Seeing someone lose touch with reality after using drugs or alcohol can be frightening, especially when you are not sure what is happening. Drug induced psychosis can cause hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and behavior that feels sudden or unsafe. It may happen during substance use, after taking certain drugs, or during withdrawal. The good news is that treatment can help, but timing matters. If symptoms are severe, the person may need emergency care. If the crisis has passed, ongoing support can reduce the risk of another episode. A West Virginia treatment center can help you understand what caused the psychosis, treat substance use, and plan next steps. Knowing the signs can help you act sooner and protect someone you care about.
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a condition that disrupts a person’s thoughts and perceptions about the world around them. Often, a person may not be able to tell what is real and what is not. This can create many problems and can directly affect how they interact with their environment. Psychosis isn’t looked at as a specific mental illness but rather a collection of specific characteristic symptoms. Psychosis is a “break from reality” and involves cognitive perception changes along with hearing, seeing, or even feeling things that aren’t real or true.
As it stands, the reasons for psychosis aren’t fully understood or discovered just yet. However, there are a number of different factors that may lead to its development. These could include genetics (family history of psychosis disorders), chemical imbalances in the brain, certain life experiences, and alcohol/drug-induced psychosis. Psychosis disorders may be more prevalent than they appear with nearly 3 out of 100 people experiencing some sort of psychosis in their life.
Symptoms of Psychosis
While the main indicator of psychosis is a break from reality, other symptoms may also appear. Other common symptoms of psychosis may include:
- Trouble understanding what is real and what is not
- Incoherent speech
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disrupted thoughts and perceptions
- Memory issues
- Inappropriate behavior (depending on the environment)
- Issues thinking clearly or concentrating
What is Drug and Alcohol Induced Psychosis?
Drug and alcohol-induced psychosis happens when substance use, misuse, or withdrawal causes a person to lose touch with reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, severe confusion, and unusual behavior. Some substances are more likely to trigger psychosis because they change how the brain handles dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and other chemical signals.
In rare cases, psychotic symptoms can also appear as a side effect of prescription medication, even when it is taken as directed. If this happens, contact the prescribing doctor as soon as possible rather than stopping the medication on your own.
Prescription Medications That May Cause Psychotic Symptoms
The risk may be higher with large doses, misuse, medication interactions, or certain health conditions. A doctor can determine whether the medication is likely contributing to the symptoms and recommend the safest next step. Certain medications have been linked to hallucinations, paranoia, or other psychotic symptoms in some people. These can include:
- Corticosteroids
- Anticonvulsants
- Some antidepressants
- Certain antihistamines
- Some pain medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Cardiovascular medications
- Chemotherapy drugs
Stimulants: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Amphetamines
Stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and amphetamines can strongly increase dopamine activity in the brain. High dopamine levels may contribute to paranoia, hallucinations, suspicious thinking, and severe agitation.
The risk rises with high doses, frequent use, sleep deprivation, and repeated binges. In some cases, symptoms can continue even after the immediate effects of the drug have worn off.
Cannabis and Hallucinogens
THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, affects the brain’s endocannabinoid system. High doses or high-potency products may cause paranoia, distorted thinking, or hallucinations, especially in people who are already vulnerable to psychosis.
Hallucinogens such as LSD and PCP can change perception and the way the brain processes sensory information. This can lead to hallucinations, confusion, fear, and difficulty separating what is real from what is not.
Alcohol and Psychosis
Alcohol affects several brain systems, including GABA, which helps control brain activity. Heavy drinking over time changes how the brain responds to alcohol. When someone suddenly stops drinking, those changes can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, confusion, and, in some cases, delirium tremens.
Psychotic symptoms can also occur during heavy alcohol use. Anyone experiencing hallucinations, severe confusion, seizures, or extreme agitation during alcohol withdrawal needs urgent medical care.
Other Drugs That Can Trigger Psychosis
Opioids and other substances can also contribute to psychotic symptoms, especially during intoxication, withdrawal, overdose, or when several drugs are used together. The exact reaction depends on the substance, dose, frequency of use, and the person’s physical and mental health.
If someone cannot tell what is real, becomes severely confused, or may hurt themselves or another person, seek emergency medical help.
Psychosis Caused by Withdrawal
When someone abuses drugs or alcohol for a certain amount of time, they develop a dependency on the drug. This means that when they stop taking the drug, their body will begin to experience strong urges and withdrawal effects. This is one of the biggest indicators of a drug/alcohol addiction. These withdrawal effects can be stressful, painful, and involve psychosis as a possible symptom in some cases of long-term abuse.
Drug induced psychosis as a withdrawal symptom is commonly seen in cases of alcohol addiction. The longer a person has been abusing alcohol and the severity of their abuse increases the risks of alcohol induced psychosis. Many people don’t realize the severe effects that alcohol abuse can have on the mind. This negative effect can increase the chances of alcohol induced psychosis by a large margin.
Delirium Tremens
Psychosis might be one of the symptoms of delirium tremens. This is a set of symptoms that occurs when a person stops taking a drug. These can be intense and are known as a medical emergency. Delirium tremens includes intense psychotic symptoms as well. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can get help immediately. Delirium tremens symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Delirium
- Excitement/agitated
- Body tremors
- Hallucinations
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Seizures
How Is Drug and Alcohol-Induced Psychosis Treated?
Treatment for drug induced psychosis starts with keeping the person safe and finding out which substance may have caused the episode. Doctors may also check for withdrawal, medical problems, or an underlying mental health condition. Severe hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, aggression, seizures, or unsafe behavior may require emergency or hospital care. Once the person is stable, treatment can focus on stopping substance use safely and preventing another episode.
