Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP or angel dust, is a potent dissociative drug that has gained significant attention due to its potential for misuse and abuse. Addressing the question, “How long does PCP stay in your system?” is of paramount importance, both for medical professionals and individuals concerned about drug testing. In this blog, the addiction experts at our Lake Worth drug rehab will delve into the intricacies of PCP half-life and elimination, shedding light on how long this substance can persist in the body. Our goal is to share a clear understanding of the factors influencing PCP’s presence in the body and its implications for drug testing and clinical practice.
How Does PCP Work?
PCP inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. As a dissociative anesthetic, PCP disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, altering perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Below is a simplified explanation of how PCP works:
- Glutamate inhibition: PCP blocks glutamate activity, particularly by blocking NMDA receptors, which are associated with pain sensation, emotions, learning, and memory.
- Binding to NMDA receptors: PCP’s most well-known mechanism of action is that it binds to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. NMDA receptors are a type of glutamate receptors associated with functions such as learning, memory, and pain perception. Binding to NMDA receptors is the science behind PCP’s dissociative and anesthetic effects.
- Dopamine and serotonin effects: PCP can also increase dopamine release in certain brain regions, causing euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. PCP can also disrupt serotonin signaling, which can further impact mood and perception.
- Neural pathway disruption: PCP’s interference with glutamate and NMDA receptors can disrupt neural pathways that are responsible for perception, cognition, and the assimilation of thoughts and emotions. This disruption can lead to altered states of consciousness and dissociation associated with PCP use.
- Adverse side effects: The effects of PCP on the brain can include adverse reactions like hallucinations, aggression, paranoia, and impaired motor coordination. When taken in high doses, PCP can also cause psychosis, a mental and physical state characterized by severe agitation and delirium.
Learning what PCP’s mechanism of action is can help individuals who are curious about the drug better understand its unpredictability and dangers. Due to its potential for severe psychological and physical harm and Schedule II status in the United States, PCP use is strongly discouraged.
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How Long Does PCP Last in Your System?
PCP is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its elimination follows a specific pattern. How long PCP stays in your system has a lot to do with its half-life. The half-life of a drug refers to the amount of time it takes for the individual to metabolize half of the drug. The estimated PCP half-life is 7 to 46 hours, with the average half-life of PCP being about 21 hours.
A drug’s half-life is often used to measure the length of time it will remain in an individual’s body. Drugs that are fat-soluble (lipophilic) may remain in a person’s system longer than drugs that are hydrophilic or water-soluble. PCP is lipophilic.
Based on the average half-life of the drug, PCP can stay in your system anywhere from approximately 1.5 days to 10 days. However, because PCP is fat-soluble, meaning it may be stored in fat cells in the body, the half-life may be longer (up to 72 hours). In this case, it would take the drug would remain in the body for about 17 days.
Factors That Affect How Long PCP Stays In Your System
How long any drug, including PCP, stays in your system depends on various factors:
- Detection methods: The window for PCP detection can differ based on the type of drug test used. Common drug testing methods include urine, blood, saliva, and hair follicle tests.
- Dosage: Higher doses of PCP may take longer to be fully eliminated from the body and may be detectable in the body for longer periods.
- Frequency of use: How often PCP is used can affect how long it remains in a person’s body. Frequent use can lead to extended detection times.
- Metabolism: Metabolism can also influence how long PCP stays in your system. Factors such as age, liver function, and genetics also play a role.
Note that while these are general guidelines, individual responses to PCP may vary. PCP carries significant health risks and is illegal in many places – including the US – due to its potential to cause severe psychological and physical harm. Seeking professional help for substance abuse, such as residential addiction treatment – is highly recommended for anyone struggling with PCP addiction.
How Long Does A PCP High Last?
The duration of a PCP (phencyclidine) high can vary from person to person. On average, a PCP high typically lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. However, some factors can influence the duration of a PCP high, including:
- Dosage
- Individual sensitivity
- Mental state
- Method of administration
- Purity and composition
- Tolerance
Keep in mind that an angel dust high can vary in duration, as side effects are often unpredictable.
What Is PCP On A Drug Test?
Many people who ask, “How long does PCP stay in your system?” are worried about getting drug tested. In a drug test, PCP comes up as a dissociative sedative hallucinogen. For this reason, false-positive PCP drug tests are common with substances like tramadol, dextromethorphan, alprazolam, clonazepam, and carvedilol.1
PCP can also be detected using various testing methods:
- Blood testing: PCP can be detected for a few hours to 1 to 3 days in blood after use. This is a shorter detection window compared to other testing methods.
- Hair testing: Hair follicle testing has the longest detection window, with PCP being detectable for up to 90 days or more, depending on how quickly the individual’s hair grows
- Saliva testing: PCP can be detected in saliva for up to 1 to 3 days after use.
- Urine testing: PCP can be detected in urine anywhere from 1 to 7 days after use. However, traces of the drug may persist for longer periods in frequent users.
Additionally, a person can get a PCP drug test, usually by testing urine samples.
How To Get PCP Out Of Your System
Medically assisted detox, or medical detox, is a structured and supervised approach to help individuals safely and effectively remove substances, including PCP (phencyclidine), from their system. PCP use can have severe physical and psychological effects, and attempting to quit the drug without medical assistance can be dangerous. Some benefits of using medically assisted detox for safely eliminating PCP from your system include:
- Professional supervision
- Safety
- Monitored pharmacological support
- Customized treatment according to individual needs and substance
- Psychological support through psychotherapy services
- Prevention of complications
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Transition to further treatment
- Reduced risk of relapse
It’s important to note that PCP detox can be challenging and potentially life-threatening if not done with medical assistance. Seeking professional help through a program such as our BHOPB detox program is the safest way to get PCP out of your system.
Get PCP Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with PCP addiction, take action and seek professional help today. Our Banyan Lake Worth rehab is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate addiction treatment for individuals battling PCP abuse.
Call Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches today at 561-220-3981 or contact us online to schedule a one-on-one consultation and learn more about our addiction treatment in Lake Worth, FL.
Source:
- National Library of Medicine – How Often Do False-positive Phencyclidine (PCP) Urine Screens Occur with Use of Common Medications?
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