Psychosis is a mental illness commonly accompanied by hallucinations and delusions that make you feel disconnected from reality. Psychosis is a common side effect of regular drug use, and comes with long-term health effects that can impact your overall livelihood. Understanding more about psychosis can motivate you to avoid drugs that cause this mental illness, and seek the treatment you need to safely overcome addiction.

If you’re struggling with addiction, understand you don’t have to overcome addiction on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to learn more about nearby drug rehab centers that can help you overcome substance abuse.

Substances that carry a high risk for psychosis include the following:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (methamphetamine, crystal meth)
• Hallucinogens (Peyote, PCP, salvia)

Here are five adverse psychosis symptoms that can be triggered by regular drug use.

1. Cognition Problems

Problems with cognition, which refers to your mental thought processes, normally start occurring months or years before other psychosis symptoms. You may notice problems with your memory, mental clarity, and with paying attention. You may also have problems organizing your thoughts.

Cognition impairment can lead to problems at work and school, and cause disturbances in personal relationships.

2. Lack of Motivation

Motivation is key to moving forward in your life to achieve your most important goals, such as those associated with fitness, education, and career. But psychosis can interfere with your ability to stay motivated, and with staying committed to performing normal daily activities. Lack of motivation can also negatively impact your performance at work or school.

3. Social Withdrawal

Psychosis can make you feel socially isolated, especially when you share your delusions with others, or have difficulty expressing your emotions. You may end up withdrawing from the outside world and those closest to you, including friends and family.

4. Lack of Emotion

Psychosis makes it more difficult for you to interpret social cues, which can result in awkward situations or lack of empathy when it’s needed. You may show lack of emotion when communicating or appear nonchalant, while facial expressions and gestures are also nonexistent. This behavior can lead to problems with relationships at home and work.

5. Mood Swings

Psychosis can cause you to experience severe mood swings, and isolate you even more from friends, family, and others who care. Mood swings can be intense and short-lived, and involve a range of emotions that include anger, excitement, and nervousness. You may also experience general discontent, or more anxiety than usual.

Psychosis is often treated at the same time as addiction at most drug rehab centers. Many times, those who suffer from mental health disorders also suffer from addiction, and frequently use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate and relieve symptoms. Seeking treatment for addiction and psychosis at the same time helps ensure you can fully overcome both disorders, and get back to living a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life.

If you or someone you care about suffers from substance abuse, understand that getting help now can improve and save your life, or that of your loved one. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to learn more about nearby drug rehab centers that can help you overcome addiction.