What Causes Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Psychosis describes an amalgamation of psychological symptoms that leads a person to lose touch with reality.[1] According to the latest figures published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), at least 3 in 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis at least once in their lives.[2] Each year, approximately 100,000 young people also develop the condition. Many of these cases are fueled by untreated mental health issues or significant stress, but some are triggered by drug misuse or abuse. To understand which drugs can lead to psychosis, what drug-induced psychosis entails, and how to prevent and treat it, continue reading.

What is Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Substance-induced psychosis occurs when an individual overuses harmful substances, takes drugs with psychoactive properties, or experiences withdrawal from drugs. It is not a standalone condition; rather, it is a combination of various psychological changes that cause the individual to feel disoriented and detached from reality. Some people may confuse drug-induced psychosis with simply “being high,” but they are fundamentally different experiences. While individuals under the influence of certain drugs, like MDMA, may experience hallucinations or extreme mood shifts (often euphoric), those suffering from psychosis may act out violently due to their hallucinations. They may also experience agitation and severe anxiety, appearing visibly distressed. It is not uncommon for someone experiencing drug-induced psychosis to require physical restraint to prevent self-harm or harm to others. Drugs that can cause psychosis include:

• Methamphetamine
• Crack cocaine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Bath salts[4]
• LSD

How Does Psychosis Differ from Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Drug-induced psychosis is related to drug use, while traditional psychosis is related to a mental health condition that affects reasoning or a psychotic break. Health conditions that contribute to psychosis include bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, between 15 and 100 out of every 100,000 people experience psychosis each year.[5] Typically, signs of psychosis emerge during adolescence or early adulthood, often in a person’s 20s.[5] However, certain mental health conditions can also cause individuals of any age to experience psychosis. Often, before psychosis develops, individuals will experience one or more of the following warning signs:

• Expressing paranoid ideas or suspicion
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Withdrawing from friends or family to spend more time alone
• Expressing overly intense ideas or strange feelings
• Having a worsening physical appearance or worsening hygiene
• Experiencing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Having difficulty communicating
• Making mistakes at work or school that result in declining performance and grades

Psychosis, unlike drug-induced psychosis, often requires long-term and, in some cases, lifelong treatment to prevent future episodes. This treatment may involve prescription medications, counseling, or a combination of both.

Is Drug-Induced Psychosis Permanent or Temporary?

Most cases of drug-induced psychosis are temporary, often resolving after abstaining from the offending substance. However, there are cases of long-term and even permanent psychosis as a result of chronic drug use. One study republished by the National Library of Medicine followed 258 patients who were recently diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis.[6] The findings revealed that while 60% of the patients had resolved their symptoms within a month, 30% continued to experience symptoms for up to six months, and 10% experienced symptoms beyond this timeframe. Ultimately, eight individuals from this latter group were diagnosed with schizophrenia. It’s important to note that these cases were linked to chronic drug abuse, such as methamphetamines, rather than casual use. This aligns with research published in the Frontiers of Science, which found that most instances of drug-induced psychosis were connected to drug abuse and addiction.[3]

How is Drug-Induced Psychosis Treated?

The first step in treating drug-induced psychosis is abstinence. Abstaining from the offending substance allows your body to detox from what has already been consumed. Depending on the drug involved, this will take several times its elimination half-life. During this period, it is common for individuals to experience a worsening of their symptoms that may require medical intervention. In a hospital setting, individuals with drug-induced psychosis will be monitored closely, especially in cases of suicidal behavior.[7] They may also receive antipsychotics to address the symptoms related to psychosis.[7] Other treatment approaches include:

• Providing intravenous fluids
• Receiving medications to regulate vitals

Ultimately, individuals experiencing drug-induced psychosis should receive ongoing support through a substance abuse program to prevent relapses and future episodes.

Can Drug-Induced Psychosis Be Prevented?

It is impossible to predict who will develop drug-induced psychosis when using psychoactive substances, during withdrawal, or when taking a toxic dose. The only effective way to prevent drug-induced psychosis is to avoid using psychoactive drugs altogether and seek treatment for substance abuse or addiction.

What are the Long-Term Complications/Risks of Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Long-term complications of drug-induced psychosis encompass physical and psychological injuries, along with the potential development or exacerbation of chronic medical conditions. Long-term psychological impacts from drug-induced psychosis overlap with those related to substance abuse and withdrawal and can include:

• schizophrenia
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• anxiety disorder
• depression
• substance abuse
• addiction
• suicidal risk

Physical complications include:

• injuries
• neurological damage

In addition to health issues, people who experience drug-induced psychosis may have a substance use disorder.[13]Individuals with this condition can experience long-term complications that include:[14]

• Increased expenses related to medical treatment or legal issues.
• Getting arrested for illegal activities carried out during a drug-induced psychosis episode.
• Undergoing a psychiatric evaluation in an inpatient setting.
• Committing crimes while under the influence of drugs.
• Increasing risk-taking behaviors, such as driving under the influence.
• Developing rifts in important relationships.
• Losing a job or being kicked out of school.

Who is Likely to Experience Drug-Induced Psychosis?

People who use illegal substances or have a substance use disorder are at higher risk of drug-induced psychosis. Additionally, accidental overdoses of prescribed medications or withdrawal from them can also trigger drug-induced psychosis.

What to Do If You Experience Drug-Induced Psychosis

Psychosis is a deeply distressing condition that can quickly alter your perception from reality to hallucinations. During an episode of drug-induced psychosis, communicating your need for help can be challenging. You might feel like you’re expressing this need, but those around you may notice erratic behaviors you’re not even aware of. This is why prompt action is so crucial. If you are feeling excessively anxious, restless or experiencing hallucinations, call 911 to receive immediate support. If this is not your first encounter with drug-induced psychosis, you might be struggling with a substance use disorder. Seeking help to address substance abuse is the most effective way to prevent future episodes of psychosis.

Getting to the Bottom of Substance-Induced Psychosis

If you or someone you know is using drugs to manage stress or avoid pain, there is a risk of developing drug-induced psychosis. To lower that risk and find healthier ways to handle life’s challenges, we encourage you to contact us. At Southeast Addiction Center TN, our comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment methods have helped thousands overcome addiction and regain control over their lives. You’ve already taken the first brave steps to regain control of yours. Let us help you the rest of the way. Call us today.