Drug-Induced Psychosis: What it is, Risks & Treatment

An excessive intake of drugs, alcohol, or both can cause someone to enter a state of psychosis known as drug-induced psychosis. Drug addiction refers to the obsessive use of high amounts of drugs, and withdrawal symptoms can appear when the person is not using drugs.

Drug abuse not only affects the people who take it but also the ones around them, including their family and friends. Of the most important, do you know what are the worst-case scenarios of drug addiction? Drug addiction can pose serious negative consequences not only on the well-being of a person but also on the physical, mental as well as professional life. Let us see how it affects the health of a person with drug addiction:

Physical Effects of Drug Addiction

• Respiratory problems such as emphysema, lung cancer, and breathing problems
• Pain in the abdomen, constipation, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Liver and kidney damage
• Seizures, brain damage, stroke
• Changes in appetite, sleeping patterns, and body temperature

Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

• Depression, mood swings, anxiety, violence, paranoia
• Complications of psychiatric illness
• Decrease in energy levels
• Engage oneself in risky behaviours
• Confusion

Behavioural Problems from Drug Addiction

• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Aggressiveness
• Impaired judgment 
• Loss of Self-Control
• Impulsiveness

What Is Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental condition accompanied by delusions and hallucinations. When a person is experiencing a period of psychosis, their thoughts and understanding of the world are skewed. It even affects a person’s ability to judge what is truly happening in reality and what is not. The individual experiences a complete psychological break from the world where they cannot register or comprehend. In some cases, they are likely to harm themselves or others.

Immediate medical assistance is suggested for the safety of the person with psychosis and everyone else involved. It also provides a chance of recovery from their drug-induced psychosis.

What Does Drug-Induced Psychosis Feel Like?

Drug-induced psychosis can be terrifying and disorienting. Individuals often experience hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and a loss of touch with reality. These symptoms can lead to severe distress and irrational behaviour. Understanding “what does drug induced psychosis feel like” helps individuals and their loved ones recognise the urgency of seeking medical help.

Drug-Induced Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia: Key Differences

Understanding the difference between drug induced psychosis and schizophrenia is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While both conditions share symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, their causes and long-term effects differ. Drug induced psychosis is a temporary reaction to substance use, whereas schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder.

How to Differentiate Between the Two

Understanding the difference between drug induced psychosis and schizophrenia is crucial for proper treatment. Drug induced psychosis is triggered by substance use and typically resolves once the drug is eliminated from the system. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is a chronic mental illness with a genetic and neurological basis. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine whether symptoms stem from substance use or an underlying disorder.

Does Drug-Induced Psychosis Go Away?

A common question is, does drug induced psychosis go away? In most cases, symptoms subside once the drug is cleared from the body. However, prolonged drug use can lead to chronic drug induced psychosis, where symptoms persist despite stopping drug use. Seeking timely treatment can improve recovery chances.

Risk of Developing Long-Term Mental Illness

Repeated drug use increases the risk of developing persistent psychiatric conditions. While drug induced psychosis is often temporary, some individuals may develop schizophrenia or other mental health disorders. The severity depends on genetic predisposition, duration of drug use, and overall mental health.

Why Can Drug Use Cause Psychosis?

Substance abuse can lead to drug induced psychosis, a condition where individuals experience hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganised thinking. What is drug induced psychosis? It is a temporary or long-term mental disturbance triggered by drugs, affecting perception and behaviour. For some, drug induced psychosis treatment helps in recovery, while others develop chronic drug induced psychosis requiring long-term care.

How Drugs Alter Brain Chemistry

Drugs interfere with neurotransmitter function, disrupting dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate levels. This imbalance can lead to psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment.

• Excess dopamine activity triggers paranoia, delusions, and aggression.
• Serotonin disruptions cause hallucinations and emotional instability.
• Glutamate dysfunction contributes to chronic drug induced psychosis by impairing thought processing.

Neurotransmitter Disruptions Leading to Psychosis

Changes in neurotransmitter function explain “what does drug induced psychosis feel like”—a detachment from reality, intense fear, and difficulty distinguishing between real and imagined experiences.

