How Long Does PCP Stay in System?

Clinically Reviewed By Brittany Astrom - LMFT

Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.

How Long Does PCP Stay in System?

PCP, or phencyclidine, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug with a notorious reputation for its unpredictable and dangerous effects. Originally developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic, PCP was quickly discontinued for human use due to the severe psychological effects it caused in patients. Despite its intended medical use, the drug gained popularity as a recreational substance under the street name “angel dust.”

Today, PCP is known for its mind-altering effects, leading to dissociative experiences, hallucinations, and a host of other dangerous side effects. Because of its high potential for abuse and addiction, individuals who use PCP often wonder, “how long does PCP stay in your system?”

Understanding the detection window of PCP is essential, especially for those who may face drug testing for legal, medical, or professional reasons. However, the answer is not simple, as several factors influence how long PCP can be detected in your body. From the type of drug test used to individual factors like metabolism and frequency of use, the time it takes for PCP to leave your system can vary significantly. Additionally, understanding how the body processes PCP is crucial to illuminate the factors that determine the duration of PCP’s presence in the body.

Understanding PCP

PCP, or phencyclidine, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that was originally developed as an intravenous anesthetic in the 1950s. However, due to its severe psychological side effects, it was quickly discontinued for medical use. Despite this, PCP found its way into the recreational drug scene in the 1960s and 1970s, gaining notoriety under the street name “angel dust.”

PCP can be found in various forms, including powder, pills, and liquid. It can be consumed in multiple ways: orally, smoked, or injected. The method of consumption can influence the onset and duration of its effects, which typically last between 6 to 7 hours. However, the intensity and duration can vary depending on the dosage and the individual’s physiology. The drug’s ability to induce dissociative experiences and hallucinations has made it a substance of abuse, leading to significant health risks and addiction.

How Long Does PCP Stay in the Body?

The length of time PCP remains detectable in your body depends on several factors, including the type of drug test being used, such as a urine test, the frequency and amount of PCP consumed, and individual physiological characteristics. Below is an overview of the common types of drug tests used to detect PCP and the typical detection windows associated with each:

• Urine Tests: Urine testing is the most common method used to detect PCP. For occasional users, PCP can be detected in urine for 7-14 days after the last use. However, for chronic users—those who use PCP frequently or in high doses—detection can extend up to 30 days or more. This is because PCP accumulates in the body over time, particularly in fat cells, leading to a longer detection window for those who use the drug regularly.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests have a much shorter detection window compared to urine tests. PCP can be detected in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours after the last use for occasional users. However, in chronic users, the drug may be detectable for a longer period. Blood tests are often used in medical or legal situations where immediate detection is needed, such as in cases of suspected intoxication or overdose.

• Saliva Tests: Saliva testing is another method used to detect PCP, though it is less common than urine or blood tests. PCP can be detected in saliva for 1-3 days after the last use, making it a more immediate but shorter-term testing method. This method is non-invasive and can be conducted easily, which is why it is sometimes used in roadside drug testing by law enforcement.

• Hair Tests: Hair tests provide the longest detection window for PCP, allowing the drug to be detected for up to 90 days or more after the last use. This is because traces of PCP and other substances can be trapped in the hair follicles as they grow. Hair testing is often used in cases where long-term or chronic drug use is suspected, as it provides a record of drug consumption over an extended period.

How PCP is Processed by the Body

When PCP enters the body, it sets off a complex series of actions that determine how long it stays in the system. Upon ingestion, PCP is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. If smoked, it is absorbed through the lungs. Once in the bloodstream, PCP is distributed throughout the body, including the brain, where it exerts its hallucinogenic effects.

The rate at which PCP is absorbed and distributed can be influenced by several factors, including the method of administration, the individual’s metabolic rate, and the presence of other substances in the body. For instance, smoking PCP can lead to a quicker onset of effects compared to oral ingestion. Additionally, individuals with faster metabolic rates may process and eliminate the drug more quickly than those with slower metabolisms. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending how long PCP can be detected in the body.

Factors That Influence How Long PCP Stays in Your System

Several individual factors related to substance abuse can affect how long PCP stays in your system. These include:

• Dosage and Frequency of Use: One of the most significant factors in determining how long PCP stays in your system is how much and how often the drug is used. Individuals who take higher doses of PCP or use the drug frequently will have it in their system for a longer period compared to those who use the drug occasionally. This is because PCP is stored in fat cells, meaning that higher or more frequent use leads to greater accumulation in the body.

• Metabolism and Body Composition: Your body’s metabolism also plays a crucial role in how quickly PCP is processed and eliminated from your system. Individuals with faster metabolic rates may be able to eliminate PCP more quickly than those with slower metabolisms. Additionally, body composition can affect how long PCP stays in your system. Since PCP is fat-soluble, individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain the drug for longer periods compared to those with less body fat.

• Liver and Kidney Function: Your liver and kidneys are responsible for breaking down and excreting PCP from your body. If you have impaired liver or kidney function, it may take longer for your body to eliminate the drug. Proper functioning of these organs is critical for the efficient processing and excretion of PCP and other drugs.

• Hydration and Diet: Staying properly hydrated can aid in the elimination of PCP from your body, as it helps flush the drug out through urine. Dehydration, on the other hand, can slow the elimination process, causing the drug to remain in your system for a longer period. Additionally, your diet can influence how your body metabolizes PCP. Consuming a diet high in fat may slow the elimination process since PCP is stored in fat cells.

