What is psychosis? It is one of the most severe side effects and results of heavy drug usage. Because illicit recreational drug use is widespread in the United States, Americans need to learn more about drug-induced psychosis and how to recover. Psychosis can also be a problem with problematic alcohol abuse, which is common in the country.
With such widespread usage, most people struggling with abuse and addiction wonder why they cannot drink or use normally. One terrifying occurrence in this endless “cat and mouse” effort to drink and use normally is drug-induced psychosis. Call 888.341.3607 to speak with someone from Ashwood Recovery about the meaning of psychosis, how to spot psychosis symptoms, and how our drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs can help with recovering from psychosis that’s drug-induced or alcohol-induced.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis, in general, is a mental condition, a state of mind where there has been a loss of contact with reality. Psychosis affects a person’s ability to determine what is truly happening in reality and what is not. If a person is in psychosis for some time, it is called a psychotic episode.
States of psychosis are common among individuals struggling with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, psychosis can also be caused by sleep deprivation, certain prescription medications, or other health problems. Excessive intake of drugs, alcohol, or both can also cause someone to enter a state known as drug-induced psychosis.
What Are Some Drug-Induced Psychosis Symptoms?
Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis are all similar, regardless of the type of substance or substances used to cause it. Active symptoms of drug-induced psychosis include:
- Difficulties concentrating
- Down or depressed mood
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Anxiety
- Suspiciousness or paranoia
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Erratic, disorganized speech that jumps from topic to topic
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Delusions are false beliefs or ideas about the world held by someone in a drug-induced psychosis. They are known to be false by everyone surrounding them, yet they continue to insist on their accuracy, creating distrust and paranoia in everyone around them.
What Causes a Drug-Induced Psychosis?
When too many drugs are taken at one time or combined in the wrong way, an individual can fall into a state of drug-induced psychosis. Which different kinds of drugs can cause drug-induced psychosis?
Alcohol
Those heavily dependent upon alcohol can slip into states of drug-induced psychosis. The delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia are common in severely alcoholic individuals are a state of drug-induced psychosis.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that causes extreme paranoia in specific individuals. People who experience this paranoia have a chance of entering a drug-induced psychosis due to marijuana use.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or Adderall commonly cause psychosis. When an individual lacks sleep and is high on amphetamines, the symptoms of drug-induced psychosis, particularly paranoia, show up.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens do not usually cause long-term drug-induced psychosis. However, during the “trip,” users are in a temporary state of psychosis. Depending on their ability to handle their hallucinogens, individuals with this type of psychosis should be okay.
How Does Someone Recover from a Drug-Induced Psychosis?
The best way to treat and recover from drug-induced psychosis symptoms is to take the individual to a doctor or psychiatrist as soon as possible. There they will undergo an assessment to determine the best course of action.
Drug-induced psychosis recovery differs for each person, primarily dependent upon their mental health while sober. Many factors affect and influence the development of an episode of psychosis and how it plays out. If the individual has severe drug or alcohol dependence issues, seeking addiction or alcoholism treatment may be beneficial. The doctor will determine whether or not detox is necessary for the individual. Inpatient rehab or an intensive outpatient program can help individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction learn to live sober a day at a time.
Recover from Drug-Induced Psychosis in Idaho at Ashwood Recovery
You can find additional resources if you are looking for help for a loved one. You can also contact Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 to learn how our programs and services can help.