PCP has a variable half-life, averaging about 21 hours, but it can be detected in the body for up to 17 days due to its fat-soluble nature which changes how long PCP stays in your system.
Phencyclidine (PCP), also known as Angel Dust or Killer Weed, was initially developed as an intravenous sedative in the 1950s but was discontinued for clinical use due to potentially dangerous consequences. Ketamine, a chemically similar substance, was developed as an alternative for medical procedures and difficult treatments. In its pure form, PCP is a white crystalline powder that dissolves quickly in water or liquor and has a distinct unpleasant odor. However, in the underground market, PCP is often found in a variety of impurities, resulting in a pale to dark brown tint and a powdery to sticky texture
How Long Does PCP Last?
The intoxicating effects can be produced within 2 to 5 minutes after smoking and 30 to 60 minutes after swallowing. PCP intoxication may last from 4 to 8 hours; some users report experiencing subjective effects from 24 to 48 hours after using PCP. Low to moderate doses (1 to 5 mg PCP) induce feelings of detachment from surroundings and self, numbness, slurred speech, and loss of coordination accompanied by a sense of strength and invulnerability. A blank stare and rapid involuntary eye movements are the more observable effects. High doses of PCP produce hallucinations, and catatonic posturing, resembling that observed with schizophrenia.
How Long Does PCP High Last?
You may have the following symptoms if you use PCP:
- You feel detached from reality
- Experience a state of elation or a “buzz,” similar to being intoxicated
- Your mind is sharp, and you have superhuman talents and are fearless.
Your administering technique determines how quickly you experience PCP’s effects, such as:
Smoking PCP: The high from smoking PCP typically begins within minutes and can last for about 4-6 hours. Smoking PCP is particularly dangerous because it can lead to rapid onset of effects, making it difficult to control the dosage and increasing the risk of overdose.
Snorting PCP: Similar to smoking, snorting PCP produces a high that can last several hours.
HuffingPCP: The high from huffing PCP also lasts for several hours, similar to smoking and snorting.
Injecting PCP: PCP’s effects begin two to five minutes after being injected into a vein.
Ingesting PCP: When ingested, the onset of PCP’s effects is slower, typically beginning about 30 minutes after ingestion. However, the high from ingesting PCP can last anywhere from 6 to 24 hours. Mixing PCP with alcohol or other substances can alter the onset and duration of these effects.
Each method of using PCP not only affects “how long does PCP high last” but also carries unique health dangers.
PCP can also cause physical reactions such as muscle breakdown or twitching, weight loss, increased body temperature, and respiratory distress. At high doses, PCP can trigger life-threatening seizures, coma, and death.
How Long Does PCP Trip Last?
The PCP trip typically lasts for 4 to 6 hours, but the drug can linger in the system for up to 24 hours.
After the hallucinogenic effects of PCP subside, users may experience a period of recovery. This phase is not well-defined, but some users report feeling an “afterglow” or mild stimulation following low doses of PCP. However, the duration and intensity of this phase can vary greatly among individuals. The exact duration of the afterglow or recovery phase is not well-documented, and it may vary depending on the individual’s tolerance, dosage, and other factors.
PCP Half-Life
The half-life of PCP (phencyclidine) is about 21 hours. However, as PCP is fat-soluble, it can be stored in the body’s fat cells, potentially extending the half-life to up to 72 hours. This means it could take around 17 days to completely eliminate PCP from the system.
Fat-soluble drugs, like PCP, tend to stay in the body longer than water-soluble drugs. The liver is the primary organ responsible for eliminating drugs like PCP. Depending on the amount used and individual metabolism, it might take 1.5 to 10 days to clear PCP from the system.
How Long Does PCP Stay In Your System?
Phencyclidine (PCP) can be detected in various bodily fluids and tissues, each with a different detection window.
Urine Tests
PCP can be detected in urine for up to four to six hours immediately after usage and up to seven to fourteen days.
Blood Tests
PCP is detectable in blood up to one to four hours after usage
Saliva Tests
PCP can be found in saliva for up to five to ten minutes right after a single dose and stays up to three days as.
Hair Tests
PCP can be detected in hair five to ten days after the first dose and up to 3 months after it was last usedThese detection windows can vary depending on factors such as the frequency and amount of use, metabolic activities, and personal traits like age, muscle mass, gender, heredity, and kidney and liver function.
Which Factors Influence How Long PCP Stay In Your System?
Factors influencing how long PCP stays in your system include:
- Duration and frequency of PCP use, along with the typical dosage.
- Individual metabolic differences.
- Personal characteristics such as age, muscle mass, gender, genetics, and kidney and liver function. For instance, people with more acidic urine tend to excrete PCP faster.
- The method of PCP administration.
- The concurrent use of other drugs, such as stimulants or Viagra, can also influence PCP metabolism, potentially leading to a longer presence of PCP in the system.
How Long Does PCP Flashbacks Last?
The use of Phencyclidine (PCP) can lead to a phenomenon known as flashbacks, wherein individuals experience effects of their drug use even when the drug is no longer present in their system. These flashbacks can manifest days, weeks, or even months following the last usage of PCP. As per a study published in ‘Frontiers in Psychiatry‘, there is a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), which can cause such flashbacks and might be a long-lasting syndrome.
How Long Does PCP Rehab Last?
At Still Detox, Boca Raton, Florida, we typically recommend a 30 to 90-day inpatient treatment program for people who are struggling with PCP addiction. Your recovery needs will determine how long you stay. It depends on your level of addiction.
Sources:
National Institute On Drug Abuse Psychedelic and Dissociative Drugs
National Library Of Medicine Phencyclidine Intoxication and Adverse Effects
United Nations Office on Drugs and CrimeDetails for Phencyclidine-type substances
