The difference between PCP vs LSD is PCP is illegally manufactured as capsules, colored powder, and tablets that can be smoked, eaten, or snorted and LSD or “acid” is sold as capsules, liquid, absorbent paper, or tablets.
PCP vs LSD
PCP and LSD are both classified as hallucinogens, but they have distinct differences in their chemical structure, effects, and potential risks.
PCP was originally developed as an anesthetic but is a a synthetic drug that acts on the NMDA receptor in the brain. It can be found in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. LSD is derived from lysergic acid, a compound found in ergot fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is usually consumed as blotter paper, small tablets, or liquid drops.
Physical: Numbness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, blurred vision, and coordination issues.
Psychological: Euphoria, feelings of invulnerability, hallucinations, paranoia, and in some cases, aggressive behavior.
Physical: Dilated pupils, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sweating, and tremors.
Psychological: Altered perception of time and space, visual hallucinations, heightened sensory experiences, and profound changes in thought processes.
The effects of PCP can last from 4 to 6 hours, but high doses can extend the experience for up to 48 hours or more. The effects of LSD typically last between 8 to 12 hours, though some residual effects may persist longer.
- High potential for addiction and dependence.
- Risk of violent behavior and self-harm due to delusions and hallucinations.
- Long-term use can lead to memory loss, speech difficulties, depression, and weight loss.
- It is not considered addictive but can lead to tolerance with repeated use.
- Risk of “bad trips” causing severe anxiety, panic, and psychosis.
- Long-term psychological effects include flashbacks or hallucinogen-persisting Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).
What is PCP?
PCP (Phencyclidine) is a synthetic drug that was originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s. However, due to its severe side effects and potential for abuse, it was never approved for human use. PCP gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a recreational drug, known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects.
What is LSD?
LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a psychedelic drug derived from ergot fungus. It was first synthesized in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that LSD became widely used as a recreational drug. LSD is known for its mind-altering effects, including hallucinations and changes in perception and mood.
How does PCP affect you?
PCP affects individuals as it acts as a dissociative anesthetic, meaning it disrupts the brain’s perception of sensory information and produces a feeling of detachment from one’s body and surroundings. It also has hallucinogenic effects, causing distorted perceptions and sensations. PCP can also result in aggressive behavior, delirium, paranoia, and other psychological effects.
- Hallucinations: PCP can cause intense visual and auditory hallucinations, making it difficult to distinguish reality from fantasy.
- Distorted Perception: Users may experience altered perceptions of time, space, and their bodies.
- Euphoria: Some users report feelings of euphoria or a heightened sense of invulnerability.
- Anxiety and Paranoia: PCP can induce severe anxiety, paranoia, and sometimes violent behavior.
- Disorientation: Users often feel confused, and disoriented, and may have difficulty communicating or thinking clearly.
- Numbness: PCP can cause numbness in the limbs and loss of coordination.
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: The drug can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks for cardiovascular issues.
- Muscle Rigidity: Some users experience muscle rigidity and involuntary movements.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress is common.
- Respiratory Issues: In severe cases, PCP can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
- Memory Loss: Chronic use of PCP can lead to memory loss and cognitive impairments.
- Mental Health Issues: Long-term use is associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Addiction: PCP has addictive potential, and users may develop a dependence on the drug.
- Overdose: High doses of PCP can lead to overdose, which may result in seizures, coma, or death.
- Behavioral Risks: Due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative properties, users may engage in dangerous behaviors that they wouldn’t normally do, leading to injuries or accidents.
How Does LSD affect you?
LSD primarily affects the serotonergic system in the brain, which is responsible for regulating mood, cognition, and perception. This results in changes in perception and mood, along with visual distortions and hallucinations. LSD can also cause changes in thought patterns and intense emotional experiences.
- Altered Perceptions: Users often experience changes in their perception of time, space, and reality. Visual hallucinations are common, where users might see patterns, shapes, or colors that aren’t present.
- Enhanced Sensory Experience: Senses like sight and hearing can become more intense or distorted.
- Euphoria or Dysphoria: The emotional experience can range from euphoria and a sense of well-being to anxiety, paranoia, and fear.
- Altered Thought Processes: Thinking patterns can become more fluid and abstract. Users might feel as though they are gaining insights or experiencing new ways of thinking.
- Synesthesia: This is a condition where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory pathway, such as seeing sounds or hearing colors.
- Dilated Pupils: One of the most noticeable physical signs of LSD use.
