Alcohol-induced psychosis is a serious mental health condition caused by heavy or long-term alcohol use. It can cause hallucinations, a condition where people hear, see, or feel things that aren’t real, and delusions, which are strong but false beliefs. Other symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis include confused thinking and extreme agitation (irritation and frustration). Alcohol-induced psychosis can occur during heavy drinking, withdrawal, or as a result of chronic alcohol abuse.
Risk Factors of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis
Risk factors of alcohol-induced psychotic disorders include:
- A history of heavy drinking
- Family history of mental illness
- Existing mental health problems
In order to accurately diagnose this condition, a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation is needed.
Treatment can include:
- Stopping alcohol use
- Medical help to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Medication
Long-term care for alcohol-induced psychosis can include rehab programs, therapy, and support groups. Many people can recover with the right treatment, but continued heavy drinking or untreated mental health conditions will only worsen the prognosis.
If you or someone you know shows signs of alcohol-induced psychosis, contact us at Avenues Recovery Center so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
Can Alcohol Cause Psychosis?
Yes, alcohol can cause psychosis. Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, also known as alcohol psychosis, can occur in several contexts:
- Being Very Drunk: During heavy drinking sessions, some people experience hallucinations or delusions. This is typically temporary and resolves once the individual sobers up.
- Alcohol Withdrawal: During withdrawal, some people experience a condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), characterized by severe confusion, tremors, hallucinations, and delusions. This is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.
- Chronic Alcohol Use: Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time can lead to persistent psychotic symptoms even when the person is not intoxicated or in withdrawal. This condition is often referred to as alcoholic hallucinosis and can last for weeks or even months.
Types of Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorders
There are many types of Alcohol-induced psychosis. One type is alcoholic hallucinosis, characterized by hallucinations, most commonly hearing things that aren’t there. Patients may hear voices that are usually accusatory or threatening, and they may also see things that aren’t there. Symptoms of alcoholic hallucinosis can last for days to weeks and are often seen in people who drink alcohol often.
Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder 2- Delirium Tremens
Another type of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder is delirium tremens (DTs), a severe and dangerous form of alcohol withdrawal which includes sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Delirium tremens typically occur within 48 to 72 hours after the last drink.
Symptoms of DTs include:
- Confusion
- Irritation
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
Delirium tremens is a legitimate emergency situation which requires immediate medical intervention.
Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder 3- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Yet another form of alcohol-induced psychosis is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. This unusual brain disorder occurs due to a significant thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency caused by alcoholism, and can cause confusion, memory loss, and vision problems.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome consists of two stages: Wernicke’s encephalopathy – a sudden and acute brain disorder - and Korsakoff’s syndrome – a long-term memory disorder. If Wernicke’s encephalopathy is left untreated, it can devolve into Korsakoff’s syndrome.
Signs of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s Syndrome:
Below are the most common signs and symptoms of each of these diseases:
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy/ Disease:
- Confusion
- Low energy
- Low body temperature
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal eye movements
- Double vision
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
Korsakoff’s Syndrome:
- Amnesia (severe memory loss)
- Difficulty forming new memories
- Difficulty recalling past events
- Personality changes
- Confabulation (Unintentionally fabricating memories)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Executive function issues
This syndrome requires immediate medical intervention, including thiamine injections and supplements to prevent permanent damage.
Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder 4
Lastly, alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, also known as alcohol-induced psychosis, occurs when a person develops psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, during or shortly after getting drunk or stopping to drink. This condition is different from other forms of mental illness caused by alcohol because it usually goes away once a person stops drinking.
What Are Some Alcohol Psychosis Symptoms?
Alcohol-induced psychosis can manifest in various ways, often resembling other psychiatric disorders but directly linked to alcohol use.
Here are some common symptoms:
- Hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- Delusions (believing things that aren’t true)
- Disorganized Thinking
- Mood Disturbances
- Aggression or Irritability
- Confusion and Disorientation
- Memory Problems
- Paranoia
What Is the Treatment for Drinking and Psychosis?
Treating psychosis related to drinking, also known as alcohol-induced psychosis, involves several steps:
- Immediate Medical Care: Seek urgent medical attention. Severe cases might require hospitalization to ensure the person’s safety and to manage acute symptoms.
- Detoxification: This involves supervised withdrawal from alcohol, often in a medical setting. Detoxification may include the use of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications like seizures.
- Medications: Medications like antipsychotics, benzos and thiamine can help avoid serious complications of chronic alcohol use.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: To determine if there are underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which may coexist with substance abuse.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction and psychosis.
- Support Groups: Participation in groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide ongoing support and encouragement.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Inpatient or outpatient programs that provide comprehensive treatment, including medical care, therapy, and support for long-term recovery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoidance of triggers that may lead to relapse.
- Family Support: Involving family members in the treatment process can provide additional support and improve outcomes.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, reach out to our professionals at Avenues Recovery Center so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Using a wide array of therapeutic modalities, we craft targeted, customized treatment plans for each and every client. Our experienced staff have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and they can help you too. Contact us today to begin your journey of hope, healing and sobriety.