Drug-related Schizophrenia: Understanding Causes, Signs, and Remedies
Drug-induced psychosis is a condition that affects people who use certain substances that disrupt brain function, leading to psychotic symptoms. This article provides an overview of the common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for drug-induced psychosis.
Common Causes
Cannabis (marijuana), amphetamine and methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol (especially withdrawal from prolonged, excessive use) are some of the most common substances that cause psychosis. The risk is elevated in individuals with personal or family histories of mental illness, genetic vulnerability, or pre-existing psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis typically include delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, disorganized thinking, agitation and mood swings, social withdrawal, and unusual behaviour. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the substance and individual factors.
Treatment
Treatment for drug-induced psychosis involves a combination of medical and therapeutic approaches. Detoxification, or safely eliminating the drug from the body, is often a critical first step. Antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, or aripiprazole, are the first-line treatment to reduce psychotic symptoms. Additional medications might include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or benzodiazepines, depending on the symptom profile.
Psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and psychosocial rehabilitation also play a crucial role in managing symptoms and supporting long-term recovery. Close monitoring during acute episodes is essential to prevent harm and support recovery.
Alcohol and Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis
Alcohol-induced psychosis often arises during withdrawal and requires careful management of agitation and hallucinations. Methamphetamine-induced psychosis relates to dopamine imbalance, neurotoxicity, and sleep disruption, and may require additional attention to underlying vulnerabilities and prolonged support for recovery.
Seek Professional Help
Anyone experiencing symptoms of psychosis, including paranoia or anxiety, especially after drug use, should contact a doctor or mental health professional. If the symptoms are severe or cause a person to contemplate harming themselves or others, they should seek emergency care.
It's essential to note that drug-induced psychosis is a condition caused by the effects of drugs on the brain, not schizophrenia. However, a psychotic episode under the influence of drugs may be an early warning sign of schizophrenia or a trigger for schizophrenia in people who may be more likely to develop the condition.
In summary, drug-induced psychosis is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Effective treatment combines detox, antipsychotic medication, and psychological therapies to manage symptoms and support long-term recovery. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please reach out to the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- The risk of drug-induced psychosis is increased in individuals with a history of mental illness, genetics or family history of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- AQ, a predictive measurement of autistic-like traits, might be another factor to consider in individuals susceptible to drug-induced psychosis.
- The health-and-wellness industry could potentially explore alternative approaches for managing drug-induced psychosis, such as holistic therapies, mindfulness, and stress reduction techniques alongside conventional treatment methods.
- Methamphetamine-induced psychosis is associated with a dopamine imbalance, neurotoxicity, and sleep disruption, thus, it may require a more personalized and prolonged approach to support mental health recovery compared to other substances.