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: These effects are common and can vary in intensity.
- Sweating and Chills: Users might experience changes in body temperature regulation.
- Loss of Appetite: Users might not feel the need to eat while under the influence.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping can occur both during and after the experience.
Legal and Safety Issues: LSD is illegal in many parts of the world and its use carries legal risks. Additionally, the altered state of mind can lead to unsafe behavior.
Key Differences Between PCP and LSD
PCP and LSD are PCP was developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic and is a member of the arylcyclohexylamine class, LSD was synthesized from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye, and LSD is part of the ergoline family. Primarily PCP acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate while LSD mainly affects serotonin receptors, leading to an altered state of consciousness. LSD tends to induce a more introspective and less aggressive experience compared to PCP.
PCP and LSD PCP effects can last from several hours up to a couple of days, depending on the dose and method of use while LSD typically lasts 6 to 12 hours, with peak effects occurring around 2 to 4 hours after ingestion.
PCP and LSD PCP is considered high potential for addiction and development of tolerance while LSD is generally considered non-addictive. Historically, PCP has been used as an anesthetic but now primarily seen as a recreational drug with significant misuse potential. On the other hand, LSD was originally used in psychiatric research and therapy; now primarily used recreationally and in certain subcultures for its hallucinogenic properties.
Hallucinogen Addiction
Both PCP and LSD can lead to addiction due to their mind-altering effects and potential for abuse. However, the risk of physical dependence on these drugs is low compared to other substances like opioids or stimulants. The main danger lies in the psychological effects, which can cause an individual to crave the intense experiences induced by these drugs.
What are the Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction?
Some common signs of hallucinogen addiction include:
- An intense desire to use the drug, even when it causes negative consequences.
- Difficulty controlling or limiting drug use.
- Continued use despite knowing the harmful effects of the drug.
- Increased tolerance, more of the substance is needed to achieve the desired effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using the drug.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it may be a sign of hallucinogen addiction and professional help should be sought. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who uses PCP or LSD will develop an addiction. It ultimately depends on various factors such as genetics, underlying mental health conditions, and the individual’s environment.
Effects of Hallucinogen Addiction
The effects of hallucinogens can vary widely based on the type of substance and the individual. Common effects include:
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
- Altered sense of time: Feeling like time is speeding up or slowing down.
- Emotional swings: Rapid changes in emotion from euphoria to anxiety.
- Physical symptoms: Increased heart rate, nausea, and sweating.
Is PCP and LSD Addictive?
While both PCP and LSD can lead to addiction, the risk of physical dependence is low compared to other drugs. However, psychological dependence is still a significant concern and can result in harmful consequences for an individual’s well-being.
How is PCP Addiction Treated?
Treatment for PCP addiction typically involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals overcome their addiction by addressing underlying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to drug use. Medications such as antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
How is LSD Addiction Treated?
Treatment for LSD addiction is similar to PCP addiction and often involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and medication. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can provide individuals with a supportive community of people who are also recovering from drug addiction. Therapy may focus on addressing underlying issues that contribute to drug use, as well as developing coping strategies and healthier ways to manage emotions.
Treatment Options for Hallucinogen Addiction
Treatment for hallucinogen addiction focuses on behavioral therapies and support networks:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns.
- Support Groups: Peer support can provide encouragement and accountability.
- Inpatient Programs/Outpatient Programs: Residential treatment programs and outpatient treatment programs are structured environments to help manage addiction.
- Counseling: Individual therapy or group therapy sessions to address underlying issues.
Risks and Complications of Hallucinogen Addiction
Repeated use of hallucinogens can lead to several risks and complications, such as:
- Psychological distress: Anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic episodes.
- Accidents and injuries: Impaired judgment can lead to dangerous behaviors.
- Persistent perception disorders: Experiencing ongoing visual disturbances long after use.
- Mental health issues: Potential for exacerbating underlying mental health conditions.
Call Crestview Recovery in Portland Oregon for Help
Hallucinogen addiction is a complex issue that affects many aspects of an individual’s life. Understanding the signs, effects, and treatment options can help those struggling with addiction find the support they need to recover.
If you or someone you know is dealing with hallucinogen addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment can lead to successful recovery and a healthier life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to PCP, LSD, or any other substance, remember that recovery is possible. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, we provide comprehensive addiction treatment services to help individuals overcome their addiction and live a fulfilling life in recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you start your journey toward lasting sobriety.