Stopping the Substance and Managing Withdrawal
The substance linked to the psychosis needs to be stopped, but some people should not do this without medical help. Alcohol withdrawal, for example, can become dangerous. Medical detox may be needed to manage symptoms and monitor the person closely. After the immediate crisis, treatment usually focuses on substance use, triggers, and relapse prevention. This helps lower the risk of another psychotic episode.
What Medications Are Used?
Medication depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Common options may include:
- Antipsychotics to reduce hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or severe agitation.
- Benzodiazepines in some cases of severe agitation or stimulant-related symptoms.
- Withdrawal medications when alcohol or another substance causes dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
How Is This Different From Treating Primary Psychosis?
Substance-induced psychosis is treated by addressing both the psychotic symptoms and the substance that caused them. Primary psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, are not caused solely by drugs or alcohol and often require longer-term psychiatric care. Doctors may continue monitoring symptoms after the substance has left the body. If psychosis continues, they may look for an underlying condition that also needs treatment.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery can take hours, days, or sometimes weeks, depending on the substance, dose, length of use, and the person’s health. Some people improve soon after the substance leaves their system. Others have symptoms that last longer and need ongoing psychiatric care. Recovery may also include detox, therapy, addiction treatment, and relapse prevention. If symptoms continue after intoxication or withdrawal has ended, further evaluation can help determine whether another mental health condition is involved.
Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management
Detoxification is a process that rids the body completely of a substance or alcohol. This also helps relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using. Detox is the first step of almost every single case of addiction. After detox is complete, a person will most likely move onto more personalized treatment through a rehab program.
Treating cases of drug addiction with potential psychosis as a symptom can be tricky. However, psychosis may not be an issue during the actual detox phase. Psychosis may be a factor after detox (through withdrawal symptoms). This is why it’s important to follow up the detox process with a rehab program, either inpatient or outpatient.
Choosing Inpatient or Outpatient Care
After detox, a person will either move on to inpatient drug rehab in WV or outpatient addiction treatment While you get the same type of treatment in both, there is a difference between the two. Inpatient treatment has a person staying in a rehab center while outpatient treatment has a person only attending weekly sessions in the rehab. Inpatient treatments are recommended for those dealing with intense cases of addiction so they can have 24/7 support.
Both treatment methods employ different types of therapy and medication help. Every case of addiction is different from the next. With this in mind, individual or group therapy can help you overcome some of your negative thought processes and behaviors. After a person has gone through their treatment, they’ll be guided to relapse prevention. One of the most important parts of addiction treatment is knowing how to deal with urges and cravings to use again.
When to Call Emergency Services for Drug-Induced Psychosis
Drug induced psychosis can become a medical emergency, especially when the person cannot stay safe or has serious physical symptoms. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:
- Threats or attempts to hurt themselves or someone else
- Severe agitation, aggression, or behavior that is difficult to control
- Seizures, loss of consciousness, or trouble breathing
- Signs of an overdose, such as being unable to wake up
- Extreme confusion or an inability to recognize what is happening around them
Psychosis should still be evaluated even when there is no immediate danger. Contact a doctor or treatment provider promptly if the person is stable but has:
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or unusual beliefs without dangerous behavior
- Ongoing confusion or major changes in behavior
- Symptoms that continue after the effects of drugs or alcohol should have worn off
- Repeated episodes of psychosis linked to substance use
Get Professional Help for Drug-Induced Psychosis
Drug induced psychosis can be frightening, but it can be treated with the right care. If you notice hallucinations, paranoia, severe confusion, or unsafe behavior, take those signs seriously. Emergency help may be needed when someone could hurt themselves or others, loses touch with reality, has seizures, or shows severe withdrawal symptoms. Once the immediate crisis is under control, treatment can address both the psychosis and the substance use behind it. You may also need support with withdrawal, mental health symptoms, and preventing another episode. Getting help early can make recovery safer and more manageable. If you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, reaching out to a treatment provider can help you decide what to do next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is drug-induced psychosis?
Drug-induced psychosis is a temporary loss of contact with reality caused by using, misusing, or withdrawing from certain substances. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, severe confusion, and unusual or disorganized behavior.
What drugs are most likely to cause psychosis?
Substances most commonly associated with psychosis include methamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens such as LSD, high-potency cannabis, and some synthetic drugs. Psychosis can also occur during intoxication or withdrawal from alcohol and certain prescription medications.
How long does drug-induced psychosis last?
The duration varies depending on the substance, dose, frequency of use, and the person's overall health. Symptoms may resolve within hours or days after the drug leaves the body, but some episodes can continue for weeks or longer. Persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.
Can alcohol cause psychosis?
Yes. Heavy alcohol use or sudden withdrawal after prolonged drinking can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and other psychotic symptoms. Severe alcohol withdrawal can also lead to delirium tremens, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
What is the difference between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia?
Drug-induced psychosis develops in connection with substance use, intoxication, or withdrawal and may improve after the substance is stopped. Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder in which psychotic symptoms are not caused solely by drugs or alcohol. Because the symptoms can look similar, a healthcare professional must evaluate the person's history and symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
When should you call emergency services for drug-induced psychosis?
Call emergency services if the person may harm themselves or someone else, is extremely agitated or violent, cannot tell what is real, has severe confusion, experiences seizures, loses consciousness, or develops serious symptoms during alcohol or drug withdrawal. Do not leave the person alone if there is an immediate safety risk.
