Whether you’re taking prescribed medication or over the counter drugs,drinking alcoholwith them is never a good idea. And drinking while taking illegal substances like PCP can be one of the last mistakes you make. This is because alcohol is a depressant and PCP is a sedative — two substances you should never mix if you want to avoid serious mental issues and bodily injury. Because PCP is a sedative, mixing it with alcohol can lower your heart rate and breathing to dangerously low levels and increase your chances of overdose and coma.
On its own, PCP can be dangerous. Mixed with alcohol, it can be deadly. If you find yourself unable to stop using PCP and drinking alcohol, the help you need is closer than you think. The Recovery Village intake coordinators are standing by for your call to point you in the right direction — the first step is reaching out.
What is PCP?
Phencyclidine, orPCP, goes by many names: “angel dust,” “rocket fuel,” and “peace pills,” are just a few. No matter what you call it, PCP is a hallucinogenic substance with sedative and stimulant properties. It is not used in any medical setting or prescribed for any ailment. PCP is sold illegally as a white powder or liquid, and is eaten, injected and snorted. PCP can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia and psychosis. Users may become delirious as this drug seriously damages mental health over time. Chronic abuse of PCP can cause serious psychological and physical dependence, and adding alcohol to the mix just makes matters worse — for your mind and body.
What are the Side Effects of PCP and Alcohol?
Since PCP is dissolvable, it may be all too easy to mix it into a beer or glass of wine, but this is a highly dangerous cocktail. PCP and alcohol amplify each other’s effects on the body and produce unpredictable consequences. When you ingest PCP and alcohol together, you can experience side effect such as:
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- Paranoid delusions
- Visual hallucinations
- Suicidal behavior
- Illogical pain perception
- Impaired speech
- Dissociation from time and place
- Erratic behavior
- Tremors
- Seizure
- Liver infection
- Vomiting or drooling
- Coma
If you are thinking of harming yourself or commiting suicide, you’re not alone in your struggle. Dial 800-273-TALK (8255) for 24/7, free and confidential support from someone who cares at The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Dangers of Mixing PCP and Alcohol
Alcohol and PCP are two very different drugs with different effects on the body. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, slowing everything down, and PCP is more of a stimulant, causing dangerous psychotic thoughts and feelings. PCP disrupts the brain’s natural chemicals and interferes with the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is responsible for perceptions of pain. Under its influence, you may think you are indestructible, making you dangerous to yourself and everyone around you.
Moreover, PCP use is often combined with alcoholism and serious psychological disorders. If you already struggle with mental health issues likeanxiety,depressionorbipolar disorder, taking PCP will exacerbate your current state exponentially. The hallucinations created by this drug, along with lowered inhibitions due to drinking alcohol, may tempt you to harm yourself or commit suicide.
Related Topic:PCP overdose
Treatment for PCP and Alcohol
If you or a loved one are unable to stop using PCP and alcohol, for your own health and safety, don’t try to go it alone. Attempting to detox at home can be just as dangerous as continuing to use these drugs. There are effective treatment options available that can help you transition away from these life-threatening substances.
PCP use can have devastating consequences for your mental health as well as your body. For this reason, one of the most important things to consider when seeking treatment for a PCP and alcohol addiction is choosing a treatment center that treatsco-occurring disordersalongside your physical addiction. At The Recovery Village, all of our programs, fromdetoxtooutpatient, work to heal the whole you. Mental health care is integrated into each type of therapy so you can heal from PCP and alcohol addiction in mind, body and spirit. Your recovery is possible — call us today to get started on the road to lasting health.
