Meth Psychosis

Overcoming Psychosis and Meth Dependence

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that can have damaging effects on both physical and mental health. One of the most severe consequences of meth use is the development of meth-induced psychosis. This often mimics primary psychotic disorders, like paranoid schizophrenia.

For those suffering from meth abuse and psychotic symptoms, as well as their loved ones, the thoughts and behaviors involved can quickly progress from frightening to life-threatening.

Facing meth psychosis can feel isolating and intimidating, yet it’s important to remember you don’t have to go through this alone. To learn more about meth psychosis, how to treat psychotic symptoms, and how to treat meth addiction, keep reading.

Catalina Behavioral Health is here to help you or your loved one overcome the nightmare that meth becomes and get effective support!

What is Meth Induced Psychosis?

Meth-induced psychosis refers to a severe mental health disorder triggered by the misuse of methamphetamine. This condition manifests as drastic changes in thoughts and behaviors characterized by auditory hallucinations and visual hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (strong beliefs of situations that are not grounded in reality).

In many cases, meth-induced psychotic episodes mimic other psychiatric disorders, and psychosis and schizophrenia can be confused with each other. Meth psychosis can be categorized into chronic or acute meth psychosis.

Acute meth psychosis is a condition that usually occurs shortly after using the drug methamphetamine. The symptoms typically last for a few days to a few weeks at most. Even though it’s short-term in nature, immediate intervention is essential to manage symptoms effectively and prevent further complications.

With chronic meth use, the symptoms can last for months or years even after stopping the use of this harmful substance. Catalina offers an informal psychosis testing resource, to help you or a loved one determine if such symptoms may be lingering for you or a loved one.

What are the Causes of Meth Induced Psychosis?

Although the exact mechanisms behind methamphetamine psychosis are still being studied, it’s believed that long-term meth use can affect the central nervous system and alter the brain’s chemistry, particularly concerning dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for various functions, including reward, motivation, and mood.

Methamphetamine significantly increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to an initial feeling of euphoria when using the drug. However, excessive dopamine stimulation can cause damage to the brain’s dopamine receptors, making it challenging for the brain to regulate dopamine levels over time. This dysregulation can eventually contribute to the development of psychosis.

It is worth noting that psychotic symptoms arise more quickly from IV methamphetamine use, which is often referred to as slamming meth, and also increases the risk of overdose significantly.

5 Common Psychotic Symptoms of Methamphetamine Psychosis

If you suspect that you or someone you care about is experiencing meth psychosis, it’s crucial to be familiar with the warning signs. These psychiatric symptoms can be categorized as:

1. Delusions: A person suffering from a substance-induced psychotic disorder may hold false or irrational beliefs that cannot be shaken, even when they’re presented with contradictory evidence.
2. Hallucinations: Individuals experiencing meth psychosis might also see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there – these are known as visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, and tactile hallucinations.

While auditory and visual hallucinations are the most common, paranoid delusions and acute psychotic symptoms also can present tactile reactions, such as skin picking and meth sores, that often spiral out of control for methamphetamine users.

• Paranoia: Meth psychosis can cause intense feelings of suspicion and mistrust, leading the affected person to believe that they are being watched, followed, or in danger even when there isn’t a genuine threat.
• Disorganized thoughts and speech: Meth psychosis can lead to difficulty concentrating, organizing thoughts, or speaking clearly, resulting in incoherent or repetitive speech and behavior.
• Aggression and agitation: A person experiencing meth psychosis might become more irritable, hostile, or violent, unable to control their emotions or impulses.

Keep in mind that these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and not everyone who uses meth will experience meth psychosis. It is essential to be aware of these signs to seek help if you or someone you know may be struggling with this disorder.

What Factors Contribute to Meth Psychosis?

While anyone using meth can experience psychosis, some factors may make you more susceptible to it. These factors include:

1. Amount of Meth Used: Over time, using large quantities of meth often leads to a higher risk that a person will develop psychosis.
2. Duration of Use: The longer you’ve been abusing meth, the more likely you are to develop meth psychosis.
3. Genetic Predisposition: Those with a family history of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, might be more prone to meth psychosis.
4. Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Having a pre-existing mental health condition may increase your vulnerability to meth psychosis.

