction?

Health Risks of Phencyclidine Use Disorder

Phencyclidine has several serious health risks in addition to that of addiction, such as:

In some cases, people will experience repeated hallucinations and flashbacks that continue for long periods after stopping PCP use. This condition is known ashallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder (HPPD).

Using phencyclidine regularly can lead to addiction. When people become dependent on PCP, they need to continue taking it in order to avoid experiencing symptoms of withdrawal.

People can also develop a tolerance to phencyclidine, which means that they need to take more of the substance in order to continue experiencing the same effects.

People who develop dependence and addiction will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using PCP. Symptoms of withdrawal can include:

While phencyclidine withdrawal is not life-threatening, it can be unpleasant and distressing. Talk to your doctor about managing your symptoms during withdrawal and your options for treatment and recovery.

Treatment for Phencyclidine Use Disorder

There are no medications approved to treat phencyclidine use disorder. Interventions typically focus on talk therapies that help people identify problematic thoughts and behaviors contributing to substance use.

Some possible treatment options include:

Twelve-step recovery programsand support groups can also be helpful for recovery from phencyclidine use disorder.

Lifestyle changes and self-help approaches can also be helpful. In addition to going to treatment sessions and following your therapist’s recommendations, you can also benefit from the following:

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How to Overcome an Addiction

4 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Drug Enforcement Administration.Phencyclidine.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bey T, Patel A.Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug.Cal J Emerg Med. 2007;8(1):9-14.Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al.Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: Etiology, clinical features, and therapeutic perspectives.Brain Sci.2018;8(3). doi:10.3390/brainsci8030047

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Drug Enforcement Administration.Phencyclidine.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bey T, Patel A.Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug.Cal J Emerg Med. 2007;8(1):9-14.Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al.Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: Etiology, clinical features, and therapeutic perspectives.Brain Sci.2018;8(3). doi:10.3390/brainsci8030047

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Drug Enforcement Administration.Phencyclidine.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Bey T, Patel A.Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug.Cal J Emerg Med. 2007;8(1):9-14.Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al.Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: Etiology, clinical features, and therapeutic perspectives.Brain Sci.2018;8(3). doi:10.3390/brainsci8030047

Drug Enforcement Administration.Phencyclidine.

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Bey T, Patel A.Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: a clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug.Cal J Emerg Med. 2007;8(1):9-14.

Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Pettorruso M, et al.Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: Etiology, clinical features, and therapeutic perspectives.Brain Sci.2018;8(3). doi:10.3390/brainsci8030047

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