Drug Induced Schizophrenia, Triggers, Causes, & Treatments

Schizoid Personality Disorder Statistics

Approximately 3% of the population is estimated to be affected by Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD), with a higher prevalence observed among males. The onset of the disorder typically occurs during late adolescence or early adulthood. Individuals with SPD often face challenges in establishing and maintaining friendships, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their disinterest in and lack of emotional connection with others can also impact their performance in the workplace.

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What Causes Drug induced Schizophrenia Symptoms?

We don’t fully know what causes schizophrenia symptoms brought on by drugs. But there are a few things that might cause these symptoms to show up:

• Misusing or abusing drugs: Misusing or abusing certain drugs, especially hallucinogens (like LSD and psilocybin) and stimulants (like amphetamines and cocaine), has been linked to psychosis or symptoms that look like schizophrenia.
• Neurochemical Changes: Drugs can change the balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate in the brain, which are linked to psychosis. Schizophrenia-like symptoms may be caused in part by problems with these neurochemical systems.
• Individual Vulnerability: Some people may be more likely to get psychosis or symptoms that look like schizophrenia when exposed to certain substances. This risk can be increased by having a family history of mental illness or having a mental health condition already.
• Interaction Effects: How certain drugs and a person’s unique biochemistry work together can affect how likely and bad drug induced psychosis is. The start and length of symptoms can be affected by dosage, frequency of use, and the use of multiple substances simultaneously.
• People with underlying mental health problems, like a history of psychosis, mood disorders, or personality disorders, may be more likely to develop schizophrenia-like symptoms after taking a drug.

Drugs That Can Cause Schizophrenia

Even though drugs rarely cause schizophrenia, some substances have been linked to causing or worsening psychotic symptoms that look like schizophrenia. There have been links to the following drugs:

• Hallucinogens: Drugs like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and phencyclidine (PCP) can change how people see and think, leading to hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms.
• Stimulants: Drugs like amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine can increase dopamine in the brain. This can cause psychosis or psychotic symptoms that look like schizophrenia.
• Cannabis: Even though the link is complicated and not fully understood, heavy and long-term cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
• Synthetic Cannabinoids: Synthetic cannabinoids, often sold as “synthetic marijuana” or “spice,” can have more powerful and unpredictable effects than natural cannabis. Psychotic symptoms and episodes have been linked to their use.
• Prescription drugs: In rare cases, some prescription drugs, like corticosteroids, dopaminergic agents, and some antipsychotics, can cause or make psychotic symptoms worse, including those that look like schizophrenia.

Getting Help After Drug-Induced Schizophrenia

Recovery and symptom management of drug induced schizophrenia need access to appropriate help and support after experiencing drug induced schizophrenia symptoms. Some things to think about are as follows:

• Reach out to a mental health professional specializing in treating psychotic disorders, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other healthcare provider. Your symptoms will be assessed, and a unique treatment plan will be designed for you.
• Medication management: Medications like antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to help control the symptoms of schizophrenia. You and your doctor should work together to determine the medication and dosage that will best serve your needs. Constant vigilance and fine-tuning may be required.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of psychotherapy that is effective in helping people with schizophrenia learn to manage their symptoms. Helpful in symptom control, enhanced functionality, and better health overall.
• Joining a support group or attending therapy groups designed for people with schizophrenia can be a great way to get much-needed social and emotional support. Having meaningful relationships with people who understand can alleviate isolation and provide helpful information for developing coping mechanisms.
• Adopting a healthier lifestyle can help your overall health and symptom control. This category includes maintaining a regular exercise routine, implementing stress-reduction strategies (like mindfulness or meditation), sleeping enough, and eating right.
• Substance abuse treatment is necessary if drug use is suspected as a cause of the patient’s symptoms. You should get help from addiction specialists or a treatment program to beat drug dependency and learn healthy coping strategies.
• Involving loved ones in your care allows them to learn about your condition and offer emotional support. Families should consider enrolling in therapy or educational programs to enhance communication and create a more nurturing setting.

We Level Up Washington Mental Health Center: Primary Mental Health Treatment with Secondary Co-Occurring Treatments

The We Level Up Washington primary mental health center stands ready to help. Offering secondary treatment programs for underlying conditions like drug addiction that frequently fuels harmful behaviors. Taking that first step to get the professional support you need can be life-transforming.

We know how mental health disorders and secondary co-occurring substance abuse diagnoses directly affect one another. The We Level Up Washington treatment center provides recovery programs through science-based mental health treatments that can help you feel better. Call us now for a free mental health evaluation! 

Inpatient medical detox and residential primary addiction treatment may be available at affiliated facilities at other We Level Up Treatment Centers locations beyond the Washington treatment facility.

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