What Is Substance-Induced Psychosis? A Guide for Families and Loved Ones 

How Is It Different Than a Psychotic Disorder? 

Substance-induced psychosis is different from a primary psychotic disorder, like schizophrenia, because it is directly caused by substance use or withdrawal, not by an ongoing mental illness. In substance abuse psychosis, the psychotic symptoms—such as hallucinations or delusions—begin during or soon after using drugs or alcohol, and they usually disappear once the substance is out of the system.  

In contrast, psychotic disorders are long-term conditions where symptoms are not linked to substance use and often require ongoing mental health treatment. Another key difference is that substance-induced psychosis typically resolves within a month of stopping the substance, while psychotic disorders can last much longer, sometimes for life. Correctly identifying whether someone is experiencing substance use psychosis or a primary psychotic disorder is crucial for choosing the right treatment and support. 

What Can Cause Substance Abuse Psychosis?   

Substance abuse psychosis can be caused by a variety of drugs and substances that affect the brain’s chemistry, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. Psychoactive substance-induced psychosis occurs when these substances disrupt normal brain function, sometimes triggering severe mental health episodes. Understanding which substances commonly cause this condition helps families recognize warning signs and seek timely substance psychosis treatment. 

• Crystal Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine use often leads to paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Psychosis can develop quickly with heavy or prolonged use, causing intense fear and confusion. 

• Cannabis: High doses or frequent use of cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms, especially in vulnerable individuals, including hallucinations and paranoia. 

• Cocaine: Cocaine use can cause agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations, sometimes leading to brief psychotic episodes during intoxication. 

• Hallucinogens: Drugs like LSD or psilocybin can cause intense hallucinations and altered perceptions, sometimes resulting in substance-induced psychosis. 

• Alcohol: Withdrawal from heavy alcohol use can cause delirium tremens, a severe condition with hallucinations, confusion, and psychosis. 

• Synthetic Drugs: Synthetic substances like “bath salts” or synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe and unpredictable psychotic symptoms, often more intense than natural drugs. 

Why Do Some Drugs Cause Psychosis?   

Certain drugs cause psychosis by disrupting the brain’s normal chemical balance, especially in areas that control perception, thinking, and emotions. Many substances increase dopamine levels, a brain chemical linked to pleasure and reward, but too much dopamine can trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. For example, stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine cause a surge of dopamine, which can lead to paranoia and false beliefs. Hallucinogens affect serotonin receptors, altering perception and sometimes causing intense hallucinations. Alcohol and sedative withdrawal can also cause psychosis by disturbing brain function and neurotransmitter balance. Overall, psychoactive substance-induced psychosis happens because these drugs interfere with brain circuits that regulate reality testing, making it hard for the person to distinguish what is real and what is not.