26 Apr What is Drug-Induced Psychosis and How Long Does it Last?

There are many negative consequences to using drugs, but one that is not always mentioned as much is the fact that drug-induced psychosis is a real possibility for anyone who misuses drugs. While it is true that drug-induced psychosis is generally very temporary, it can be one of the scariest things that the victim (and those around them) ever have to go through. The behaviors that one may exhibit when they are going through something like that are more than what anyone should be made to go through. 

What Leads to a Drug-Induced Psychosis Episode? 

A drug-induced psychotic episode is brought upon when someone consumes too much of a drug. Prioritygroup.com explains what this means in the following quote: 

Drug-induced psychosis is often caused by taking too much of a certain drug so that its level of toxicity provokes paranoia and a psychotic episode. It can also occur when if you have an adverse reaction from mixing different substances or withdrawing from a drug, prescribed or otherwise.

What they are getting at by saying this is that the overconsumption (or withdrawal from) of a certain drug will not always cause a psychotic episode, but it is one consequence that can result when someone does this. Those who have drug addiction issues are most likely to become victims of this as they attempt to get their habit under control. The elevated levels of drug consumption that these individuals engage in puts them at greater risk of an episode than the general public simply because they are literally consuming more drugs than an average member of the public. It is truly devastating that they may have to go through something like this, but it is even more reason to get help as soon as it becomes obvious that one has a problem. 

Symptoms Of Drug-Induced Psychosis

There are a variety of symptoms to look out for when considering if someone may be experiencing an episode of drug-induced psychosis. These symptoms should be taken seriously as it is possible to intervene when someone is going through drug-induced psychosis to get them some help ASAP. 

A few of the symptoms include: 

• • Paranoia
• • Delusions
• • Anti-social behavior
• • Panic attacks 
• • Confusion

These symptoms tend to show up as the level of toxins in the body increase with time for the victim of drug-induced psychosis. It may go unnoticed at first, but it is important to keep an eye out for the possibility that someone you know and love may be experiencing these symptoms. If you are aware of a history of drug abuse in their life, then you should show an extra level of concern as these symptoms could be an early warning sign that they are about to go into drug-induced psychosis. 

How Should You Respond To Someone Experiencing This? 

Anyone who has spent time near someone who is in the midst of drug-induced psychosis knows how scary it can be. Those people understand that they must always protect themselves and their own safety first and foremost. It is not going to do anyone any good if the person trying to provide some help is actually getting hurt while doing so. That said, if you can secure your own safety first, then you may begin to act to help someone who is experiencing an episode like this. What you will want to do is make sure you take the following steps to help them out:

• Contact emergency services – Someone going through drug-induced psychosis needs immediate medical attention. They may try to argue with you on this and resist your call for them to get this help because they don’t want to get in trouble for their drug usage. However, you must take the time to try to explain to them that you aren’t looking to get them into trouble, but you are concerned about their health and well-being, and that is why you are reaching out to emergency services for assistance. 
• Try to keep them calm – Paranoia and confusion are common symptoms of drug-induced psychosis, and this may make it challenging to keep this person calm. However, you should attempt to do what you can to bring down their tension. You don’t want them to lash out or otherwise act irrationally in any way that could endanger themselves or those around them. 
• Speak with an even voice – It is quite possible that someone responding to another individual who is having a drug-induced psychotic episode will also feel their own emotions rise as well. This is natural, but it is best to try to keep those emotions in check at a time like this. Heightened emotions that reflect in the voice may make this situation more volatile. 

It is a major burden to carry on one’s shoulders to try to help out someone who is going through a drug-induced psychotic episode. The chances of pulling it off just right are small if you don’t know what you are doing. Make sure you prepare for this possibility before it happens. 

Seeking Long-Term Help

Addressing the immediate episode is important, but it is even more important to address the long-term issues that someone suffering from drug-induced psychosis is going through. It seems pretty clear that they are having issues with drug abuse if they have gotten to this point. Thus, they need to be under the watchful eyes of trained professionals who know how to help people with substance abuse issues. 

Trained medical professionals who work with addicts can help show them how it is possible to take small steps in the right direction to help free themselves from their addiction. The reality is that addiction is a disease, and it is not easy for anyone to overcome this, particularly when they don’t have the help that they require from the outside world. Make sure you take the time necessary to let them know that they are not alone and that there are many things that people who love them can help them with in order to climb over the mountain of addiction.