Understanding meth Induced psychosis
Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is an illicit drug with a wide range of both short- and long-term effects. One of the most serious of these is a condition referred to as “meth-induced psychosis”.
Meth Psychosis is a state in which individuals experience an altered reality characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and other psychological symptoms. It generally happens when people have been taking a lot of meth, or have been taking meth for a long time.
It is very serious, and can lead to serious consequences including trouble with the law, injury to the user or others, and death. If someone you know is currently experiencing meth induced psychosis, or any other type of drug induced psychosis, please call 911.
In this post, we will discuss what meth-induced psychosis is and how it can affect those who use meth. We will also explore the causes and treatments for this condition so that those affected can get the help they need to recover from its potentially devastating effects.
What is Meth And What Is Psychosis?
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive stimulant that can have severe side effects. One of the most serious side effects is meth induced psychosis, which can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and other mental health problems.
Psychosis is a mental state in which a person loses contact with reality. People with psychosis may see or hear things that are not there, or believe things that are not true. They may think other people are trying to hurt them, or that they are being watched or followed. People with psychosis may be confused and have trouble communicating with others. They may be afraid or agitated and act differently than usual.
Psychosis is different from delusions or hallucinations because it involves a break from reality. A person with psychosis does not know what is real and what is not. Psychosis can be caused by many things, including: brain disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sleep deprivation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and especially through the use of drugs, usually stimulants. Methamphetamine is a common trigger.
Methamphetamine-induced psychosis in particular is characterized by paranoia, delusions (often of persecution), auditory and visual hallucinations. This can lead to erratic and violent behavior. Methamphetamine users may also become extremely agitated and paranoid, believing that everyone is out to get them.
What Are The Symptoms Of Meth Induced Psychosis?
The symptoms of meth-induced psychosis can vary depending on the individual, but there are some common signs to look out for in yourself or a loved one. These include:
- Delusions: Beliefs that are not based in reality, such as thinking that you are being followed or watched.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
- Paranoia: Extreme suspicion or mistrust of others.
- Aggression: Acting out in a violent or hostile manner.
- Erratic behavior: Acting impulsively and irrationally.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. Someone experiencing meth induced psychosis can be a danger to themselves or others. Also, left untreated, can lead to further mental health problems down the road.
How Long Does Meth Induced Psychosis Last?
Meth-induced psychosis is a condition that can have long-lasting effects. Symptoms typically last for several days or weeks, but in some cases, they may persist for months or even years.
While the majority of people who experience meth-induced psychosis will eventually recover, some may develop long-term mental health problems. In severe cases, meth-induced psychosis can lead to permanent damage to the brain and other organs.
How is Meth Induced Psychosis Treated?
Meth-induced psychosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. The first step in treating meth-induced psychosis is to get the person to stop using methamphetamine.
Detoxification is generally the first step in this process, then treatment for underlying issues and strategies for staying off of the drug can be introduced. Detoxification, for people undergoing a psychological break, is almost always best done under the care of a medical professional.
Once the person has stopped using meth, they will need to be treated for the underlying mental health condition that was causing the psychosis. This is sometimes called the recovery phase. This may include medication and/or therapy.
We want to stress, meth induced psychosis is very serious and needs to be treated by a medical professional. If someone experiences it once, it is possible for it to come back. While it most often happens to addicts, it can happen to anyone.
If you or someone you love has experienced this psychosis, it’s likely there is an addiction present. It is important to work with a mental health professional to create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual.
How To Get Help For Drug Induced Psychosis
Meth-induced psychosis is a serious condition that can have lasting effects on the lives of those who suffer from it. It’s important to recognize the warning signs and seek professional help if you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of meth-induced psychosis.
But with the proper treatment, recovery from this condition is possible and we have resources available for those in need. Remember, with support, people affected by this disorder can get back on their feet again and lead healthy lives free of drug use.
Again, if someone you know is currently experiencing drug induced psychosis, please call 911. But if you are looking for further treatment options, please give us a call (615-410-9260) to discuss what long-term treatments are available.
