Living with addiction is a challenging journey, but seeking help is a courageous step toward recovery. When considering rehabilitation, one crucial decision is whether to opt for a facility close to home or explore treatment options in a different location. At Jeevan Sankalp, we understand the significance of this choice and aim to guide you through the decision-making process.
Drug-induced psychosis is an acute mental illness which may arise after using certain substances. Therefore, it's crucial that individuals understand exactly what drug-induced psychosis entails: its causes, symptoms to look out for and prevention strategies. This blog offers an accessible explanation to assist your loved ones and you in effectively recognising and dealing with drug-induced psychosis.
Drug-induced psychosis, more commonly referred to as substance-induced psychotic disorder, occurs when certain drugs produce temporary or long-lasting psychotic symptoms similar to primary psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. As with primary disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, drug-induced psychosis requires prompt care and management.
Drug-induced psychosis may result from various substances, including:
Stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines.
Hallucinogens such as LSD or mushrooms.
Depressants like alcohol.
These chemicals affect neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals which allow brain cells to communicate - by manipulating neurotransmitter levels, for instance:
Stimulants increase dopamine levels, potentially leading to hallucinations and delusions.
Hallucinogens affect serotonin receptors directly disrupting perception leading to hallucinations.
Alcohol can cause long-term damage to the brain causing various psychological symptoms including psychosis.
Symptoms may depend on the substance being taken, its duration of use and an individual's mental health history; commonly encountered signs may include:
Hallucinations: Hallucinations can involve seeing, hearing or sensing things that don't exist; delusions consisting in believing something without evidence to support its truth; paranoia is when people believe they're being monitored or watched; air erratic Behavior involves disorganized speech patterns or actions taken inappropriately.
Cognitive Impairment: Difficulties thinking clearly and making decisions.
Emotional Instability: Swings of mood or emotional turmoil.
A psychotic episode may arise during or shortly after substance use and should prompt diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals will perform an in-depth evaluation, which may include:
Physical and psychiatric assessments: Used to detect symptoms and rule out other conditions.
Imaging studies and blood tests: Used to check for drug abuse effects on the brain.
Psychosis tests: To measure both severity and nature of symptoms.
It is critical that drug-induced psychosis be differentiated from primary psychotic disorders or medical conditions so as to provide accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Stopping substance use that causes withdrawal symptoms is of vital importance; medical supervision may be needed in order to manage withdrawal safely.
Medications: Doctors may recommend antipsychotics and antidepressant and anxiety reducing drugs as treatment to alleviate hallucinations and delusions, antidepressant/anxiety drugs to manage mood swings/anxiety as needed and antipsychotics.
Therapy: Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) provide individuals with insight and strategies for understanding and managing their condition.
Support: Supportive Care Supportive care encompasses social support and assistance with daily tasks to manage symptoms more effectively and enhance quality of life.
Hospitalization: Hospitalization may be necessary in extreme circumstances to guarantee patient safety and provide intensive treatment plans.
Prognosis Factors: Prognosis factors depend upon various aspects such as type of drug used, severity of symptoms experienced and any underlying mental health conditions that exist.
Permanent Psychosis: Drug-induced psychosis may become permanent in rare instances and require long-term medication and psychotherapy treatment plans for successful management.
At Jeevan Sankalp, we provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery with help of licensed therapists and clinical psychologists.
Our therapeutic approach incorporates "love and care therapy", American-style treatments, yoga and meditation for relaxation purposes as well as activities designed to manage symptoms effectively.
Our holistic approach addresses physical, mental and emotional needs holistically. Celebrating holidays and special events makes patients feel less isolated.
If you or someone close to you is showing symptoms of drug-induced psychosis, it's imperative that they seek professional assistance immediately. At Jeevan Sankalp, we specialize in offering support and treatments designed to overcome this condition and regain healthy, fulfilling lives - early intervention with appropriate care like Nasha Mukti Kendra Dehradun could make all the difference!
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