Drug-induced psychosis is a serious condition that occurs when the use of certain substances leads to severe alterations in mood, perception, and cognition. Symptoms can range from intense paranoia and hallucinations to disorganized thinking and erratic behavior.

Addressing this condition promptly and effectively is crucial for recovery and well-being. At Brooks Healing Center, we specialize in providing the comprehensive care needed to manage and overcome drug-induced psychosis for the recovery process.

Key Points

  • Drug-induced psychosis is a severe mental health condition caused by substance use, characterized by symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, which disrupt daily functioning.
  • Substances causing psychosis include stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine), hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin mushrooms), high-potency cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and alcohol (particularly during withdrawal).
  • Drug addiction often co-occurs with drug-induced psychosis, involving compulsive substance use and brain changes that lead to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Treatment options in Tennessee for drug-induced psychosis and addiction include detoxification, residential treatment, and therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-informed Care.

What Is Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Drug-induced psychosis is a serious mental health condition characterized by a profound disturbance in perception, thinking, and emotional regulation due to the use of drugs or substances.[1] This condition can be triggered by various types of substances, including stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, hallucinogens such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, and even prescription medications when misused or taken in excessive amounts. The primary symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and severe paranoia, which can significantly disrupt an individual's ability to function in daily life and maintain a grip on reality. The onset of drug-induced psychosis is often sudden and can vary in severity depending on the substance used and the person’s overall health.[2] This condition not only impacts your mental state but can also strain your relationships and personal safety. Effective management typically involves addressing both the acute symptoms of psychosis and the underlying substance use, requiring specialized treatment and support. The prevalence of psychotic symptoms linked to various substances can vary widely, reflecting the diverse impact these drugs have on mental health.[3] For instance, users of amphetamines show a broad range of psychotic symptoms, from 5.2 percent in those with minimal use to 100 percent in individuals with severe dependence. Cannabis users experience psychotic symptoms with a prevalence ranging from 12.4 percent to 80.0 percent, while cocaine users show a prevalence between 6.7 and 80.7 percent. These variations underscore the complex relationship between substance use and the likelihood of developing psychotic symptoms, along with the need for holistic treatment options.

Drug Addiction and Drug-Induced Psychosis

Drug addiction and drug-induced psychosis are often closely related and can have profound impacts on a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Key features of drug addiction include:[4]
  • Intense craving for the drug
  • Loss of control over drug use
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
  • Development of tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect)
  • Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit
Addiction can develop with various substances, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, and more. The risk of addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Drug-induced psychosis refers to psychotic symptoms that occur as a direct result of substance use or withdrawal. Psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality and may include symptoms such as:[5]
  • Hallucinations (perceiving things that aren't there)
  • Delusions (fixed, false beliefs)
  • Disorganized thinking and speech
  • Abnormal behavior
Various substances can induce psychosis, with some of the most common being:
  • Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)
  • Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP)
  • Cannabis (particularly high-potency forms)
  • Alcohol (especially during withdrawal)
The duration and severity of drug-induced psychosis can vary. In some cases, symptoms may resolve quickly once the substance leaves the body. In others, psychosis may persist for weeks or months, and in some instances, it can even trigger the onset of a chronic psychotic disorder.

Which Substances Can Cause Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Drug-induced psychosis can be triggered by a wide range of substances, both legal and illegal:[6]

Stimulants

Stimulants are among the most common causes of drug-induced psychosis. They work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to psychotic symptoms when taken in high doses or used chronically.
  • Cocaine: Can cause paranoid delusions, hallucinations, and agitation.
  • Methamphetamine: Often associated with severe paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions of persecution.
  • Amphetamines: Including prescription medications, like Adderall, can induce psychosis similar to cocaine when misused.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are designed to alter perception and can sometimes trigger prolonged psychotic reactions.
  • LSD: Can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, distorted sense of reality, and occasionally, persistent psychotic symptoms.
  • PCP (Phencyclidine): Known for inducing severe dissociation, delusions, and violent behavior.
  • Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms): While less common, it can sometimes lead to prolonged psychotic reactions.

Cannabis

While many consider cannabis relatively safe, high-potency forms and synthetic cannabinoids have been increasingly associated with psychotic episodes.
  • High-THC Cannabis: Particularly in young users or those with a predisposition to mental illness, it can trigger paranoia and psychotic symptoms.
  • Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g., K2, Spice): Often more potent than natural cannabis and associated with a higher risk of psychosis.

Alcohol

While not typically associated with acute psychosis during intoxication, alcohol can induce psychotic symptoms, particularly during withdrawal.
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium (Delirium Tremens): Can cause severe hallucinations, delusions, and confusion in heavy drinkers attempting to quit.

Dissociative Drugs

These drugs can cause a sense of detachment from reality, which can sometimes escalate to full psychotic symptoms.
  • Ketamine: Can cause dissociation, hallucinations, and, in some cases, persistent psychotic symptoms.
  • DXM (Dextromethorphan): When taken in high doses, this over-the-counter cough suppressant can cause hallucinations and delusional thinking.

Opioids

While less common than with stimulants or hallucinogens, opioid use can sometimes induce psychotic symptoms.
  • Heroin and Prescription Opioids: Chronic use or withdrawal can occasionally lead to paranoia and hallucinations.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Although primarily known for its euphoric effects, MDMA can sometimes cause psychotic symptoms, especially when used in high doses or combined with other drugs.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription drugs, especially when misused or combined with other substances, can induce psychosis:
  • Corticosteroids: High doses can sometimes cause mood changes and psychotic symptoms.
  • Parkinson's Disease Medications: Dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's can occasionally induce hallucinations or delusions.
  • Antimalarial Drugs: Some, like mefloquine, have been associated with acute psychotic reactions.

What Are My Treatment Options in Tennessee for Drug-Induced Psychosis and Addiction?

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug-induced psychosis and addiction in Tennessee, there are several treatment options available. Brooks Healing Center offers two primary levels of care for addiction and dual diagnosis recovery: detox and residential treatment. Detoxification, or detox, is often the first step in the treatment of drug-induced psychosis. It involves clearing the body of addictive substances under medical supervision. Detox is conducted in a safe, controlled environment, with medical professionals monitoring patients 24/7 to manage withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, many patients transition to residential treatment, where they reside at the treatment facility full-time while receiving intensive therapy and support. Brooks Healing Center also employs a variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities to address both addiction and drug-induced psychosis. These include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A talk therapy that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors
  • Experiential Therapy: Involves activities and experiences to help patients process emotions and develop new coping skills
  • Trauma-informed Care: Recognizes the impact of trauma on addiction and mental health. Focuses on creating a safe, trusting environment for healing
  • Brainspotting (BSP): A relatively new therapy that helps process trauma stored in the body. It can be particularly effective for addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction and psychosis
  • 12-Step Program: Based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programming provides a structured approach to recovery and ongoing support