What is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?

With drunk driving, accidents from poor coordination, and alcohol poisoning, alcohol poses a serious threat when consumed in excess. While these dangers are well known, alcohol-induced psychosis is another problem that you may not be as familiar with. At Banyan Mental Health, we are a dual diagnosis treatment center that works with people who experience psychosis associated with alcohol, and we want to clear up some of the confusion.

What is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?

Alcohol-induced psychosis is used to describe any number of psychotic conditions that can occur as a result of alcohol abuse. This psychosis often manifests itself in the form of delusions and hallucinations. It can occur during various stages of alcohol abuse including acute intoxication, withdrawal, and chronic alcoholism.

Signs of Alcohol-Related Psychosis

It is not uncommon for people to experience both addiction problems and mental health issues at the same time. A heavy drinker who uses alcohol to cope with his problems should look for alcohol and depression treatment. A consistent drinker who starts to see or hear things that aren’t there should also seek out professional help.

Along with showing more common signs of alcoholism like social withdrawal, drinking alone, agitation, shakiness, and decline in personal hygiene, those with alcohol-related psychosis will start to exhibit other symptoms that can be more severe. The most common sign that this problem is present is the occurrence of hallucinations and delusions that occur immediately following heavy drinking or during the withdrawal period following consistent drinking.1 While hallucinations and delusions are signs of various mental health disorders like psychosis and schizophrenia, this psychosis should show a direct relationship with the person’s alcohol abuse and consumption. Because of this small discrepancy, alcohol-related psychosis can be difficult to diagnose and may take time to differentiate from other possible mental health disorders.

Another way to differentiate between a psychotic disorder stemming from other factors and one that is directly related to a person’s alcohol abuse is by looking at family history. [1] If the patient has a family history of alcohol abuse but no family history of psychotic disorders, it is a good indication that psychosis associated with alcohol is the problem. If you or you loved one is exhibiting signs of alcohol-induced psychosis, get substance-induced psychosis treatment right away.

Battling both an addiction problem and mental health issues is scary, but you can get help. With our co-occurring disorder treatment in Boca, you can tackle both issues at the same time.

Contact us today at 888-280-4763 to take the first step toward a better future.

Sources:

1. NCBI- Alcohol Related Psychosis