Tag: Schizophrenia

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How to Help Someone with Schizophrenia: Strategies for Care

Schizophrenia is almost always a severe and disabling mental health disorder. Managing this condition is usually a lifelong process; however, with the right care and professional treatment, it is possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life with this disorder. 

If you know someone navigating this condition, you can offer support during this crucial time by helping them find professional treatment for schizophrenia.

Understanding Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric condition that is characterized by a disruption in thought patterns, sensory perception, reactions to emotions, and connections with others.  Symptoms of this disorder usually appear during late adolescence or early adulthood, with the most common symptoms being hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. These symptoms can have a major influence on every area of a person’s life.

Schizophrenia’s long-term effects can vary depending on factors such as your loved one’s treatment plan, medication management, when they started treatment, and overall health. Some common long-term effects of schizophrenia include: 

  • Reduced emotional expression
  • Less motivation to accomplish goals
  • Difficulty with social relationships
  • Motor and cognitive impairment

Myths about Schizophrenia

While this disorder can be complicated, there are a few things that schizophrenia is not. 

Myth #1: People with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous. Inherently, people with schizophrenia are not violent. They are actually 14 times more likely to be victimized compared to being the perpetrator.

Myth #2: Schizophrenia is directly caused by a bad childhood or a traumatic event. Schizophrenia is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. It’s a complex interplay of various factors. Parenting style or a single traumatic event does not cause schizophrenia. 

Myth #3: Schizophrenia is untreatable. While there is no cure for schizophrenia, it is a treatable condition. Antipsychotic medications, therapy, and psychosocial interventions can help manage this condition.

Myth #4: People with schizophrenia can’t work or lead meaningful lives. With proper treatment, support, and management, many people with schizophrenia can have fulfilling lives, maintain jobs, and have meaningful relationships. 

Educating Yourself

Schizophrenia is a very complex condition. The more you know about the disorder, and what your loved one is going through, the better equipped you both are to navigate it.

Doing your own research and talking to a medical professional who’s knowledgeable about schizophrenia ensures that you have a well-rounded understanding of the disorder. Reading up on the condition can provide you with a basic understanding of the symptoms, treatments, and potential risks associated with the illness. And speaking with a doctor can provide you with personalized insights and information. Doing both of these can ensure that you are as informed as possible.

Professional Help for Schizophrenia

In all cases, people with schizophrenia need professional help. And the earlier they get treatment, the better chance they have to live a fulfilling life. You can help them find appropriate resources, make appointments, or go with them to appointments if they are okay with that. 

Contact a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist, to develop a treatment plan. If you are having trouble finding an available professional, go to your primary care physician first. They will be able to refer you to the appropriate person. 

From here, incorporating therapy into their routine will be key. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and social and life skills training can help your loved one learn coping strategies, manage symptoms, and improve social skills. They’ll learn new ways of thinking about and managing their hallucinations and delusions.

Medication Management

Medication management is a cornerstone to treating schizophrenia. Your loved one will be prescribed antipsychotic medication. There are 2 groups of antipsychotics—first-generation, or “typical,” and second-generation, or “atypical.” These both affect the dopamine receptors in the brain, and second-generation also affect the serotonin receptors. Talk to your doctor to see which medication is right for their needs. They may also need prescriptions to manage co-occurring disorders, like substance use or depression. 

Combining medication with therapeutic interventions can be very effective in keeping symptoms under control and providing a more fulfilling life. Your doctor should regularly check in to ensure that the medication is working properly and monitor for any potential side effects. If you notice the medications have adverse side effects, or making schizophrenia symptoms worse, seek help from a medical professional right away. 

Navigating Crisis Situations

When someone with schizophrenia is in crisis, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs to ensure their safety and well-being. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that could result in the person harming themselves or someone else. Seek professional help promptly if you see your loved one experiencing these signs:

  • Symptoms suddenly get worse
  • Social withdrawal
  • Intense paranoia
  • Resistance to treatment or medications
  • Decline in personal hygiene

If you believe the person is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Try to keep them in a safe, controlled environment. With a professional, develop a crisis management plan that outlines steps they can take when they experience elevated hallucinations or delusions. Include emergency contacts, coping strategies, and resources they can turn to for support.