How To Help Someone with Meth Psychosis: Treatment for Drug Abuse and Amphetamine Psychosis

Recovering from methamphetamine abuse and meth psychosis can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Here are some of the treatment options available to you at Catalina Behavioral Health.

Detoxification

Detoxification, also known as detox, is the initial and arguably most significant step toward recovery from meth addiction and psychosis. During this phase, methamphetamine leaves your system leading to withdrawal symptoms, which can be physically uncomfortable.

However, the importance of meth detox lies in its role as the foundation for all subsequent treatments. Without undergoing a thorough detox process under professional supervision, you may face obstacles in fully engaging with therapeutic sessions because of lingering physical discomforts and cravings.

In an established facility or medical environment where detox usually happens, there’s close monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and any other issues that may arise concerning uncomfortable or psychotic symptoms.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient treatment refers to a comprehensive, residential treatment program where you reside in a secure facility while receiving around-the-clock medical and therapeutic care.

The primary goal of this intensive form of treatment is to provide an environment that’s entirely focused on recovery. By staying within the rehab center during your healing process, you are removed from environments that may trigger a relapse, making it easier for you to focus solely on overcoming addiction.

Outpatient Options

Outpatient treatment options also be very effective, depending on your specific circumstances. Outpatient treatments offer more flexibility, allowing you to continue living at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions. The three most common types of outpatient treatment for methamphetamine addiction are partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and general outpatient.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide a structured and intensive level of care without requiring overnight stays at the treatment center. Typically running five to seven days per week, for around five to six hours daily, these programs fall between inpatient and outpatient treatments in terms of intensity.

They offer various services such as individual counseling sessions, group therapies, and substance abuse education tailored according to each patient’s unique needs.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

IOPs generally consist of treatment 3 to 5 times per week for several hours each day. You will attend a combination of individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and relapse prevention workshops.

At Cataina, our IOP includes additional support systems, such as 12-step and SMART meetings as well as access to a recovery support network of our alumni.

General Outpatient Treatment

General Outpatient Treatment is the least intensive form of outpatient care for meth addiction. This level of care is best suited for individuals with mild addictions or as a step-down option following an inpatient, PHP, or IOP rehab program. You will typically attend 1 or 2 therapy sessions per week, and these sessions can be individual or group-based.

Pharmacological Treatments

Medications may be prescribed to help alleviate some of the psychotic symptoms and mental health issues provoked by a meth-induced psychotic disorder. For example, antipsychotic medications can assist in reducing delusions and hallucinations, while antidepressants and mood stabilizers might address any associated mood disorders.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT addresses the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your meth use. A trained therapist will help you identify the triggers that lead to meth use and teach you coping strategies to avoid those triggers and prevent relapse.

Family and Group Therapy

Including your loved ones in the recovery process can be beneficial for you and them. These therapy sessions focus on rebuilding relationships damaged by meth use and understanding the roles that family members may have played in substance abuse.

Group therapy for substance abuse connects you with peers who are also battling addiction, creating a supportive environment for you to share experiences and insights.

Support Groups

Attending support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Crystal Meth Anonymous, can be instrumental in your long-term recovery. These meetings offer peer-to-peer support and encouragement and can reinforce the coping strategies you learned in therapy.

Get Effective Help for Meth Psychosis at Catalina Today

Drug addiction can take a serious toll on one’s mental and physical health. Methamphetamine addiction in particular can lead to psychosis and a host of other long-term health problems. Seeking professional help is crucial in overcoming methamphetamine dependence, and Catalina Behavioral Health is here to support you.

With experienced mental health as well as substance abuse treatment staff, we are uniquely suited to offer lasting recovery from meth and its accompanying symptoms of psychosis.

Our team of licensed professionals offers evidence-based treatment methods to help you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery and improve your overall well-being. Don’t wait until it’s too late – reach out to us today for help.

All calls to our facility are completely confidential, so please don’t hesitate to reach out now!