Psychosis, a mental health condition marked by a disconnection from reality, can occur alongside addiction, amplifying the challenges faced by individuals and their families. For those in this situation, knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential to providing the right care and support.
This piece aims to shed light on why psychosis and substance use sometimes overlap, how to recognize the signs, and the most effective treatment paths available. While the complexity might seem overwhelming, help is closer than you think.
What Causes Psychosis in Addiction?
Psychosis in addiction, or substance-induced psychosis, can arise when certain substances alter brain function. Some of the most common triggers include prolonged use of drugs like methamphetamines, alcohol, or synthetic cannabinoids.
Substances Associated with Substance-Induced Psychosis:
- Methamphetamines: Side effects can include paranoia, hallucinations, and irrational thought patterns. Chronic use heightens the risk of drug-induced psychosis.
- Alcohol (in severe withdrawals): Long-term abuse, followed by withdrawal, may result in hallucinations or delirium tremens (DTs).
- Synthetic Drugs (e.g., Spice or Bath Salts): Often unpredictable in their effects, synthetic drugs can induce dangerous psychotic episodes.
Beyond direct substance effects, psychosis may also stem from co-occurring mental illnesses, making it difficult to determine whether psychosis existed prior to substance use or was triggered by it. Additionally, poor physical health or genetic predisposition could increase susceptibility.
Symptoms of Psychosis in Addiction
Identifying psychosis early is critical to ensuring safety and effective intervention. Signs of psychosis can vary from mild to severe, and they might differ in how long they last.
Common Symptoms of Psychosis:
- Hallucinations
These may involve hearing or seeing things that don’t exist but feel very real, such as voices or shadowy figures.
- Paranoia and Delusions
A person experiencing psychosis may develop irrational fears, such as thinking they’re being watched or persecuted.
- Disorganized Thoughts and Speech
Psychosis may lead to difficulty forming coherent thoughts or speaking logically.
- Extreme Agitation
People in a psychotic state may react unpredictably, sometimes displaying aggression toward themselves or others.
Family members, caretakers, and addiction professionals should watch for these symptoms and take note of their intensity and frequency to guide effective treatment.
Treating Psychosis in Addiction
Treating addiction-related psychosis is a multi-step process requiring specialized care. It involves stabilizing the individual, addressing their immediate mental health concerns, and providing long-term support to avoid recurrence.
Steps to Effective Treatment
1. Medical Detox
Medical detoxification is often the first step when managing psychosis linked to substance use. Through supervised detox in a clinical setting, dangerous withdrawal symptoms can be managed safely while also ensuring the person’s mental stability.
2. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Approximately 40% of individuals with substance use disorders also experience a co-occurring mental illness. Dual diagnosis programs focus on treating both conditions simultaneously to achieve better long-term outcomes.
3. Antipsychotic Medication
For short-term management and stabilization, healthcare professionals may prescribe antipsychotic medication. This reduces the severity of hallucinations, paranoia, or aggressive behavior during the treatment phase.
4. Therapy
Therapeutic measures, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group counseling, or trauma therapy, can help the individual process the root causes of both their psychosis and addiction. Therapy is also vital for relapse prevention.
5. Aftercare and Support
Continued support is critical in maintaining recovery after the initial treatment period. Joining peer support groups or working with an addiction recovery center ensures accountability and access to positive reinforcement.
Supporting a Loved One Facing Psychosis in Addiction
If you suspect a loved one is experiencing psychosis and addiction, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and care. Avoid judgment or confrontation during heightened states of psychosis, as this may escalate tensions or worsen paranoia. Instead, seek professional help immediately. Direct interventions from trained professionals are often the safest route to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Open dialogue is also crucial once outside the acute phase of psychosis. Being informed about their condition and offering reassurance can make a world of difference.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Living with psychosis and addiction can feel like navigating a dark and lonely path for both the individual and their loved ones. However, no one has to walk that path alone. Professional support can guide individuals toward recovery and healing.
If you or a loved one are battling psychosis linked to substance use, reach out to Grand Falls Recovery Center. Our compassionate experts specialize in dual diagnosis care, combining evidence-based treatment plans with a personalized approach to help you regain control of your life.