Why does pcp make you strong

The effects of PCP can last for up to one full day depending on the amount taken. But what does a PCP high feel like?

In so many words, a PCP high feels like a complete lack of control over your mind and body, which can be terrifying for some users — especially those who ingest the drug accidentally, which might occur if another drug like ecstasy or marijuana is laced with PCP. Some individuals who have used the drug reported that it feels like the mind is being compelled by primary urges and emotions and that uncontrollable and reactionary behaviors are almost inevitable.

A lot of the time, these behaviors are violent. There have been numerous crimes — including murders — carried about by people who were on the drug. Those on PCP cannot rationalize with themselves. PCP abuse and addiction are very serious, and when abused for an extended length of time the drug can cause lasting physical, mental and emotional issues. Many people could do so, but not without causing themselves extreme pain and possible wrist fractures.

PCP users do not feel the pain associated with these until they have recovered from the effects of the drug. PCP also tends to make people extraordinarily sensitive to light and sound stimuli, hallucinatory, and psychotic. They will see dragons, demons, all sorts of things that aren't there.

A PCP user might sit by himself , staring off into space, and seem very peaceful and tranquil. If he is subjected to a loud sound such as clapping of hands or a door slamming or a bright light, even turning the lights on in a room, he can go off and become extremely violent. Because of the lack of a pain response, it can take several large people to restrain a PCP user, even if the user is of small to average build.

The drug drives up body temperature. Users can get unbearably hot, and may take off all their clothing and dive into any body of water — or anything that looks like water — in an attempt to cool off. When I was undergoing training to become a drug influence recognition expert, I spent a couple of shifts working out of a Northern California police station that got lots of drug user traffic. It is also found in tablet or capsule form.

Users may smoke, snort, swallow, or inject PCP. Leafy plants such as mint , parsley or marijuana are often sprayed with the chemical, or a rolled joint is dipped into a PCP solution and then smoked. PCP affects multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It also inhibits the action of glutamate by blocking NMDA receptors, which are responsible for pain sensation, emotions, learning, and memory functions.

A typical dose is 5 to 10 milligrams, and 10 mg has been reported to cause stupor. The effects are felt 30 to 60 minutes after oral ingestion, or a few minutes after smoking. Immediate effects last 4 to 6 hours, but a return to a normal state can take up to 24 hours. However, because the drug is made illegally in uncontrolled conditions, there is no way of knowing how much is being taken, or what the effect will be.

An individual may use PCP because it produces euphoria, psychedelic effects, and a sense of calm. However, they may experience effects that they do not want. Soon after taking a low dose, there may be a rise in blood pressure , body temperature, and heart rate. PCP can cause a person to experience :. Other people may notice that the user is showing :.

Poor judgment and reasoning skills, psychosis, paranoia, and self-injurious or violent action may occur in those already prone to these behaviors. The person may develop a type of psychosis similar to that seen in schizophrenia. A sense of super strength and invulnerability, combined with the inability to feel pain and poor judgment, can lead to serious injury.

Ingesting PCP with other central nervous system CNS depressants, such as alcohol or prescription tranquilizers, can lead to coma. Severe PCP poisoning can also occur if an individual, when attempting to conceal the drug from authorities, mistakenly ingests large amounts due to body stuffing or packing.

People who are experiencing a " bad trip " while on PCP are usually placed in a quiet area or room with little sensory stimulation. Sometimes the person is given benzodiazepines to control seizures or extremely agitated behavior. While there is no known treatment for PCP addiction specifically, residential treatment and proven therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy CBT can help people better understand their addiction and any co-occurring mental illnesses.

Under the right medical guidance, it is possible to recover from a PCP addiction and learn how to avoid triggers, better care for the body and mind, and build a community of support. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Tex Heart Inst J. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Updated April Bey T, Patel A. Phencyclidine intoxication and adverse effects: A clinical and pharmacological review of an illicit drug. Cal J Emerg Med. Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs Research Report. Updated February Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. PCP Phencyclidine. Phencyclidine overdose. Updated June 2, American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

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