People using methamphetamine might eventually incur psychosis. A study conducted by Psychiatry Research discovered that 36% of meth users develop psychosis symptoms. This guide shows you what symptoms characterize psychosis, how meth affects the body and treatment options.
What are the Symptoms of Meth Psychosis?
Here are some of the traits people with this illness exhibit:
- It is common for a person with psychosis to become paranoid. It reaches the point where they might hallucinate or claim someone is out to get them.
- Not surprisingly, this mental state might make the person jumpy at minor things.
- They might also speak rapidly.
- Their conversations might be disjointed, making it difficult for others to understand.
- Some might also feel itchy, as they believe bugs are all over them.
How Does Using Meth Affect the Body?
When a person regularly uses meth, the brain increases dopamine production at first. The user experiences a pleasurable high, followed by a crash. During this crash, it is common for someone to feel depressed or angry.
Furthermore, as a person depends on using meth, it kills the brain’s dopamine cells. In turn, someone might not be able to experience pleasure. And in some cases, a person might use more meth to gain that pleasurable high they had previously.
Another area of the body meth impacts is the heart. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among meth users. Meth can increase a person’s heart rate, raise blood pressure, and tighten blood vessels.
Finally, meth also weakens the user’s immune system, could result in tooth loss, damage to their kidneys, and lead to skin damage from regular scratching. Some of these symptoms, particularly itching, tie back to psychosis episodes.
Are There Other Causes for Psychosis?
Yes, there are other mental illnesses like schizophrenia, where the person could develop psychotic episodes. Therefore, it’s vital to receive the right treatment option, as it can address the actual causes of psychosis.
Receiving Professional Help is the First Step
If you or someone you know exhibits some of these trails, it’s vital to receive the help you need. Since there can be multiple causes of psychosis, receiving an expert analysis is a wise place to start. They can work with you to determine root causes, give an accurate diagnosis, and set a course for treatment options.
Our team takes a personalized approach to provide the care you need. We offer many treatment solutions, such as detox and outpatient care. Ultimately, our goal is to provide the care and support you deserve during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
