Drug-induced psychosis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Drug-induced psychosis can be a frightening experience, but with expert support, recovery is possible.
Drug-induced psychosis can be an extremely distressing experience. It happens when drug use or withdrawal causes hallucinations, delusions or a distorted sense of reality.
While frightening, this condition is treatable and with professional support, recovery is possible.
At Priory, we provide safe, expert-led treatment for drug-induced psychosis and related substance use or mental health concerns, helping you or your loved one regain stability and clarity.
What is drug-induced psychosis?
Psychosis is a temporary break from reality where thoughts, emotions and perceptions become distorted. Drug-induced psychosis happens when this occurs as a direct result of substance use or withdrawal.
Common features include:
- Hallucinations: seeing, hearing or sensing things that aren’t real
- Delusions: fixed false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary
- Severe confusion or paranoia: feeling fearful, suspicious or detached from reality
Unlike primary psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), drug-induced psychosis usually develops shortly after taking, mixing or withdrawing from substances. It often improves after detox and sustained abstinence, although professional assessment is always essential to rule out any underlying condition.
Which drugs can trigger psychosis?
Several types of substances can cause psychotic symptoms, especially when taken in high doses or over long periods of time.
Stimulants (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine):
- Paranoia and intense anxiety
- Visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations
- Agitation and insomnia
Cannabis (including synthetic cannabinoids):
- Distorted perception of time and reality
- Paranoia or panic
- Increased risk of psychotic symptoms with heavy or early use
Hallucinogens and dissociatives (e.g. LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, PCP, nitrous oxide):
- Vivid hallucinations or altered sensory experiences
- Feeling detached from yourself or surroundings (depersonalisation)
- In rare cases, flashbacks or persistent perception disorders
Depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines):
- Confusion, disorientation and visual hallucinations during withdrawal
- Delirium tremens (DTs) in severe alcohol withdrawal
- Mood instability and memory loss
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis can develop gradually with continued substance use or appear suddenly during intoxication or withdrawal.
Perceptual symptoms
- Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t
- Feeling, smelling or sensing things that aren’t real
Cognitive symptoms
- Disorganised thinking or speech
- Fixed false beliefs (for example, paranoia or grandiosity)
Behavioural and emotional changes:
- Agitation, panic or extreme fear
- Risky or aggressive behaviour
- Social withdrawal or confusion
If these symptoms occur after using drugs or during drug withdrawal, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
When is it an emergency?
Seek urgent medical help if you or someone else is:
- Experiencing hallucinations or extreme paranoia
- Acting aggressively or at risk of harming themselves or others
- Having seizures, chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Feeling suicidal or severely confused
Call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111, or for emotional support, call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
How drug-induced psychosis is diagnosed
Diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or addiction specialist following a detailed assessment, which includes:
- Discussion of the type, amount and duration of substance use
- Understanding when symptoms occur (before, during or after use)
- Reviewing medical and family history
- A mental state examination and physical health checks
- Ruling out other conditions such as infection, delirium or neurological illness
A clear diagnosis helps determine whether the symptoms are temporary or linked to an ongoing mental health condition.
Treatment for drug-induced psychosis at Priory
Treatment focuses on safety, detox, psychological support and relapse prevention. With the right care, many people make a full recovery.
Stabilisation and safety
- Supportive, calm environment with 24-hour care
- Medication, if required, to reduce distress, confusion or agitation
- Immediate medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms
Detox and substance withdrawal
- Medically supervised detox to safely remove substances from the body
- Controlled medication to reduce cravings and discomfort
- Psychoeducation to understand how substances affect mood and brain function
Treating co-occurring conditions
Drug-induced psychosis often coexists with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma or bipolar disorder. Treatment may include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): to manage paranoia and intrusive thoughts
- Trauma-focused or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): to support emotional regulation
- Medication management: to review and optimise any existing prescriptions
Ongoing recovery support
- Step-down care through day programmes or outpatient therapy
- Access to peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery
- Relapse prevention planning and family support sessions
How long do symptoms last?
For many people, symptoms ease once the substance has left the body and sleep patterns return to normal. However, recovery time varies depending on:
- The type and amount of substance used
- Duration and frequency of use
- Whether multiple substances were involved
- Personal and family mental health history
Some people may experience lingering symptoms for weeks or months, especially if an underlying condition exists. Continued professional support ensures the best chance of full recovery.
Supporting a loved one
If someone close to you shows signs of drug-induced psychosis:
- Prioritise safety and avoid confrontation if they’re agitated or intoxicated
- Stay calm and use a gentle tone
- Encourage medical help or accompany them to an emergency department
- Remove access to substances and potential hazards
- Seek family therapy or support groups to learn coping strategies
Take the first step towards treatment
Experiencing psychosis can be frightening, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right treatment and ongoing support, recovery is possible.
Book your a confidential addiction or mental health assessment today to get expert help and take the first step towards stability and control.
