PCP (Phencyclidine) Addiction Treatment in Long Island

PCP, also called phencyclidine or angel dust, is a powerful dissociative that can cause dangerous behavioral changes, medical emergencies, and rapid escalation of use. Recovery is absolutely possible, but it works best with a clear plan and skilled medical and therapeutic support. Long Island Addiction Resources is a confidential referral service that helps Nassau and Suffolk residents compare nearby licensed programs that match their needs and insurance. We are not a rehab or medical provider.

What Is PCP? Origins, Uses, and Street Names

PCP is a synthetic dissociative developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic. Because of severe side effects it was abandoned for human use and later appeared as an illicit drug. It is made as a white crystalline powder that can be smoked on plant material, snorted, swallowed as tablets or capsules, or taken as a liquid. Street names include angel dust, rocket fuel, boat, love boat, ozone, crystal, fry, supergrass, and wets.

How PCP Works in the Brain

PCP blocks NMDA subtype glutamate receptors and alters dopamine and other pathways. These actions disrupt pain perception, memory, and emotional processing. The result can be dissociation, hallucinations, distorted time and space, and profound shifts in mood and behavior. Dose, route, co use of other substances, and individual vulnerability strongly influence effects.

Short Term Effects

• Lower to moderate doses Euphoria or dysphoria, sensory distortions, detachment from self or surroundings, anxiety, confusion, poor coordination, numbness of hands or feet, nausea, dizziness, flushing, sweating, elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
• Higher doses Severe agitation or panic, violent outbursts, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, muscle rigidity or spasms, rapid vertical eye movements, drastic shifts in temperature or blood pressure, seizures, coma, and overdose.

Why PCP Is Dangerous

• Unpredictable behavior and memory gaps Disinhibition and confusion raise risks of accidents, fights, legal problems, and trauma.
• Medical harms Hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis with kidney injury, liver stress, cardiac complications, and seizures can occur.
• Polysubstance patterns Many people smoke PCP with cannabis. Mixing with alcohol, sedatives, or stimulants increases medical and psychiatric complications.
• High overdose risk Tolerance and uncertain potency push doses higher over time.

Signs of a PCP Use Disorder

• Escalating dose or frequency and failed attempts to cut down
• Cravings and spending large amounts of time obtaining or recovering from use
• Missing work or school, conflicts at home, legal or financial problems
• Using in dangerous situations such as driving or operating machinery
• Withdrawing from hobbies and relationships to make room for use
• Continuing despite anxiety, depression, memory problems, or medical issues

Withdrawal and After Effects

Symptoms can begin within hours and vary by dose, duration, and co use of other substances.

• Early symptoms Anxiety, agitation, sweating, headache, tremor or twitching, nausea, sleep disruption, temperature elevation, rapid eye movements.
• Severe presentations Hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, muscle breakdown, delirium, and in rare cases dangerous metabolic disturbances.
• Longer tail Weeks to months of low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, memory and attention difficulties, social withdrawal, and intermittent cravings. These symptoms raise relapse risk and benefit from structured care.

Assessment on Long Island

Care starts with a comprehensive evaluation that covers substances used, pattern and setting of PCP use, mental health history, medical risks, medications, and safety concerns. Programs on Long Island tailor a plan to your needs, verify insurance, and match the right level of care to your goals and home situation.

Detox and Stabilization

• Setting Moderate to severe cases often require inpatient or residential detox for 24 hour monitoring. Stable cases with strong supports may use intensive outpatient settings with close follow up.
• Medical management Calm, low stimulation environment, hydration, nutrition, and temperature control. Benzodiazepines are commonly used for severe agitation or seizures. If antipsychotic medication is required for persistent psychosis, clinicians select agents and doses carefully and monitor muscle rigidity and temperature. Treat rhabdomyolysis promptly when present.
• Safety checks Screen for other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, or opioids. Address injuries, dehydration, and electrolyte issues. Create a plan for sleep and anxiety support without sedative stacking.

Levels of Care on Long Island

• Inpatient detox or residential rehab Twenty four hour medical and therapeutic support for severe use, polysubstance patterns, or unsafe home settings.
• Partial Hospitalization Program Full daytime care with psychiatry, therapy, skills groups, and medication management. Evenings at home or in recovery housing.
• Intensive Outpatient Program Several sessions per week focused on therapy, relapse prevention, and medication follow up while maintaining work or school.
• Outpatient therapy and medication management Step down care and ongoing support once stable.

Therapies That Help

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Identify triggers and high risk thoughts, practice coping skills, and build a relapse prevention plan.
• Motivational interviewing Resolve mixed feelings about change and align choices with personal values and goals.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills Emotion regulation and distress tolerance for agitation and mood swings.
• Contingency management Structured rewards for meeting recovery milestones when offered by a program.
• Family therapy and peer support Communication, boundary setting, accountability, and reduced isolation through groups and mutual aid.

Dual Diagnosis and Polysubstance Care

Many people use PCP with cannabis, alcohol, or stimulants, and some have co occurring conditions such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Effective care treats all substances and mental health conditions at the same time through coordinated psychiatry and therapy.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare

• Written plan Early warning signs, if then coping steps, crisis contacts, and safe people to call.
• Routines Consistent sleep and wake times, meals, movement, and daylight exposure stabilize mood and energy.
• Environment Avoid high risk venues and acquaintances early in recovery. Remove paraphernalia from home.
• Ongoing supports Regular therapy, skills groups, and peer meetings such as SMART Recovery or NA. Consider recovery housing if home is unstable.

How We Help on Long Island

We listen to your story, verify insurance, and connect you with licensed providers across Nassau and Suffolk for medical detox, residential treatment, PHP or IOP, outpatient therapy, medication management, and recovery housing. We are a connector and guide focused on person centered, evidence based care.