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How Addiction can lead to Psychotic Episode Symptoms

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Addiction is dependence on a particular substance or activity. Whereas psychosis is a loss of contact with reality and an inability to think rationally, when this occurs, it is called as a psychotic episode. Psychosis is a medical term used to describe a family of serious mental illnesses. Psychosis appears in the person in late teens or early 20s.  Women are more affected at a later age than men. An individual experience psychotic episode due to continued use of a substance, particularly during stressful situations which leads to addiction. Know the Psychotic Episode Symptoms caused by addiction to get the right treatment.

Psychotic Episode Symptoms to see in your loved one

  • Difficulty expressing feelings
  • Delusions (a belief based on false or incomplete information)
  • Hallucinations (seeing things which are really aren’t there)
  • Lack of motivation
  • Social withdrawal
  • Disorganized speech
  • Violent behavior
  • Difficulty generating thoughts
  • Mood changes
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleep disturbance

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Addiction increases the risk of getting Psychotic Episodes

Addiction towards a substance with heavy or long-term use can cause utterance in the absorption and release of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Biological as well as genetic factors can be a cause of Psychotic Episode Symptoms.

Drugs that can cause Psychotic Episode Symptoms are:

  • Amphetamines and cocaine: Long-term use can contribute to loss of memory and problems associated with concentration
  • Hallucinogens: A drug that causes hallucinations, and changes in thoughts, emotion, and consciousness.
  • Alcohol: Form of liquid which makes the person drunk, if consumed in large quantity can lead to psychosis.
  • Weed: It reaches the brain cells within 10 minutes after the intake and reaches hippocampus, the part that is responsible for creating new memories. It induces hallucinations, changes the thoughts from reality and resulting in psychosis.

Psychotic break treatment for Addiction

Treatment for addiction with psychosis involves a combination of therapies and medications. Most of the people will experience an abrupt improvement in their symptoms with the help of treatments. Here are few treatments to treat addiction with Psychotic Episode Symptoms-

  • Psychosocial intervention (counseling)- Regular counseling sessions with the clinical psychologist will help in changing the negative thoughts or patterns and change it in a positive way. Psychosocial interventions also include therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to change the thinking behaviors.
  • Antipsychotic medications- The symptoms of drug-induced psychosis can be controlled with the use of antipsychotics medications. These type of medications will reduce the delusions and hallucinations thus helping people think more clearly.
  • Psycho-education- This kind of treatment often helps in giving a better understanding and awareness of the addiction problems and is an important aspect of all the therapy programs. Psychoeducation is usually provided by a therapist or a psychiatrist.

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Take the first step

If you or someone you know is encountering with psychotic episodes with their addiction behaviors, it is advisable you assist them in going through a counseling session with an addiction counselor or a de-addiction specialist.

Visit Cadabam’s for more details about the treatment facilities to help your loved one come out of addiction issues and the Psychotic Episode Symptoms. You can also feel free to call us @+91 96111 94949 to consult with our best counselors who can guide you for the best treatment programs.

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