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woman experiencing meth-induced psychosis

What is Meth-Induced Psychosis?

Written by Freeman Recovery on . Posted in Mental Health, Meth, Psychosis.

Meth Methamphetamine, a stimulant most people have heard of in the news, is a dangerous drug to be addicted to. Meth can induce psychotic symptoms and produce hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and aggressive behaviors when the effects wear off. When evaluations are made in treatment, many families ask, what is meth-induced psychosis? While the drug’s name is well-known, the psychotic symptoms it induces are complex and not as known.

Meth addiction is responsible for the devastation of the physical and mental state of the addicted and the disintegration of their lifestyle. Close relationships are lost, and families become estranged. What is meth-induced psychosis?  It is the direct reaction to the effects of the drugs on the brain and a very dangerous symptom.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug and a stimulant prescribed to treat ADHD and obesity. Meth is a stimulant that reduces fatigue and appetite. In addition, it has become a recreational drug, and many have become addicted. The symptoms of meth addiction are severe and cause some to ask, what is meth-induced psychosis?

Other well-known Schedule II drugs are cocaine and oxycodone. Methamphetamine’s effects last longer than amphetamines do. Their high is much more powerful as well. What is meth-induced psychosis, and what does it involve? Chronic meth users are at significant risk of experiencing this powerful symptom that produces delusions, hallucinations, and obsessive thoughts and behaviors.

What is Meth-Induced Psychosis?

The definition of psychosis is a severe mental condition where thoughts and emotions are so highly affected that the sense of reality is lost. As a result, meth addicts cannot distinguish between what they imagine and the real world. In addition, this addiction causes such erratic behaviors that their lifestyle and relationships are at risk of destruction. Finally, repeated use leaves the meth addict in the throes of disaster.

Meth-induced psychosis is dangerous and can cause hallucinations, delusions, aggressive behaviors, and a repeated delusional state. Researchers believe that just under half of meth users experience this psychosis. In addition, paranoia and imagined experiences are additional hazards of this drug addiction. What is meth-induced psychosis? One of the most dangerous symptoms of addiction, meth-induced psychosis, can cause permanent long-term consequences.

What Causes Meth-Induced Psychosis?

Stimulants increase brain activity and the production of the chemical dopamine. This feel-good chemical, when overly produced, causes an imbalance in the system. This chemical imbalance can cause psychosis and extreme mood swings. This results from a chemical imbalance in the brain from misusing methamphetamine.

Unfortunately, meth interferes with emotions and impulses through this chemical imbalance. Overstimulation of that brain region can lead to increased paranoia and aggressive behaviors. Leading to acts of violence and dysfunctional fight-or-flight responses that can mean trouble for those addicted. When reality is distorted and behaviors re aggressive, crime or legal trouble can ensue. In such cases, drug rehab might be needed.

Symptoms of Meth-Induced Psychosis

Understanding the symptoms of this psychosis can lead to identifying this addiction in a loved one. Those addicted to meth need understanding and help for treatment and recovery. The symptoms of meth-induced psychosis include all or some of the following:

  • Hallucinations
  • Belief someone is out to get them
  • Agitation and jumpiness
  • Aggressive behaviors
  • Inability to communicate clearly
  • Strange or weird beliefs
  • Itchiness or the feeling of bugs crawling on your skin

Hallucinations

One symptom of meth addiction is the production of intense hallucinations. The intensity of the individual’s hallucinations varies from person to person. Hallucinations can involve more senses than just visuals. They may experience hearing and feeling things that are not reality.

Visual hallucinations can include the perceived images of anything, animals, cars, or other people who are not present. Meth can also cause gustatory and olfactory hallucinations involving the taste and smell of non-existent environmental factors. This symptom causes one in three meth users to present with sores and scratches on their skin. They feel like bugs are crawling on their skin while hallucinating.

Meth Delusions

The stimulant’s mind-altering effects cause delusions. Meth-induced psychosis can cause delusions both persecutory and referential. Persecutory delusions involve the belief that one is the victim of torture, trickery, or bullying. Referential delusions involve public messages interpreted as personal attacks.

Meth Paranoia

Increased brain activity can result in paranoid thoughts and beliefs. With hallucinations, paranoia ensues with the fear someone is trying to harm them. Paranoia is a common withdrawal symptom in detox from meth.

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

Meth addiction can be complex and challenging to treat. Medical detox followed by individual and group therapy has proved to be successful. The treatment team must consider family therapy because of the devastation of relationships during the addiction. Medical detox may require medication to eliminate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Find Help with Meth Addiction in Middle Tennessee

Meth-induced psychosis is a complex symptom of methamphetamine addiction. If you or a loved one is experiencing meth addiction, Freeman Recovery Center in Middle Tennessee can explain the changes in the brain from the abuse of meth. Our professional medical detox programs can help you begin a sober treatment journey. Contact us to hear more about meth-induced psychosis and how we can help you.

woman with suitcase is leaving rehab early

What to Do if Your Loved One Leaves Rehab Early

Written by Freeman Recovery on . Posted in Addiction Treatment, Enabler, Mental Health.

Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction is challenging and sometimes painful. Watching the self-destruction that can occur with addiction is devastating. When the decision for treatment and hope reigns high, it can be excruciating to see your loved one leaving rehab early. However, you and your loved one understand that to remain sober, the recommended treatment plan needs to be adhered to stay sober.

There are some ways to support your loved one. First, be prepared for this moment by educating yourself. Keeping your worries, fears, and memories from disrupting your clear thinking is challenging. You must remember that you are not responsible for the mistakes your loved one makes. When your loved one is set on leaving rehab early, you must put a plan into action.

Why Do People Leave Rehab Early?

In addiction treatment, there is always a possibility of relapse and leaving rehab early. Leaving rehab early means the patient is discharged against medical advice or AMA. There are many possibilities for leaving early, but the greatest is the inability to deal with fear. What could they be afraid of? People who cannot process fear feel the fear is too big to handle. Leaving rehab before completion could be from the fear of:

  • The unknown
  • Fear of living sober
  • Fear of confronting their demons
  • Fear of what they will discover in therapy

Recovery treatment is designed to deal with physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects of life without addiction. Treatment is hard work, and it is very challenging to learn new methods to cope with feelings and emotions without relying on drugs or alcohol. Rehab can feel overwhelming at times. Other reasons why your loved one might be leaving rehab early include the following:

  • Treatment is just too hard for them to handle.
  • There is still denial present about their addiction.
  • Withdrawal symptoms are still lingering, and they want relief.
  • Feel doubt about the commitment they made to become sober.
  • Your loved one thinks they can do it on their own.
  • Too emotionally exhausting to explore past traumas
  • Anger, boredom, and loneliness are overwhelming

The Risks of Leaving Rehab Early

Recovery from addiction is possible with a completed treatment plan and a sound support system. Every day that passes in treatment, there must be a renewal of the commitment made to quit using drugs and alcohol. Rehab is a challenging process, and to decide on leaving rehab early can mean possible relapse. The struggle to fight against cravings and withdrawal symptoms may be too fresh and strong to resist.

Leaving rehab early before completing essential education to live a sober lifestyle is dangerous. Treatment is designed to learn how to identify the triggers that cause the need to use. In addition, exploring how to replace drug use with healthy and positive coping skills is vital for continued sobriety. Finally, learning to process emotions and feelings positively through therapy is crucial to remain sober.

You can encourage your loved one not to leave rehab early by identifying the risks of leaving treatment before completion. But, again, reinforcing the goal of sobriety is vital. Pointing out the negative possibilities may not be enough to change their decision of leaving rehab early. Be sure to take care of yourself through this disturbing experience.

The risks of leaving rehab early include the following:

  • Necessary coping skills have not been obtained
  • Relapse
  • The possibility of an overdose
  • Finding recovery the second time could be more demanding
  • Extreme emotional distress could cause self-harming behaviors
  • Their relationships could be damaged further

What To Do if your Loved One is Leaving Rehab Early

It is frightening and challenging when your loved one in addiction treatment is leaving rehab early. You may feel angry and defeated, but try reflecting on what you learned in family support therapy. You must establish favorable relationship rules immediately. Following these guidelines, you can offer healthy and positive support for your loved one.

Establish Boundaries

Caring for a loved one with an addiction history is challenging. But, above all, you must worry and care for yourself first. When your loved one is leaving rehab early, they will likely return to drugs and drinking again. Therefore, you must set boundaries if they want money or to live with you. Inviting dysfunctional issues into your own home is never a good idea. Set the rules and stick to them.

Do Not Be an Enabler

Behaviors that support your loved ones’ use of alcohol or drugs enable their addiction. Providing your loved one with money, a roof over their head, and covering their relapse is unacceptable. Leaving rehab early did not allow them to learn all the necessary skills to maintain sobriety. Your behaviors cannot allow them to continue to be self-destructive.

Ready Addiction Treatment Resources

If your loved one has a change of heart, have resources ready for them to get back into treatment quickly. The goal of sobriety never changes. Leaving rehab early doesn’t mean they won’t change their mind again. Be ready and encourage treatment at every possible moment.

Find Support For Yourself

The experience of your loved one leaving rehab early will take a toll. Leaning on individual and group therapy can help you understand the situation and be supported with your emotions. In addition, being an example of positive and healthy coping strategies is good for your loved one to observe. Finally, use self-care techniques for a calm and peaceful time to reflect.

Find Help If Your Loved One is Leaving Rehab Early in Tennessee

If your loved one is leaving rehab early and you feel confused and helpless and don’t know how to react, contact Freeman Recovery Center for help. Our experienced counselors can listen to your fears, advise you and speak to your loved one if they respond. Sobriety is the goal; if we can help you and your loved one, it’s worth the effort. Contact us today to see if we can hold an intervention.

person beginning stages of addiction recovery by talking to an intake counselor at a rehab center

What are the Stages of Addiction Recovery?

