How Do I Help Someone Who’s High on PCP?
A PCP high can cause an individual to harm themselves or others, which is why it is extremely important to be cautious when attempting to help someone who’s high on the drug. If someone you know has been abusing PCP, call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) now to find treatment centers that can help them recover.
IMPORTANT: Do Not Engage
The safest thing you can do when you come across someone who is high on PCP is to not engage them and to keep a safe distance. Panic, terror, and hostile behavior often go hand-in-hand with the use of this drug, and those who have a history of violent behavior will be even more likely to behave dangerously when they take it.
According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “Someone under the influence of PCP is often unaware of the dangerous and limitations they face,” and therefore, can react unpredictably, aggressively, or violently toward others.
Many people think the best thing they can do is to try and talk the intoxicated person down, but chances are, they will not respond to logic and may even become violent. Being careful is important because you will want to ensure that the individual does not hurt themselves and also does not hurt you. Do not engage with an individual high on PCP and, instead, call professionals for help.
Call 911
Immediately call 911 if you believe someone is high on PCP. It is especially important to do so if they are already putting themselves or others in a dangerous situation. Stay nearby but do not engage with the individual.
Never try to make the person throw up, as it could be a choking hazard. Wait for the ambulance and the professional healthcare providers to arrive in order to make sure the individual receives the care they need.
Seek Professional Treatment
If someone you know has abused PCP in the past or is still doing so, it is very important for them to receive professional help. Not only does PCP cause severe and dangerous side effects when abused, but unlike most hallucinogens, “PCP… can be addictive” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The substance can cause addictive effects very quickly after a person begins use, and those who “stop repeated use of PCP experience drug cravings, headaches, and sweating as common withdrawal symptoms.”
Helping the individual find the right treatment option can allow them to make a very important change in their life and avoid further abuse of the drug. The longer someone abuses PCP, the more likely they will experience long-term issues such as speech problems, memory loss, weight loss, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Once a person has become addicted to the drug, the only way for them to stop abusing it is with professional treatment.
How Do I Find PCP Treatment?
Call 800-411-9312 (Who Answers?) today to find rehab centers that will cater to your loved one’s needs as well as safely and effectively treat their PCP abuse. Call and help your friend or family member end their harmful abuse of this dangerous drug.
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