• Dopamine overstimulation can cause severe paranoia and erratic behaviour.
• Serotonin imbalances affect perception, creating hallucinatory episodes.
• GABA suppression by depressants leads to confusion and anxiety.

Risk Factors That Increase Susceptibility

While drug induced psychosis doesn’t affect everyone, some factors increase the risk.

• Genetic predisposition and pre-existing mental health disorders
• Polysubstance abuse, like the mixing of drugs, increases psychotic symptoms.
• High-stress environments- Events like emotional trauma can worsen drug induced psychosis symptoms.

Which Drugs Can Cause Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Certain substances are strongly linked to drug-induced psychosis and can have lasting mental effects.

Stimulants (Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Cocaine)

These drugs increase dopamine levels, causing extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and agitation.

• Methamphetamine and cocaine can cause severe hallucinations.
• Chronic stimulant use increases the risk of long-term psychosis.

Prolonged stimulant abuse can lead to chronic drug-induced psychosis resembling schizophrenia.

Depressants (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids)

Though depressants slow brain function, withdrawal can induce psychosis.

• Alcohol withdrawal causes delirium, confusion, and hallucinations.
• Benzodiazepine dependency can cause paranoia and memory loss.

Marijuana and Drug-Induced Psychosis

Heavy marijuana use can trigger psychotic episodes, particularly in high THC strains.

• THC overstimulation leads to hallucinations and paranoia.
• Frequent cannabis use is linked to chronic drug-induced psychosis.

Hallucinogens and Dissociatives (LSD, Peyote, Mushrooms, Ketamine, PCP, Ecstasy)

These substances distort perception, leading to hallucinations and disconnection from reality.

• LSD and mushrooms can cause intense visual and auditory hallucinations.
• PCP and ketamine create dissociative states, making individuals unaware of their actions.
• HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder) may cause long-term visual distortions.

Prescription Medications That May Trigger Psychosis

Some medications, when misused, can lead to psychotic symptoms.

• ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall) may cause paranoia.
• Steroids and antidepressants can cause delusional thinking.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug-Induced Psychosis

The symptoms of drug-induced psychosis vary depending on the substance used and individual susceptibility.

Signs of Psychosis From Stimulant Drugs (Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Cocaine)

Stimulant-induced psychosis is characterised by heightened paranoia, aggression, and hallucinations. Stimulants like cocaine and meth cause severe paranoia and hallucinations.

• Extreme suspiciousness and distrust of others
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
• Rapid speech, racing thoughts, and irritability

Signs of Psychosis From Depressants (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids)

Withdrawal from depressants can trigger psychotic reactions, including confusion and memory loss.

• Severe disorientation and difficulty recognising surroundings
• Intense visual or auditory hallucinations
• Aggression or violent outbursts during withdrawal

Signs of Psychosis From Marijuana

Marijuana-induced psychosis occurs primarily in high THC concentration users.

• Intense paranoia and feelings of being watched
• Disorganised thinking and difficulty communicating
• Emotional numbness and detachment from reality

Signs of Psychosis From Hallucinogens and Dissociatives (LSD, Peyote, Mushrooms, Ketamine, PCP, Ecstasy)

These substances cause distorted reality perceptions, which may persist beyond the drug’s effects.

• Severe visual and auditory hallucinations
• Loss of sense of time and space
• Out-of-body experiences and dissociation

Acute vs. Chronic Drug-Induced Psychosis

Psychosis from drug use may be temporary or long-term, depending on the drug and individual response.

• Acute psychosis—lasts for a short time and resolves after the drug wears off.
• Chronic psychosis—lingers even after stopping drugs and may require long-term management of drug-induced psychosis.

If left untreated, does drug-induced psychosis go away? In some cases, yes, but others may require lifelong care.

When to Seek Professional Help

Recognising when to seek professional help for drug induced psychosis is crucial. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term mental health complications. Consulting a psychiatrist or seeking rehabilitation services can significantly improve the recovery process.

