Cocaine-induced psychosis happens when a person experiences psychosis symptoms during or after using cocaine. These symptoms include losing touch with reality, feeling very paranoid, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, and becoming very aggressive or violent.
Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system. When someone uses cocaine, their brain releases a lot of dopamine, a chemical that makes them feel good. Too much dopamine can cause psychosis. Using crack cocaine, which is a stronger form of the drug, can cause psychosis quicker because it raises dopamine levels faster. Read on to find out how you can avoid cocaine-induced psychosis and how to get effective cocaine addiction treatment.
How Does Cocaine Cause Psychosis?
Cocaine can cause psychosis by changing the way the brain works. Here’s how it happens:
- Increases dopamine: Cocaine makes the brain release a lot of dopamine, a feel-good chemical. Too much dopamine can cause psychosis.
- Affects brain chemistry: High dopamine levels can mess up normal brain functions. This can lead to seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (hallucinations) and believing things that aren’t true (delusions).
- Alters mood: Cocaine can cause extreme mood changes. People might feel happy and then suddenly become very angry or scared. These mood swings can contribute to psychosis.
- Impairs judgment: Cocaine affects the parts of the brain that help with thinking clearly and making good decisions. This can make it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.
- Causes sleep problems: Using cocaine can make it hard to sleep, leading to severe tiredness. Lack of sleep can also cause symptoms of psychosis.
When someone uses cocaine, especially in large amounts or for extended durations, these brain changes can make them lose touch with reality, leading to psychosis. Get help right away if you or someone you know is using cocaine and showing signs of psychosis.
Symptoms of Cocaine-Induced Psychosis
Cocaine-induced psychosis symptoms are like those of conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar. It can make someone seem like they’re having a psychotic episode or mental breakdown.
Cocaine psychosis symptoms include:
- Paranoia: Feeling very suspicious of others and often leads to aggressive or violent behavior.
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real, which can cause anxiety and paranoia.
- Delusions: Believing things that aren’t true, such as thinking they are someone else or own things they do not.
- Violent or aggressive behavior: Acting out in harmful ways toward others.
- Anxiety: Feeling extremely nervous or worried.
- Confusion: Being unsure about where they are or what is happening.
- Erratic movements: Moving in a jittery or unpredictable way.
- Disorganized speech and thoughts: Having trouble thinking clearly and speaking in a way that makes sense.
- Delirium: Severe confusion and disorientation.
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation: Thinking about or trying to hurt themselves or others.
What to Do if Someone Is Experiencing Cocaine-Induced Psychosis
If someone is experiencing cocaine-induced psychosis, act quickly and safely. Here are the steps you can take:
Stay calm
Keep yourself calm so you can help the person effectively.
Call for help
Dial emergency services immediately. Professional help is needed to handle the situation safely.
Keep the person safe
Remove any dangerous objects from the area to prevent them from harming themselves or others.
Do not argue
Avoid arguing or trying to reason with them. They may not be able to understand or respond rationally.
Speak softly
Use a calm and gentle voice when talking to them. This can help prevent them from becoming more agitated.
Stay with them
Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them until medical professionals arrive.
Avoid physical contact
Do not touch the person unless it’s necessary to protect them from harm. Physical contact might make them more agitated.
Be reassuring
Let them know that help is on the way and that they will be okay.
Provide information
When help arrives, give them as much information as you can about the person’s drug use and behavior.
Helping someone with cocaine-induced psychosis can be challenging, but your calm and quick actions can make a big difference. Always prioritize safety and get professional help as soon as possible.
The first step for treating cocaine-induced psychosis is detox in a hospital or rehab facility that offers medical detox. The person needs to stop using cocaine so the psychosis can be treated. After detox, they can go to either inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on how severe their addiction is. In both types of programs, they will likely have therapy and might be given medication for their psychosis.
The type of therapy they get depends on their:
- Mental health condition
- Overall health
- Recovery goals
- Risks to staying sober
Treatment providers can help with both the person’s cocaine addiction and their psychosis. Doctors might give medications to manage psychosis symptoms, such as:
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medications
However, some anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines might not be used because they can be very addictive. Follow the treatment plan to help manage both the addiction and the psychosis.
Cocaine-Induced Psychosis FAQs
How long does cocaine-induced psychosis last?
This form of psychosis can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the amount used and the person’s health.
How do I prevent cocaine-induced psychosis?
The best way to prevent cocaine-induced psychosis is to avoid using cocaine. For those who use the substance, limiting the amount and frequency can reduce the risk.
How is cocaine-induced psychosis treated?
Cocaine-induced psychosis is treated with medical supervision, often including medications to manage symptoms, therapy, and support to stop using cocaine.
Get Treatment for Cocaine Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers
Addiction is one of the many side effects of cocaine abuse. If you need help for yourself or a loved one, we offer various outpatient treatment programs for cocaine addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers.
Our medical detox program gives you access to medications and 24/7 care, making the cocaine withdrawal process safer and more comfortable. You will then be ready for ongoing treatment at our rehab in Cincinnati, OH.
All cocaine addictions are unique, so you will get personal treatment that may include medications, talk therapies, counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. You can also take part in holistic activities like meditation and yoga. Our treatment programs also have solid aftercare to help you stay sober.
Call our recovery specialists today at 877-679-2132.
