Stress, deadlines, and the pursuit of higher goals are often a breeding ground for unhealthy coping strategies – like substance use. In California, 662,000 individuals took cocaine in 2021, many of which consumed the substance to help with their short and long-term career goals. While it might initially seem like a great way to increase your focus or boost your energy, those aren’t the only possible side effects that it might bring. Some, like cocaine psychosis, might be more harmful than helpful.
At Pacific Sands, we aim to help clients understand the potential side effects that come with taking substances like cocaine. Today, we are going to answer the question: What is cocaine psychosis?
Understanding Cocaine-Induced Psychosis
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that increases dopamine levels in the brain, triggering euphoria (along with other effects). One potential side effect of cocaine use is psychosis, which can manifest in different ways. The experience isn’t always the same for everyone – the symptoms vary in intensity from person to person.
Psychosis is a condition that has a few symptoms that lead someone to have false beliefs or experiences about reality. There are many reasons why a person would experience this, from mental health conditions to substances. One substance that results in people having a psychotic episode is cocaine.
Types of Cocaine-Induced Psychosis: Cocaine-Induced Psychotic Symptoms vs. Cocaine-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Between 50 and 75% of people who take cocaine will have psychotic symptoms of some sort, according to a study from 2021. For most people, these cocaine-induced psychotic symptoms (CIPS) are short-term. They will disappear when cocaine is no longer being regularly consumed. More severe symptoms may last for a few weeks after the last dose of cocaine has been taken.
However, a small number of people might develop what is known as cocaine-induced psychotic disorder (CIPD). This is less common and involves more long-term psychotic symptoms that persist long after someone has stopped taking the substance. In one study, they found that people who took cocaine had a lifetime prevalence of 68.4% when it came to CIPS, while those with CIPD had a 16% rate.
Recognizing Cocaine Psychosis: The 3 Key Symptoms to Watch For
There are three main signs of psychosis, and these are present in all forms, including ones that occur from cocaine. Those signs are paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. What they look like and how they manifest can significantly vary from person to person. Below, we are going to discuss these further.
What You Need to Know About Cocaine and Paranoia
Paranoia is a symptom of psychosis when a person does not trust others, no matter who they are. Symptoms might include believing that the people around them are plotting against them or feeling highly suspicious about specific people or places. Paranoia occurs in around 68% to 84% of people who take this substance, and it lasts between a few hours to days or weeks.
Cocaine-induced paranoia often requires frequent hospitalizations to become stabilized. Continuing to take cocaine will result in paranoia symptoms becoming more intense and frequent.
Cocaine Delusions: How the Substance Distorts Beliefs
Delusions are false beliefs that a person might have. Someone who has delusions, either from cocaine or another reason, will not change their beliefs even if they are given proof that they are wrong. Because cocaine creates an imbalance of dopamine in the brain, the chances of someone experiencing delusions increase. When there is an imbalance of dopamine, the brain might not be able to form proper judgments or perceive certain situations as they are.
The subject of delusions can vary from person to person. Cocaine impacts each person differently, which means that the beliefs that someone who is taking this substance has will vary in topic and severity.
Seeing the Unseen: Understanding Cocaine-Induced Hallucinations
Hallucinations are similar to delusions in that they involve things that are not true. They consist of hearing, seeing, or feeling things or sensations others cannot. For example, they might hear voices, feel insects crawling under their skin, or see an object or person that isn’t there. When it comes to cocaine, most people experience auditory hallucinations, but that doesn’t mean that the other possibilities are not possible.
Like when it comes to delusions, hallucinations are also the result of excessive dopamine in the brain. The brain is unable to determine what is real and what is not, resulting in the development of hallucinations.
Cocaine Psychosis: How Long Can Symptoms Last?
Cocaine psychosis can last from a few hours to a few days after you last took cocaine. Retaking cocaine will increase the chances that it continues longer. If someone is going through cocaine withdrawal, psychosis might last longer. This is because, during cocaine withdrawal, symptoms like paranoia are possible. Suppose you were already experiencing this before withdrawing from the substance. In that case, it might result in those symptoms continuing until it has naturally been removed from your body.
With that said, there might be more long-term effects of cocaine psychosis that result in symptoms continuing even if you are no longer taking the substance. For most people, stopping cocaine use will not result in permanent psychosis symptoms. However, suppose you have been using cocaine for several years. In that case, the substance might reduce your brain’s gray matter. This could result in memory concerns, being unable to regulate emotions and behaviors, a reduced attention span, or even the continuation of psychotic symptoms. This is not a guarantee for everyone who has taken cocaine for many years, but it is a possibility.
What Increases Your Chances of Cocaine Psychosis: Common Risk Factors You Might Have
Taking cocaine is ultimately the leading risk factor for cocaine psychosis. Even if you have taken the substance once, you might have at least mild symptoms of cocaine psychosis. However, having a cocaine use disorder makes this symptom more likely. This is because the more often you take cocaine and consume the substance for several years, the higher your risk of cocaine-induced psychosis.
Additionally, some other factors can result in someone developing cocaine-induced psychosis. These include the presence of existing mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Taking cocaine in combination with one of these disorders might increase your risk of developing symptoms associated with psychosis.
For others, they may be more likely to have psychotic symptoms due to their genetics or if they are more prone to stress. Also, depending on any medications you might be on, they can react negatively with cocaine. Depending on the medication, it might result in a cocaine-induced psychosis if you consume the substance.
Avoiding Cocaine Psychosis: Can You Prevent It From Happening?
The only way to prevent cocaine psychosis from happening is not to take cocaine. Those with a cocaine use disorder might find that easier said than done. One of the symptoms of having this condition is that you find it difficult to stop thinking or taking the substance, even when you try to cease consumption. The good news is that you don’t have to accomplish this task alone. Cocaine detox can help make it easier.
During cocaine use disorder treatment, you will work with mental health specialists who will guarantee that you remain safe and comfortable and have the tools necessary to accomplish your recovery goals. If you experience psychosis while in treatment, your care providers will ensure your stabilization and clarity.
Cocaine Psychosis and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Is Available in Santa Ana, CA
Cocaine and cocaine-induced psychosis can result in several consequences to your health, career, family, and other areas of your life. Seeking individualized treatment with your needs in mind will empower you to maintain clarity while boosting your capacity to live the life you have always wanted.
Pacific Sands is solution-focused in our approach to determine what works best for each client in recovery from cocaine use disorder. Our high-end facility has a 6-client maximum, which ensures that everyone who steps through our doors receives the dedicated care they deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 949-426-7962 today.
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