PCP and LSD are two well-established illicit drugs that are nonetheless overlooked in today’s climate of methamphetamine and opioids. That in no way diminishes the harmful and addictive nature of these substances, but many people are unclear on the differences. Regardless of what substance you or a loved one are struggling with, Bayview Recovery’s substance abuse treatment in Tacoma, Washington can help.
When considering the main difference between PCP vs. LSD, one must consider that LSD is a hallucinogen, while PCP has hallucinogenic properties but also creates disassociative feelings. Both cause altered states of awareness and often cause out-of-control behavior as well. The effects of both drugs are also very unpredictable, which is part of what makes the abuse of these two substances so dangerous.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the cycle of addiction, reach out to Bayview Recover today at 855.478.3650
PCP vs. LSD Facts
Hallucinogenic or psychedelic drugs are substances that distort the user’s perceptions of everything around them. This includes their thoughts, sensations, emotions, and mood. Some hallucinogenic drugs come from natural sources, but others are artificial.
- LSD, which stands for D-lysergic acid diethylamide, comes from an acid that is found in a particular fungus. The fungus is known as ergot and grows on various grain types.
- PCP, which stands for phencyclidine, was first developed and used as an anesthetic in the 1950s. Another name for it is angel dust. It fell out of use due to its unpredictable and dangerous side effects.
- Understanding LSD vs. PCP can be as simple as knowing that LSD is a hallucinogen and PCP is a dissociative drug.
- PCP is not categorized strictly as a hallucinogen because it can also work as a pain reliever or stimulant. However, it can still cause hallucinations and effects similar to hallucinogens.
PCP vs. LSD Effects
An LSD and PCP addiction rehab center in Tacoma, WA, can help you get free of the dangerous effects of these drugs. Do not wait to get help, as these drugs lead to unpredictable behavior and carry harmful short-term and long-term effects.
In the case of LSD, the short-term effects usually begin between 20 and 90 minutes from taking the drug and can last up to 12 hours. Some of these effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Intense emotions
- Altered sensory perception
- Nausea
- Feeling like time is passing really quickly or really slowly
Long-term effects include persistent psychosis and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.
In the case of PCP, the short-term effects generally start within a few minutes and can last up to several hours. Sometimes the effects continue for several days. Some of these effects include:
- Disorientation
- Lack of coordination
- Numbness
- Hallucinations
- Increase in body temperature
- Increase in heart rate
Larger doses of PCP can result in:
- Seizures
- Psychotic behavior
- Amnesia
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty breathing
- Anxiety
In LSD vs. PCP, the risk of overdose is much higher with PCP. Compared to LSD, PCP is generally considered the more dangerous of the two. It can cause violent and psychotic behavior, resulting in death from falling, car accidents, and drowning, among other means. Another danger with PCP is that it often appears on the street mixed with other things, including lethal by-products.
PCP vs. LSD Addiction Treatment at Bayview Recovery Center
Get help for the traumatizing effects of these addictive drugs by attending Bayview Recovery in Tacoma, WA. Our exclusive Northwest location helps people in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana tackle addiction, mental health problems, and substance abuse. Some of our programs include:
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Dual diagnosis therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Evening intensive outpatient treatment
- Aftercare
- Individual therapy
- Mental health treatment
Don’t allow addiction to take over your life. You can regain your sobriety by attending a quality drug rehab. Contact Bayview Recovery today by calling 855.478.3650 or reach out online and find out how we can help you get on the path to recovery.
Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.
