What’s Substance-Induced Psychosis?
Substance-induced psychosis is an intense, temporary mental health condition in which a person loses touch with reality as a result of the physiological effects of the substances they were using. Some people suffer substance-induced psychosis while using drugs, while others face the condition when they try to stop. Symptoms can happen within one month of no longer using a substance.
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we offer medically monitored detox for substance use disorder (SUD). It provides a safe way for your body to flush substances and controls withdrawal symptoms. Contact us for an immediate assessment.
Starting and Stopping Substances Can Cause Mental Health Trauma
A person may experience the onset of psychotic episodes or psychotic disorder symptoms if they start or stop using alcohol or other drugs. They can happen when a person is using the substance or even when they are not. Sometimes they occur during recovery.
During these episodes, you may be unable to understand what is real and what is actually happening. You may feel disconnected from the people and things around you. Some people suffer serious symptoms that require emergency care.
Symptoms of Substance-Induced Psychosis
The type and severity of symptoms differ based on the type of drug, your body’s chemistry, and your underlying mental health. Some people will experience symptoms such as:
- Hallucinations, including smelling, seeing, or hearing things that aren’t there
- Delusions, including hearing voices or believing that someone is constantly watching you
- Paranoia and suspicion, including suspecting family members or health care providers are trying to harm you
- Religious delusions, sometimes involving thoughts that a deity is sending special communications
- Difficulty maintaining daily care and typical hygiene
- Lacking a clear understanding of what is fantasy and what is not, such as feeling as if you are in relationships you are not
- A lack of emotional expression or seeming to never feel anything
- Hypersensitive to sounds and smells
These types of psychosis can feel terrifying. Most people have no idea that what they see and experience isn’t what’s really happening. You may think everyone around you isn’t telling you the truth. Your body and mind will do whatever they can to protect what they believe is true.
What Causes Substance-Induced Psychosis?
It’s not always clear why some people suffer psychosis, and others do not. Typically, these episodes come from the misuse of alcohol or drugs, but some people are more prone to developing this condition than others. That might include:
- Previous traumatic brain injuries from blows to the head, sports injuries, or other events
- Family history of psychosis or other mental conditions such as schizophrenia or mood disorders
- Types of medications taken, including prescription drugs
- Onset of conditions such as dementia
- Genetic abnormalities
- Presence of tumors or brain malformations
It may not be obvious why this happened to you. Sometimes there’s no way to know when it could happen.
How Is Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder Treated?
In our medical detox program, our medical and mental health professionals are always available to assess and treat any complications that arise.
Treatment for psychosis may include:
- Medication: The use of antipsychotic drugs to control symptoms and manage contributing conditions is a common first step. We find the right combination of medications to restore balance and provide relief.
- Therapy: Working through these episodes means one-on-one therapy with a professional you can trust. Group therapy, individual therapy, and specialized sessions can offer insight and real-world solutions.
- Inpatient treatment: Those with dual diagnosis, or mental health disorders and substance use disorders, benefit from our comprehensive treatment program. Treatment for both conditions at the same time can make a tremendous difference in your long-term care.
With the guidance of our team, you won’t feel alone in dealing with this on your own. We will provide you with the tools necessary to support long-term recovery.
Can You Actually Heal from SUDs?
It’s one of the most terrifying experiences to know that your substance use can impact your mental health in such a profound manner. You can beat the odds. You can get treatment for addiction and mental health at Victory Addiction Recovery Center.
Recent studies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) say that, of the 30.5 million people who had an SUD and recovered from treatment, 73.1% of them believe they have entered recovery or have recovered. Treatment can be effective.
Request an Assessment From Our Team Today
You may be unsure of what to do about the mental health aspect of SUDs. We can help you with no judgment and the most modern techniques and methods. Contact Victory Addiction Recovery Center today to find out what we recommend for you now.