Your Role in Their Recovery

Supporting someone with schizophrenia requires patience, understanding, and a compassionate approach. Your loved one will likely need some guidance, at least in the beginning of their recovery journey. But with your help, they can live a full, rewarding life.

Supporting Daily Living

A key element of your loved one’s treatment plan will be creating a structured routine. Help them build a daily schedule that includes regular meal times, medication management, and designated relaxation or leisure activities. Encourage healthy habits, such as proper nutrition and exercise. Offer to join them in this healthy lifestyle to keep them motivated. 

You can also help them maintain connections with friends, family, and support groups. Social activities can keep them from isolating and the negative effects that has on their mood.

Run through their crisis management plan regularly. Be sure that they have all the tools and skills to successfully navigate difficult symptoms, especially if you’re not there to support them in the moment.

Managing Symptoms and Challenges

Outside of therapy and medication, your loved one will also learn and practice coping skills for their symptoms. They should primarily be aware of the places, people, and things that trigger their hallucinations or delusions. They can, at first, avoid these stimuli and later work through their triggering effects. If symptoms do arise, they can manage them in a few ways:

  • Reality Testing: They can remind themselves that the hallucination is not real. Challenge the experience by asking, “Is there any evidence that supports this?”
  • Distraction: Reading, drawing, or doing puzzles, helps shift focus away from hallucinations.
  • Grounding Techniques: Your loved one can describe what they see, touch, hear, smell, and taste to help ground themselves in reality.
  • Positive Self-Talk: They can repeat affirmations or calming statements to counteract hallucinations’ negative or distressing messages.

While you can be an anchor during hard moments, make sure your loved one has consistent help and direct contact with a professional.

Patience and Empathy

Talking to someone with schizophrenia allows you to show empathy, patience, and understanding. Ask them how they feel or what they’re experiencing to show that you genuinely care and want to listen. Ensure they know you’re there for them and that they don’t have to go through this alone. And celebrate small achievements along the way because recovery is more fun when you give yourself credit for all the work you’re putting in. 

Their progress might be gradual, so show your loved one, and yourself, compassion. Be sure to prioritize your own well-being. While this process can be rewarding, taking time for yourself is important. Lean on friends and family for support.
There is hope for the person in your life who has schizophrenia. With a little guidance, and professional schizophrenia treatment, they can unlock the door to a fulfilling life.

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Drug-Induced Psychosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Drug-induced psychosis can be caused by a number of substances, and can trigger underlying mental health conditions. Here’s how to recognize a psychotic episode, what to do if someone you know is having one, and how to go about getting treatment for long-term recovery.

Definition and Causes

According to the American Psychological Association, drug-induced psychosis (DIP) is “a psychotic state resulting from use or abuse of a variety of illicit or therapeutic substances.” Whether from prolonged use, high levels of use, or substances that are more likely to cause a negative reaction, DIP is an extreme reaction that requires immediate care. Substances alone can cause psychotic episodes, or they can trigger underlying mental health conditions. Drug-induced psychosis can also happen during withdrawals. 

Certain substances are known to more commonly trigger psychosis.

Common Substances Linked to Psychosis

Substances like hallucinogens, stimulants, and some prescription drugs can trigger psychotic episodes. While a variety of factors may lead to this acute mental state, certain substances have a known history of being linked with psychosis. 

Stimulant or Amphetamine Psychosis

It’s not uncommon for people who use stimulants like meth regularly to experience psychosis, usually as a result of sleep deprivation combined with the drug’s effects. This “transient psychosis”2 usually takes place during use and subsides after coming down. Using sedatives like opioids or benzos to sleep off a meth binge can also increase this risk. Researchers say “There is ongoing debate about whether the amphetamines themselves produce the psychotic symptoms,3 if they unmask vulnerabilities in individuals already susceptible to psychosis, or both.” 

Synthetic Drugs

Also known as bath salts, designer drugs, or novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the clinical world, these chemical compounds are known to cause intense, unpredictable effects. As synthetic drug use continues to rise, so do a range of “new psychoses”4 that differ from psychotic episodes clinicians have seen in the past. 

The adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoids5 (such as K2 and Spice) can include “paranoia, catatonia, dissociation, auditory, and/or visual hallucinations.” These drugs can also trigger psychosis in people with underlying psychotic disorders. 