The Half-Life of PCP and Its Impact on Detection Time

The half-life of a drug refers to the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. For PCP, the half-life can vary depending on the individual and the dose taken, but it is generally around 21 hours. This means that it takes roughly 21 hours for half of the PCP to be eliminated from the bloodstream. However, because PCP is stored in fat cells, it can remain in your system for much longer than its half-life would suggest.

The half-life of PCP is particularly important when it comes to drug testing. Even after the initial effects of the drug have worn off, PCP can still be detected in your system for several days, weeks, or even months, depending on the testing method used and individual factors such as metabolism, body composition, and organ function.

Detecting PCP

Detecting PCP in the body can be achieved through various drug testing methods, each with its own detection window. Urine tests are the most common and can typically detect PCP use within a few days to a week following consumption. For chronic users, PCP may be detectable in urine for a longer period due to accumulation in the body.

Blood tests offer a shorter detection window, usually within 24-48 hours after use. These tests are often used in medical or legal situations where immediate detection is necessary. Saliva tests can detect PCP within 5-10 minutes after use and for up to 3 days, making them useful for more immediate but short-term detection.

Hair tests provide the longest detection window, capable of identifying PCP use for up to 90 days or more. This method is particularly useful for detecting long-term or chronic use, as traces of PCP can be trapped in hair follicles as they grow. However, it’s important to note that certain over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs can cause false positives for PCP on drug tests, which can complicate the detection process.

By understanding these detection methods and their respective windows, individuals can better comprehend how long PCP stays in their system and the implications for drug testing.

PCP’s Effects on Mental and Physical Health

PCP abuse is classified as a dissociative drug issue, meaning it alters perceptions of sight, sound, and touch, often causing the user to feel disconnected from reality. The psychological effects of PCP can range from mild to severe, depending on the dose taken and the individual’s sensitivity to the drug. Some of the common psychological effects of PCP include:

• Hallucinations: PCP can cause vivid, often frightening hallucinations that distort the user’s perception of reality. These hallucinations can last for hours or even days, depending on the dose taken.

• Delusions and Paranoia: In addition to hallucinations, PCP can cause delusional thinking and paranoia. Users may feel as though they are being watched or followed, which can lead to violent or aggressive behavior.

• Dissociative Experiences: PCP is known for its dissociative effects, which can make users feel as though they are detached from their body or the world around them. This can lead to dangerous behavior, as individuals under the influence of PCP may not be aware of their surroundings or their own actions.

• Aggression and Violent Behavior: One of the most dangerous effects of PCP is its potential to cause violent or aggressive behavior. In some cases, individuals under the influence of PCP have been known to harm themselves or others, making the drug particularly dangerous in social or public settings.

• Physical Effects: In addition to its psychological effects, PCP can also cause a range of physical symptoms, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and numbness in the limbs. In high doses, PCP can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

PCP Addiction and Withdrawal

PCP is highly addictive, and chronic use of the drug can lead to substance use disorder. Individuals who become addicted to PCP may experience a range of pcp withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using the drug, including:

• Depression and Anxiety: As the effects of PCP wear off, users may experience intense feelings of depression and anxiety. These symptoms can last for days or even weeks after the last use of the drug.

• Insomnia and Fatigue: Many individuals who use PCP regularly report difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. This can lead to feelings of extreme fatigue and exhaustion, further complicating the recovery process.

• Cravings: Like other addictive substances, PCP can cause intense cravings in individuals who try to quit. These cravings can be difficult to manage without professional help, as they often lead to relapse.

Seeking Treatment for PCP Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with PCP addiction, seeking professional treatment is essential. PCP addiction treatment typically involves a combination of medical detox, behavioral therapy, and support for underlying mental health disorders. Addiction recovery programs, like those offered at OC Revive, provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Conclusion

Understanding how long PCP stays in your system is crucial for anyone concerned about drug testing or the health risks associated with the drug. The detection window for PCP varies depending on the type of drug test used and individual factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism.

If you or a loved one is struggling with PCP addiction, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The road to recovery may be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to overcome the hold that PCP has on your life.

Seeking Treatment? We Can Help!

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• Tricare
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If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, reach out to OC Revive today. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support your journey towards lasting well-being. Give us a call at 844-514-0665

FAQS

How long can PCP be detected in a urine test?

PCP can be detected in urine for 7-14 days after the last use for occasional users. For chronic users, the detection window can extend up to 30 days or more, depending on the frequency of use and the individual’s metabolism.

Does PCP stay in your hair longer than in other parts of your body?

Yes, PCP can be detected in hair for up to 90 days or more after the last use. Hair testing has the longest detection window because PCP is stored in the hair follicles as the hair grows, providing a long-term record of drug use.

What factors influence how long PCP stays in your system?

Several factors impact how long PCP stays in your system, including the dosage, frequency of use, body composition, metabolism, and liver and kidney function. Additionally, factors like hydration and diet can also play a role in how quickly your body processes and eliminates the drug.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of PCP addiction?

Common PCP withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and intense cravings for the drug. These symptoms can make it challenging for individuals to quit PCP without professional help and may persist for days or even weeks after the last use.