Understanding How Meth Psychosis Works
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Meth psychosis is one of the most serious adverse health effects associated with methamphetamine misuse. If you or a loved one are battling an addiction to methamphetamine (meth), you should be aware of the potential risks and symptoms that last for months or even years after a person has quit using the drug. Our rehabilitation center is here to help explain this condition that often comes with substance abuse.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have serious negative effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. One of the most severe consequences of long-term meth use is meth psychosis, a condition that can cause individuals to experience intense paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.
What Is Meth Psychosis?
Meth psychosis is a type of substance-induced psychosis that can occur after using methamphetamine for an extended period. Typically, the condition develops after weeks or months of continuous use, although it can also occur after a single use, especially when the user has a preexisting mental health condition. Meth psychosis is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Meth Psychosis Symptoms
The symptoms of meth psychosis are similar to those of schizophrenia and can include paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking.
Here are more detailed explanations of each of these symptoms.
- Paranoia: Individuals who experience meth psychosis may become paranoid and believe that others are plotting against them. They may feel that someone is following them or watching them.
- Delusions: Meth psychosis can cause individuals to have false beliefs that are not based on truth. These delusions can be something that could happen, such as thinking a spouse is cheating, or they can be something impossible or bizarre, such as believing they have wings and can fly.
- Hallucinations: Individuals with meth psychosis may see things that are not present, hear voices or other noises that aren’t there, or feel things such as feeling like they are being touched even when no one is around.
- Disordered thinking: Meth psychosis can cause individuals to have trouble thinking clearly, problems making decisions, not finishing one’s thoughts, or even jumping from subject to subject rapidly.
Risk Factors for Meth Psychosis
While anyone who uses methamphetamine is at risk for developing meth psychosis, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Some of these risk factors include:
- Long-term meth use: The longer an individual uses methamphetamine, the greater their risk of developing meth psychosis.
- High doses: Taking high doses of methamphetamine can increase the risk of developing meth psychosis.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions: Individuals with preexisting mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing this sickness.
- Lack of sleep: Methamphetamine use can cause individuals to stay awake for long periods of time, which can increase the risk of developing meth psychosis.
- Poor nutrition: Methamphetamine use can reduce appetite and cause individuals to neglect their nutritional needs, which can contribute to the development of meth psychosis.
Meth Psychosis Treatment
Meth psychosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The first step in treating meth psychosis is to stop using methamphetamine, preferably through a meth detox. Certain levels of care our addiction treatment can provide for you or a loved one battling this disease include medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible, and Legacy Healing Center is here to help.
To learn more about our treatment center, contact us today and speak with one of our trained intake specialists.