Local Rehab Investigates Cocaine Psychosis

Largo, FL – Clean Recovery Centers is a local rehab that recently published a blog investigating what cocaine psychosis is. With locations throughout the Suncoast, they are providing ease of access to care.

“First, what is psychosis? Psychosis is a condition characterized by a handful of symptoms where the mind seems to lose touch with reality. They are sometimes known as psychotic episodes or experiences. Although there is no definitive cause, it can occur for a variety of reasons – one of which is cocaine use.

“Cocaine is a stimulant made from the coca plant. When taken, it floods the brain with dopamine causing a euphoric sensation. However, various other side effects can ensue after the initial rush, including psychosis. There are different types of psychotic episodes related to cocaine use, and not everyone will experience them in the same timeframe,” the article states.

A recent study found different cocaine-induced psychotic episodes can occur. 53% of participants experienced some form of psychosis with males more likely to experience episodes than females. Those who had been using cocaine heavily during the past year also had higher chances of cocaine-induced psychosis. Of the 53%, 90% experienced paranoid delusions, while 96% experienced hallucinations. 83% experienced auditory hallucinations while 38% experienced visual hallucinations.

Paranoia consists of extreme distrust of others, no matter if they are friends and family or not. Cocaine has been known to induce paranoia. Signs that paranoia is beginning include suspicious feelings about people or places and thinking those around them are plotting against them. The longer cocaine is used, the higher the chances of experiencing paranoia. Cocaine-induced paranoia can last for a few hours to a few days depending on how long the person was taking it.

“In a phone survey about cocaine use, over 400 participants shared their experiences with cocaine. 42% reported feeling increased anger, 32% reported feeling violent, and 84% reported feeling paranoid and suspicious. This is linked to the release of norepinephrine that cocaine causes. Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Cocaine inhibits this response, essentially throwing the brain into fight mode. The slightest movement or change can seem threatening, triggering a violent response. This is seen more in those who use crack than in cocaine, but both substances produce this response.

Violent tendencies can also be brought to light during cocaine cravings. Agitation, paranoia, and anxiety are increased during cravings, and the person may feel they have to do whatever is necessary to get cocaine. Chronic cocaine use can also impair the region of the brain responsible for judgment and rational decisions. The person may not have been violent before, but may become that way if they cannot fulfill their cocaine craving,” the article continues.

Those who use cocaine frequently and for a long period of time are likely to develop psychosis at some point. However, some factors can affect how often and how long the person will experience it. Having other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia can increase the risk of having psychotic episodes while taking cocaine. Genetics and the way the body responds to medications also play a role in experiencing cocaine-induced psychosis. Those who are more susceptible to stress may also experience cocaine psychosis more so than those who are not.

Clean Recovery Centers has helped many along the Gulf Coast to get clean, live clean, and stay clean. Their program offers wellness components including brain mapping, nutritional counseling, chiropractic care, and more. Utilizing a unique, three-phase approach to treatment, their program addresses all aspects of addiction: spiritual, mental, physical, and social.

To learn more about Clean Recovery Centers, call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.