Written by Freeman Recovery on . Posted in Addiction Recovery, Addiction Treatment, Mental Health.

Addiction has a devastating impact on the lives of individuals and families. Treatment options offer hope for those with a substance use disorder. Addiction is a meaningful, life-changing process. Taking on addiction in stage, the stages of addiction recovery, can help rebuild a solid foundation for a sober lifestyle.

What are the Stages of Addiction Recovery?

Five stages of addiction recovery can lead people with a substance abuse disorder to a sober and healthy life. Individual treatment plans can combine evidence-based therapies with new holistic therapies that are successfully integrated. Addiction recovery demands the decision to get treatment, strong willpower, and support from family, friends, and group therapy. The five stages of addiction recovery are:

  1. The decision to stop using drugs or alcohol and accept treatment. (Some people consider this the “pre-contemplative” stage.)
  2. Initiating treatment through a professional alcohol and drug program (also considered the contemplative stage).
  3. Early abstinence through detoxification (also considered the preparation stage).
  4. Learning to maintain abstinence with treatment through the experience of the action stage completes treatment.
  5. Advanced recovery to prevent relapse and live a sober lifestyle

The First Stage

Contemplating a life that does not include using a substance begins the stages of addiction recovery. Initially, people stuck in addiction are defensive and continually justify their use of drugs or alcohol. This problematic stage involves conflicting emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Lacking the ability to have a clear view of their existence in addiction, they may have tried to quit before and failed.

The person stuck in this stage can not understand that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Still absorbed in physical and mental tug-of-war, the person longs for normality and sobriety. The stages of addiction recovery are implemented to address these fears and complex emotions. The critical concept to grasp in this stage is a seed has been planted, and there is hope.

The Second Stage

The decision to change is the key characteristic of this crucial stage of the recovery process. The stages of addiction recovery are laid out to take advantage of this decision immediately and move forward. Support from family and friends and solid advice from a professional treatment counselor guide their thinking into hoping for a positive outcome.  Somehow the person with a substance use disorder can put aside blame, judgments and accusations and listen to reason.

The stages of addiction recovery begin with complex conflicting thoughts, emotions, and feelings about the addictive substance. Ambivalence and denial are constantly fought in the first hours of rehab, with the help of professional therapists who can ease confusion. During this initial stage, the treatment plan is to keep the goal of sobriety at the forefront and encourage continual participation in recovery.

Assessment is initiated, an addiction history is taken, and the treatment plans are introduced to the patient. Exploration of the stages of addiction recovery includes pointing out the severe effects of addiction. Next, engaging the patient to embrace their decision to change can include looking at their feelings of denial. Finally, one can implement the plan, and treatment proceeds to the third stage.

The Third Stage

This complex and challenging stepping stone of sobriety includes detoxification from the substance and difficult withdrawal symptoms. This stage points to the importance of professional addiction treatment programs. Perhaps the turning point towards sobriety is the most intense of all the stages of addiction recovery; detox or early abstinence is the turning point toward sobriety. The following factors outline the challenges presented in the third stage of addiction recovery.

  • Identifying triggers and how to handle cravings
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Physicality of cravings
  • Psychological dependence

Acquiring coping skills during this phase is imperative. The positive and healthy coping skills learned during this challenging stage will carry the patient through recovery. Encouragement from the treatment team is paramount. Strategies learned in the stages of addiction recovery will be used throughout the first ninety days of recovery treatment.

  • Participating in healthy activities
  • Self-help group participation
  • Learning to recognize triggers as they occur
  • Healthy and positive behavior changes to turn to

The Fourth Stage

Moving out of treatment after ninety days is the action stage of maintaining abstinence. Some patients may have begun treatment involving detox and inpatient treatment during the first ninety days of sobriety. Others may have participated in an outpatient treatment program. The stages of addiction recovery have built the foundation for the newly sober patient to learn how to rely upon their freshly learned skills.

The coping skills learned in treatment help with the following lifestyle factors and avoiding relapse:

  • Avoiding substituting addictions
  • Building positive and healthy relationships
  • Living a drug-free lifestyle
  • Understanding and implementing occupational skills and money management
  • Processing emotions and feelings in a healthy manner
  • A healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise

The Final Stage

Advanced recovery after five years sober includes living a satisfying and fulfilling life as a sober person. People in this stage can develop long-term goals. Therapies may subside, although it is always essential to consider continuation with group therapy. Successful integration of a happy and healthy life incorporates the stages of addiction recovery.

Find Help with the Stages of Addiction Recovery in Tennessee

Finding yourself in that initial stage of addiction recovery can be confusing and complicated. Freeman Recovery Center in Tennessee can guide those with substance use disorders in the initial stages of recovery. We understand how complex feelings and emotions can be during this process. Deciding to become sober is life-changing. We can help with the process. Contact us today.

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