Drug-Induced Psychosis
Substance use can alter your mind, mood, and body in countless ways. But when the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, you may be dealing with something more serious than intoxication. Drug-induced psychosis is a medical condition where substance use triggers intense psychological symptoms—like hallucinations or delusions—that disconnect you from reality. If this sounds familiar or feels close to home, you're not alone, and support is available.
In this guide, you'll learn what drug-induced psychosis is, what it looks like, which substances can cause it, and most importantly, how to get help.
What Is Drug-Induced Psychosis?
Drug-induced psychosis refers to episodes of psychosis triggered directly by substance use, withdrawal, or the combination of both. During these episodes, your perception of reality can shift dramatically. You might hear voices that aren't there, believe false ideas, or feel intense fear or suspicion for no clear reason.
It Can Be Caused By:
A high dose of a powerful drug
Mixing multiple substances
Long-term substance abuse
Withdrawal after heavy use
Underlying mental illness intensified by substance effects
Drug-induced psychosis can be temporary, but in some cases, especially when left untreated, it can lead to longer-lasting mental health complications.
What Psychosis Feels and Looks Like
Psychosis affects how you think, feel, and interact with the world. When you're experiencing it, your thoughts and perceptions are distorted, making it hard to distinguish what’s real from what’s not.
Common Symptoms of Psychosis:
Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there
Delusions: Strong, false beliefs not grounded in reality (e.g., thinking you're being followed or spied on)
Paranoia: Distrust of others, often involving fear or suspicion
Disorganized thinking: Trouble focusing or speaking clearly
Unpredictable behavior: Sudden mood swings or agitation
Emotional detachment: Feeling disconnected from your surroundings or emotions
You or someone you love may appear confused, frightened, or even hostile. These episodes can be frightening and often lead to emergency medical intervention, especially if violence or self-harm becomes a risk.
Substances Known to Cause Psychosis
Not all drugs cause psychosis, but certain substances—especially when abused or mixed—have a much higher risk.
1. Methamphetamine (Meth)
One of the most well-documented causes of drug-induced psychosis, meth profoundly affects brain chemistry.
Symptoms often include paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and delusions
Long-term use increases the risk of persistent psychosis, even during periods of sobriety
Meth-related psychosis can last for hours, days, or even weeks. Chronic meth use can damage the brain’s dopamine system, which plays a key role in mood and perception.
2. Cocaine
Cocaine is another powerful stimulant with strong links to psychotic episodes.
As many as 84% of cocaine users report experiencing some form of psychosis
Symptoms may last a week or more, even after the drug leaves your system
Cocaine psychosis often involves extreme paranoia, tactile hallucinations (feeling things under the skin), and aggressive behavior
Cocaine use, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, dramatically increases the likelihood of psychosis.
3. Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, Psilocybin)
These illicit drugs are designed to alter perception, but in high doses or for vulnerable individuals, they can push you into a full psychotic episode.
LSD and psilocybin may cause visual and auditory hallucinations
PCP is known for violent outbursts, delusions, and feelings of invincibility
Some users experience “bad trips” that include frightening hallucinations and loss of control
While many effects are short-lived, they can often trigger long-term psychotic conditions, particularly in those with a family history of mental illness.
4. Cannabis
Though often considered mild, high-potency cannabis strains can cause psychosis in susceptible individuals.
Higher risk in users under 25, or with underlying mental health conditions
Symptoms include paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and detachment from reality
Chronic use has been linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia-like disorders
5. Alcohol
Though alcohol is a depressant, alcohol-induced psychosis can occur during extreme intoxication or withdrawal (such as delirium tremens in long-term alcoholics).
Symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, and severe agitation
Usually occurs during withdrawal after prolonged binge drinking
6. Synthetic Drugs (Spice, Bath Salts, etc.)
Synthetic drugs are unpredictable and often far more dangerous than other substances. These substances have been known to cause major health issues.
Spice (synthetic cannabis) and bath salts can induce intense hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behavior
Their chemical makeup constantly changes, making side effects harder to predict or treat
How Drug-Induced Psychosis Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing drug-induced psychosis involves ruling out other causes and understanding the role substances may have played in your symptoms.
A Proper Diagnosis May Include:
Full medical and psychological evaluation
Substance use history (including dose and frequency)
Toxicology screening
Observation after detox (to rule out underlying mental illness)
A psychiatric professional may wait until you've been drug-free for a few days to determine if symptoms persist. If they do, it could indicate an independent mental health disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Treatment for Drug-Induced Psychosis
Recovery from drug-induced psychosis requires immediate care, followed by long-term support to prevent recurrence.
Emergency Treatment:
If someone is currently experiencing psychosis:
Call 911 or bring them to the nearest emergency room
Keep them safe and avoid confrontation
Speak calmly and avoid escalating the situation
Ongoing Treatment Options:
1. Detox and Medical Stabilization
First step to clear the body of harmful substances
May include hospitalization, hydration, and medications to manage symptoms
2. Inpatient or Residential Rehab
Structured environment to address both substance use and psychological health
Daily therapy, medication, and psychiatric monitoring
3. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Designed for individuals who may have an underlying mental health disorder and substance abuse
Focuses on treating both conditions simultaneously
4. Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Especially helpful if substance use was linked to past trauma
Medication Management: Antipsychotics may be prescribed temporarily or longer-term, depending on the case
5. Aftercare and Support
Outpatient therapy
Peer support groups (e.g., NA, SMART Recovery)
Sober living arrangements
Regular check-ins with mental health providers
Can Drug-Induced Psychosis Go Away?
In many cases, psychosis symptoms disappear once the drug is out of your system and your brain has had time to recover. For others, especially those who have used heavily or for long periods, symptoms may linger for weeks or months. In rare cases, drug use can trigger chronic psychotic disorders in those predisposed to them.
Recovery Is Possible—But It Takes Time
With the right combination of detox, therapy, medication, and support, your brain and body can heal. Early intervention often leads to the best outcomes, so don’t wait to seek help if you notice symptoms.
Finding Hope After Drug-Induced Psychosis
Drug-induced psychosis can be terrifying, but it’s also a treatable medical condition. If you or someone you care about is struggling with psychotic symptoms after using substances, know that this is not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s a signal that your body and brain need help.
With the right treatment, it is absolutely possible to regain your sense of reality, restore your mental health, and rebuild your life. No matter how far things have gone, recovery is within reach—and you're not alone in this journey.
Use Therapy Radar to find a treatment facility that is right for you.