Recognising the Signs That Require Immediate Care

Drug-induced psychosis can manifest through hallucinations, paranoia, and extreme confusion. If someone experiences these symptoms for an extended period, it is crucial to seek medical attention.  Delayed intervention can increase the risk of chronic drug induced psychosis. Immediate care is necessary if the person becomes a danger to themselves or others, is unable to distinguish reality from delusions or experiences severe anxiety and distress.

Finding the Right Psychiatrist or Rehabilitation Center

Choosing a qualified mental health professional is essential for the management of drug induced psychosis. Look for psychiatrists with experience in addiction psychiatry and facilities specialising in detox and rehabilitation. A structured recovery plan includes medical treatment, psychotherapy, and support groups to ensure a smooth transition to normal life.

Drug-Induced Psychosis Helplines and Support Networks

Helplines and support networks play a crucial role in drug induced psychosis treatment. Many organisations offer 24/7 assistance, connecting individuals with professionals who can guide them toward recovery. Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and learn coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Treatment for Drug-Induced Psychosis

It is always advised to take individuals with drug addiction psychosis symptoms to a doctor or psychiatrist as soon as possible. The treatment for drug-induced psychosis involves:

Assessment: The individual undergoes an assessment to determine the severity of their psychosis, and accordingly, the doctor or psychiatrist will plan the drug-induced psychosis recovery chart, diagnose and treat the individual. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the severity of the drug-induced psychosis symptoms when the person is still drunk or high. Since drugs and alcohol are mind-altering, they impact the individual’s ability to see the world through a proper frame of mind.

Detoxification: The first step in drug-induced psychosis treatment. Medical professionals monitor withdrawal symptoms and provide medications if necessary. A supervised detox process ensures safety and reduces the risk of complications.

Medications: Certain medications help manage psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and sedatives may be prescribed based on the severity of drug-induced psychosis. Medical professionals determine the best course of action depending on the individual's needs.

Psychotherapy for recovery: Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and family therapy help individuals recover. Individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction learn to live sober with help from inpatient rehab or an intensive outpatient program. The best possible idea is to remove them from the temptation of drugs and alcohol for their recovery.

Counselling: Drug-induced psychosis recovery includes a variety of counselling programs, each designed to work together while providing individual benefits.

• Group Counselling:- Provides each patient with an opportunity to connect with peers, all struggling with addiction and recovery from addiction, to recognise common challenges and work together to find realistic ways to overcome these triggers. This form of counselling will help each patient to be stronger socially when the opportunity to relapse presents itself.
• One on One Counselling:- It is more personal counselling. Each individual patient has his or her own unique challenges and triggers. Often, drug addiction comes from an underlying disorder (such as depression or anxiety), and in order to be strong enough to recover from addiction, one must also treat any underlying disorders. Facing these obstacles will help each individual become a stronger person mentally and be prepared for the battle of recovery from drug addiction.
• Family Counselling: It will help educate both the patient and loved ones (friends or family members) of the patient about drug addiction. This form of counselling is very beneficial to the relationships that matter, as ongoing support is important for recovery from alcohol addiction. Family counselling ultimately strengthens the relationships that have been affected by addiction.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Preventing relapse is crucial in sustaining recovery from drug induced psychosis. A strong support system, lifestyle adjustments, and therapy can help maintain mental stability and prevent future episodes.

How to Prevent a Psychotic Episode After Recovery

Relapse prevention is essential in the management of drug induced psychosis. Avoiding triggers, following a structured routine, and seeking ongoing therapy can prevent future episodes.

Lifestyle Changes That Help Maintain Mental Stability

Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, contribute to mental stability. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is crucial in “how to cure drug induced psychosis” and prevent recurrence.

Support Groups and Aftercare Programs

Joining support groups provides a network of individuals who have experienced similar struggles. Aftercare programs offer continued medical and psychological support, reducing the chances of relapse and promoting long-term recovery.

Why Choose Cadabam’s Hospital for Drug-Induced Psychosis Treatment?

At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we understand that overcoming drug-induced psychosis requires the right combination of expert care, evidence-based treatments, and continuous support. We offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs, detox services, medication management, and therapy options such as CBT, MET, and family therapy to help individuals regain control of their lives. Our holistic approach ensures that every patient receives compassionate care in a safe, stigma-free environment.

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their drug-induced psychosis. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.