Marijuana and Schizophrenia

Consuming high doses of cannabis can sometimes result in a form of drug-induced psychosis that includes symptoms like “delusions of being controlled by an outside force,6 grandiose identity, persecution, thought insertion, auditory hallucinations, altered perceptions, and emotional blunting.” There’s also a possibility that marijuana can trigger schizophrenic episodes,7 or cause earlier onset of schizophrenia. 

A range of other substances can also cause drug-induced psychosis:

  • Alcohol 
  • Cocaine 
  • Dissociatives such as PCP and ketamine 
  • Hallucinogens such as LSD or mushrooms 
  • Prescription drugs (opioids, antidepressants, etc.) 

Your likelihood of psychotic symptoms may have to do with your individual sensitivity to certain drugs. Some substances, like synthetic drugs, can cause severe reactions within just one use—regardless of your tolerance.

Symptoms of Drug-Induced Psychosis

Drug-induced psychosis symptoms can be grouped into 3 categories: 

1. Thoughts 

Someone experiencing psychosis might have delusions like thinking they have special powers, or being paranoid that someone is following them. Hallucinations—sensory experiences that aren’t based in reality—are also very common.  

2. Feelings

Drug-induced psychosis usually involves some combination of fear, agitation, and confusion. Someone might experience a roller coaster of emotions: being angry one minute, and depressed and lethargic the next. 

3. Behaviors  

Someone in this state might have a hard time remembering things or being present in conversations. They may laugh at things that aren’t funny or otherwise respond inappropriately to situations. They’ll likely have trouble interpreting social cues or being aware of their surroundings.  

Drug-induced psychotic episodes can be highly dangerous. They can even be fatal if someone is seriously injured due to erratic behavior, or has a physiological response to their heightened state, such as cardiorespiratory collapse.8 

That’s why it’s important to recognize early warning signs. The most common symptoms of DIP9 include distorted perceptions, hallucinations, disorientation, and memory problems.

How Long Does Drug-Induced Psychosis Last?

Drug-induced psychosis symptoms typically appear quickly, setting in shortly after use. In most cases, they go away within a few days or so—but not always. Some people experience lingering symptoms for weeks or even months after the episode. And for those who have an underlying mental health condition triggered by DIP, the experience can be life-changing. 

Can DIP Be Permanent or Long-Term?

Whether or not you incur long-term effects of drug-induced psychosis has to do with a few factors. One study found that while most people with substance-induced psychotic disorders eventually recovered,10 “those who started illegal drug use early, used drugs for prolonged periods, or had a family history of psychiatric illnesses were more likely to develop a chronic psychosis.” The same study found that 60% of patients’ symptoms went away within a month, 30% had symptoms lasting 1-6 months, and 10% had long-term symptoms or a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Those patients more commonly had a family history of mental illness, and had been using drugs longer. 

The duration of symptoms can also depend on what substance that caused the episode. One study on psychosis from synthetic cannabinoid use11 said “The protracted presence of psychotic symptoms well beyond acute intoxication—sometimes lasting months—is concerning.” Other research found that for those who have psychotic reactions to synthetic cannabinoids,12 the “effects are usually transient and resolve within 5 to 8 days; however, up to one-third of patients will transition to schizophrenia.”

It’s important to keep in mind that for most people who experience DIP, symptoms resolve relatively quickly. If you’re concerned about symptoms you have, it’s vital to get an accurate diagnosis from a professional.

Risk Factors and Vulnerability

Drug Sensitivity

Some people simply have stronger reactions to substances. “People who have experienced psychosis tend to be particularly sensitive to the effects of drugs13 and can experience negative effects even at very low levels of use,” explains researcher Frances Kay-Lambkin.

Using the Same Substance Again

Chances of another psychotic episode14 also go up drastically if you use the same drug again. The good news is that this can be avoided by abstaining from that drug. One study on cannabis-related DIP15 found that “patients who completely abstained from cannabis after the 1st episode of Cannabis-Induced psychosis had no relapse of psychiatric illness.”   

Genetics and Environment

Genetics can also play a role. “Primary and drug-induced psychosis seems to be genetically interlinked,”16 say neuropathology researchers Vahid Farnia and Senobar Golshani. For example, “Relatives of amphetamine users with a history of amphetamine psychosis are five times more at risk of developing schizophrenia compared with amphetamine users without a history of psychosis.” 

Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions

People with pre-existing mental illnesses are at higher risk of drug-induced psychosis.17 Some people with psychotic disorders—whether or not they’re diagnosed—self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Substance use, in turn, worsens symptoms of mental health conditions. Some symptoms of drug-induced psychosis overlap with those of some mental health disorders, making it hard to tell what the exact cause is. 

Differentiating From Underlying Mental Illness

Drug-induced psychosis symptoms are similar to other psychotic disorders, but they typically come on suddenly (after drug use) and go away faster. But underlying conditions, co-occurring disorders and the unpredictable nature of DIP makes it complex to diagnose. Untangling the difference between a drug-induced psychotic episode and a primary psychotic disorder can be difficult, even for professionals. 

“A struggling clinical dilemma is how to clearly identify a substance-induced psychosis from a primary psychotic illness or a psychotic illness with comorbid substance use,” say researchers on substance-induced psychoses.18 And differentiating between the two is necessary for effective treatment. 

Because symptoms of psychoses can be similar19 regardless of their origin, clinicians may use a patient’s clinical history, as well as detailed assessments, to make a diagnosis. If you’ve experienced symptoms of psychosis, it’s important to get a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.  

Treatment Approaches

What to Do Immediately Following

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends these steps if you see a loved one having a psychotic episode:20

  • Stay calm 
  • Listen 
  • Be empathetic to what they’re going through
  • Focus on the person, not the delusion
  • Offer support 
  • Seek professional help

Professional Treatment With Medication

Often, doctors will prescribe medication like benzodiazepines or antipsychotics21 to help patients stabilize until the substance leaves their system. Medications may be prescribed longer-term if someone has an ongoing psychotic disorder. 

*Please note that this is not medical advice, simply an idea of what you might expect in follow-up treatment. Treatment plans should be created by qualified professionals, based on an in-depth assessment. 

Detoxing and Managing Withdrawals

Susbtance withdrawal can be dangerous under normal circumstances, but the situation is even more delicate when psychosis is involved. It’s important to detox from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. Make sure you find a reputable facility with everything you need in place for a safe and supported detox. 

And remember, detox is just the first step. Following up with an intensive treatment program, like inpatient drug rehab, is an effective way to set the stage for long-term recovery. 

Long-Term Recovery and Support

Whether or not it results in a formal diagnosis, drug-induced psychosis can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to find comprehensive support for your recovery. 

Rehab can be a great place to start. Quality addiction treatment programs not only provide intensive treatment for immediate concerns, but also teach strategies to prevent relapse and equip you with coping tools for the future. 

Search for addiction treatment centers to compare programs and contact admissions staff directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug-Induced Psychosis

What is drug-induced psychosis?

Drug-induced psychosis (DIP) is an episode where a person experiences a disconnection from reality due to the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can occur as a result of prolonged or high-level substance use, or can be triggered by specific substances, often leading to acute mental health disturbances.

Which substances are commonly associated with drug-induced psychosis?

Several substances are known to be linked to drug-induced psychosis. These include hallucinogens, stimulants (such as methamphetamine), synthetic drugs, marijuana (especially in high doses), alcohol, cocaine, dissociatives (such as PCP or ketamine), and certain prescription drugs (such as opioids or antidepressants).

How long does drug-induced psychosis typically last, and can it be permanent?

Drug-induced psychosis symptoms usually appear quickly after substance use and often subside within a few days. However, for some people, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. Whether it becomes long-term or permanent depends on various factors, including the substance used, individual sensitivity, duration of drug use, and genetic predisposition. It’s essential to seek professional evaluation and treatment for a precise diagnosis and appropriate care.
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Homelessness and Addiction: How Are They Related?

Homelessness and addiction are related. Despite this relationship, the correlation is not a certainty. But many think they are, so myths and speculations abound: 

Myth 1: “All homeless are addicts. They just need to stop using and things will get better.”

Myth 2: “Addicts always become homeless. It’s their fault.”

Myth 3: “Homeless people are violent because they’re always on drugs.”

Research, time, and empathy have proven both statements (and related ones) wrong. But homelessness and substance abuse do connect in some ways.

The 2 have a bidirectional relationship1—they can both feed into each other. Rehabs for drug and alcohol addiction can sometimes help with both issues at once, but usually, homeless people rely on shelters and specific resources for their population2. 

