Methamphetamines are a dangerous class of drugs that can lead to long term damaging effects. Furthermore, meth can cause permanent damage to an individual’s brain and mental health, due to meth-induced psychosis. Unfortunately, this type of psychosis can lead to the development of schizophrenia. In this article, The Healing Center will help you learn more about the connection between meth psychosis and schizophrenia.
Is There A Connection Between Meth Psychosis And Schizophrenia?
The correlation between meth and schizophrenia is complex. Some studies have seen a connection between meth abuse and schizophrenia. But schizophrenia itself also has many other causation factors. These can include family history, genetics, trauma, and more. Often, the trigger to schizophrenia is a combination of multiple factors, and methamphetamine abuse can be one of them.
Thus, there can be a connection between meth psychosis and schizophrenia. However, it is normally not the only factor that goes into the development of schizophrenia.
What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a potentially severe mental illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s daily life. It is relatively rare, only estimating around .25% of the United States’ population. The signs and symptoms of schizophrenia are characterized by changes within the brain’s chemistry that leads to the loss of normal cognitive abilities.
Signs Of Schizophrenia include:
- Changes in thinking
- Changes in perception of reality
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Social anxiety
- Lowered motivation
- Appearing to be emotionally disconnected
Once diagnosed with schizophrenia, individuals can be expected to be treated for the rest of their lifetime. Even when symptoms subside, regular doctor and psychiatrist visits should not be stopped. In order to be properly stabilized a stay in a mental health treatment facility may be necessary.
What Is Methamphetamine Abuse?
Methamphetamine abuse is when someone abuses a drug in the amphetamines class. Meth also goes by the street names crank, speed, ice, and more. It is a combination of substances that is normally created in at home labs. The drug produces a euphoric high, but is extremely dangerous and addictive.
Methamphetamine abuse disrupts an individual’s daily living. It can impact people legally, emotionally, socially, and physically. This type of substance abuse requires professional treatment from a drug rehab center. While there, individuals can identify the root cause of their addiction and attend therapy which will help them heal.
What Is Meth Psychosis?
Meth psychosis is a type of psychosis that is induced due to the abuse of meth. Normally, meth psychosis occurs due to excessive consumption or long term use. The condition is relatively common in individuals who abuse methamphetamines. Overall, individuals who are experiencing a meth psychosis will have paranoia and hallucinations.
The signs and symptoms of meth psychosis include:
- Agitation
- Twitching
- Seeing things that are not there
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations both visual and auditory
- Rapidly speaking
- Being obsessive
- Having unusual beliefs
- Thinking people are plotting to harm them
- Excessive itching
The person experiencing meth psychosis normally is not able to identify what they are going through. That is one of the differences between meth psychosis and schizophrenia. Those with schizophrenia have the ability to identify the changes in their thought processes. A meth psychosis is considered to be an emergency situation. It is important to seek treatment immediately as meth psychosis can lead to self harm or harm to others.
Treating Meth Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Treating meth psychosis and schizophrenia requires professional care. These conditions are treatable, but often require medical intervention through both medications and therapy. Initially emergency stabilization may be the first step. Following residential care it is normally suggested that the individual attends a level of outpatient care. This could include partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient care.
A dual diagnosis program is the best option for those struggling with meth psychosis and schizophrenia. These types of programs include therapy, trauma programs, EMDR, and medication assisted treatment in order to help stabilize the patient and get them back to living a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Fort Lauderdale For Meth Psychosis and Schizophrenia
The best way to help individuals who are experiencing meth psychosis and schizophrenia is a dual diagnosis program. If you or a loved one is looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then The Healing Center can help you. We offer a multitude of mental health and addiction treatment services in order to properly address co-occurring disorders. Our admissions team is here and waiting to help you get back to living a full and healthy life. Contact our dual diagnosis treatment center in South Florida today in order to get the help that you need.
