Lost in My Mind: My Experience with Substance Induced Psychosis

Quick Summary:

• Definition and personal impact of substance induced psychosis.
• Exploration of the relationship between substance abuse and psychosis.
• Insight into the causes of substance induced psychosis.
• Discussion on how long does substance induce psychosis last.
• Overview of treatment for substance induced psychosis.

Navigating the dark waters of addiction can be daunting; coupling it with psychosis makes it even more challenging. My journey through substance induced psychosis provides a stark window into the complexities of mental health exacerbated by substance abuse. Here, I share my personal experiences with this condition, hoping to shed light on what is substance induced psychosis, its duration, causes, and treatment.

My Battle with Psychosis

Substance induced psychosis hit me at the least expected time. It was a wake-up call, showing me how deep I had sunk into my addiction and how it morphed into a severe mental health crisis. This condition, where you lose contact with reality due to substance use, engulfed my life completely, making me see and believe things that weren’t real.

What is Substance Induced Psychosis?

This form of psychosis is a mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, or confusion specifically resulting from substance abuse. It’s a frightening state where you can’t discern what’s real and what’s not, caused by excessive use of drugs or alcohol.

The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Psychosis

The link between substance abuse and psychosis is complex but clear: prolonged drug use can alter brain chemistry and trigger psychosis. In my case, heavy and continuous use of certain substances catapulted me into severe psychological distress.

Causes of My Psychosis

The causes of substance induced psychosis can vary, but in my situation, it was primarily the prolonged use of powerful stimulants that overwhelmed my brain. These substances can induce psychosis by heightening the brain’s sensitivity to stress and overstimulating the pathways that regulate mood and perception.

How Long Does Substance Induced Psychosis Last?

The duration can vary significantly depending on the substance used and individual health factors. For me, the psychotic episodes lasted for hours or even days, fading as the drug effects wore off, yet sometimes lingering due to prolonged substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Finding effective treatment for substance induced psychosis involves addressing both the psychosis and the underlying substance use disorder. Treatment typically includes medication to reduce psychosis symptoms and comprehensive addiction therapy. My recovery was supported by a team of mental health professionals who helped me understand and manage my conditions in a structured environment.

A Path to Healing

Recovery from substance induced psychosis is a long road, filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Here are several steps that were crucial in my recovery journey:

1. Immediate Cessation: Stopping the use of the substance was imperative to halt the psychotic episodes.
2. Medical Intervention: I needed professional help to safely detox and manage withdrawal symptoms, which included both medical and psychological support.
3. Therapy: Engaging in both individual and group therapy helped me address the root causes of my addiction and learn healthier coping mechanisms.
4. Support Systems: Leaning on support from family, friends, and support groups provided me with the strength and encouragement needed to continue in recovery.
5. Education: Learning about my condition empowered me to take active steps towards managing my health and preventing relapse.
6. Ongoing Management: Continuous management of my mental health, including regular consultations with a psychiatrist, has been crucial in maintaining my stability.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and psychosis, it’s important to recognize that help is available, and recovery is possible. At Comfort Recovery, we understand the complexities of substance induced psychosis and provide tailored treatment for substance induced psychosis to support each step of your recovery journey. Reach out to us at 866-996-8936 to find out more about our programs and how we can help you regain control over your life. Don’t let addiction and psychosis define your life—there is hope, and we are here to help.