Homelessness and Addiction Statistics

A 2022 study by Statista found that roughly 55,000 unsheltered homeless people experience addiction3. In other studies, a third of addiction treatment patients say they’ve experienced homelessness1. And, 

Looking at the numbers, you can see addiction and homelessness connect. Addiction isn’t always the cause, but it definitely can be—and vice versa. 

How Does Addiction Lead to Homelessness?

Addiction doesn’t exclusively lead to homelessness, but it can cause it. Economic statuses, marital statuses, family relationships, and social-economic factors can all make addiction a cause of homelessness.

As an example, someone making minimum or median income would feel the financial effects of addiction almost immediately. As their limited income depletes, paying rent gets harder. 

For additional context, street prices of illicit and prescribed drugs average out to $356 per gram6. The price can be as high as $500 for heroin. An average 24-pack of beer costs around $17. 

Addiction isn’t cheap.

Many homeless adults don’t have the option of staying with family when they can’t afford rent. Their loved ones may have cut them off, moved away, or passed on. Their only viable option could be living in a shelter or on the street.

…And Does Homelessness and Drug Use Lead to Addiction?

It can. Some homeless people use opioids, weed, alcohol, and other substances to cope with the trauma of becoming homeless5. Others do it to fit in with the community. 

Homeless people may also start using substances to stay awake, sleep, or stay energized when they’re malnourished. Drug addiction can become a crutch for living homeless that takes up the funds, time, and energy they could otherwise use to get help. Homeless people might also run into legal trouble and tarnish a clean record.

And even though help exists, it’s not always easy for this population to get it.

Understanding The Challenges And Seeking Help

Whatever the cause may be of addiction and homelessness, getting help has its challenges. A lack of money, support, and knowledge leaves many thinking there’s no way out.

But there is. 

Barrier #1: Shelter And Safety

Getting help for addiction might not seem like a top priority if you don’t have somewhere safe to stay. You might be more concerned with getting cover, keeping yourself safe from others, and keeping yourself out of trouble. You likely wouldn’t have much time or mental energy to focus on treatment. 

Not all homeless people have access to shelter, even temporary overnight lodging. If they do find shelter, it’s rarely long term. 

Having a home base, even if it’s a temporary living situation in a shelter, can help your fight-or-flight mode ease down. Then, thinking about help and taking the next steps might not seem so unfeasible. 

Barrier #2: No Social Support Network

Many homeless adults don’t have anyone to help them help themselves. They don’t have anyone cheering them on. Getting help rests almost entirely on their shoulders, which can be overwhelming. 

And, if addiction is the norm in your community, you might lose what little social support you have if you stop. This could be the case for many homeless people. Even when they want to stop, change their lives, and get help, they might feel pressured to keep using. 

Barrier #3: Mental Illness And The Effects of Addiction

Mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD can prevent homeless individuals from wanting–and getting–help. Treatment for these conditions may also be difficult to maintain. Homeless people might miss treatment sessions, have to relocate, or feel unable to add repeated treatment to their lifestyle. These factors can make healthcare providers less willing to work with the homeless population1. 

Active addiction could also make getting short and long-term help difficult.

The symptoms and effects of addiction can mirror some mental illnesses, like schizophrenia. Some drugs, like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and opioids7, can cause psychosis. Many substances, including alcohol and weed, put you in an altered state of mind. This can make decisions difficult, even important ones about your health and wellbeing.

But for each barrier to treatment, even if they seem insurmountable, you have opportunities to reach them. Help awaits.

Find Support for Homelessness and Addiction

Homelessness and drug addiction don’t have to be your story. 

You can begin your recovery journey by finding shelter, if you’re living unsheltered. Some shelters take in men only or women only, while others welcome all genders. Others specifically welcome teens and runaways. Here’s a few options to consider:  

While shelters offering treatment options for substance use disorders (SUDs) aren’t as common as regular homeless shelters, they do exist across America. Most of these SUD-specific shelters provide medication-assisted treatment8 (MAT) for opioid use to combat the growing opioid epidemic. They also provide encouragement, hope, and can lower the mortality rates of addiction and overdose.
You can also find treatment in a residential rehab center as your journey continues. To see rehabs that treat drug and alcohol addiction, you can browse our list of centers with pricing, reviews, photos, and insurance.