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Overcome Amphetamine Psychosis with Expert Care

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of amphetamines, you might be worried about a condition called amphetamine psychosis. Although it may feel scary, you are not alone in going through this. Today, we are discussing what amphetamine psychosis is, why it happens, and how you can find help. This condition […]


Man suffering from insomnia and distress caused by amphetamine psychosis in Spokane WA

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of amphetamines, you might be worried about a condition called amphetamine psychosis. Although it may feel scary, you are not alone in going through this.

Today, we are discussing what amphetamine psychosis is, why it happens, and how you can find help. This condition is often linked to high doses or long-term use of prescription stimulants like Adderall, can lead to severe mental health challenges. However, with the appropriate help, one can recover.

What Is Amphetamine Psychosis?

Amphetamine psychosis is a mental health issue that’s triggered by amphetamine use, including prescription medications like Adderall or street drugs like methamphetamine. It mimics symptoms of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, causing a break from reality. Side effects include paranoia, hearing voices, and seeing things that are not there. Such psychotic symptoms are frightening to the sufferer as well as those who love them.

This condition often stems from high doses or prolonged use of stimulants, but it can also occur in people with no prior mental health issues. Is there good news? It is curable and knowledge of the symptoms is the initial step towards seeking assistance.

Key Symptoms of Amphetamine Psychosis

Early recognition of psychosis from amphetamines can make a big difference. The following are the most common symptoms of amphetamine psychosis.

  • Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not actually there. (Includes hearing voices; sense of seeing or feeling of shadows.)
  • Excessive fear or suspicion: The person feels paranoid and that other people are out to get them.
  • Delusions: Thinking you have special powers or are being watched, although there is no truth in this.
  • Disorganized thinking: Trouble forming coherent thoughts or speaking clearly, sometimes called a thought disorder.
  • Agitation or aggression: Experiencing distress and lashing out in manners that are otherwise uncharacteristic.
  • Confusion: Disorientation.

These symptoms often vary in intensity and may come on suddenly during a psychotic episode. When you/the person you are close to experiences any of these signs, prompt help is highly important.

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What Causes Amphetamine Psychosis?

Prescription amphetamines and recreational types boost quantities of dopamine in the brain. This effect will increase concentration and energy levels, and dopamine excess can interfere with the way the brain interprets reality. The chances of developing amphetamine-induced psychosis depend on several factors.

High Doses and Long-Term Use

Taking higher doses of amphetamines, especially over a long period, significantly increases the risk of psychosis. As an example, when an if someone abuses their Adderall prescription by staying up or to improve performance, they may push their brain over the limit, which results in psychotic symptoms.

Prescription Amphetamines

Such medications, as Adderall, intended to deal with ADHD or even narcolepsy, remain safe to use when appropriately prescribed. However, misuse (taking more than directed or combining with other substances) can lead to Adderall psychosis. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), amphetamines are among the most commonly misused prescription drugs in America.

Syringes and colorful amphetamine pills representing drug use and amphetamine psychosis in Spokane WA

What Lies Beneath Mental Health Conditions

People with conditions like bipolar disorder or a history of psychiatric disorders may be more vulnerable. Even at lower doses, amphetamines can provoke or exacerbate psychotic symptoms.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is commonly affected, and chronic sleep loss may increase the threat of psychosis occurring. Throw in the stress of other substance abuse, and the brain is even more vulnerable.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

People have a genetic predisposition to psychosis, and factors like trauma or drug abuse may increase the risk of such adverse effects. The interplay of these elements can make psychosis amphetamine more likely.

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How Common Is Amphetamine Psychosis?

Amphetamine psychosis is more common than you might think, especially among those who misuse stimulants. Research indicates that 40 percent of those who considerably abuse methamphetamine can experience at least psychotic symptoms. Even with prescription stimulants, misuse can lead to similar outcomes. In the United States, where prescription amphetamines are widely used, cases of Adderall and psychosis are on the rise, particularly among young adults.

How Does Amphetamine Psychosis Differ from Other Psychotic Disorders?

You might wonder how amphetamine psychosis compares to conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The key difference is that amphetamine psychosis is directly tied to stimulant medications use. With the drug out of the system, symptoms tend to improve, and recovery may be a long-term process. On the contrary, schizophrenia is a persistent illness and, in most instances, has to be dealt with over a prolonged period.

It is, however, a difficult task to differentiate the two, particularly when a person is already affected by a pre-existing mental condition. An expert should assess this to identify the reason and address it with treatment.

Word “psychosis” surrounded by scattered pills symbolizing amphetamine psychosis and drug abuse in Spokane WA

Health Risks of Amphetamine Psychosis

Left untreated, amphetamine psychosis leads to serious consequences. In addition to the acute suffering that involves psychotic symptoms, there are other risks that include the following.

  • Deterioration of physical health: Constant stimulants may cause stress on the heart, elevate blood pressure, and reduce weight.
  • Mental health deterioration: Repeated psychotic episodes may worsen underlying psychiatric disorders.
  • Occupational and social damage: This can cause depreciation of relations and may force a person to lose a job or get into trouble with the law.
  • Higher chances of addiction: The abuse of amphetamines may turn into an addiction, and recovery becomes more daunting.

The quicker you get help, the better chances you have of getting better soon.

Treatment Options for Amphetamine Psychosis

If you or a loved one is experiencing amphetamine psychosis, there’s hope. The treatment involves quitting the use of the stimulants and managing the symptoms. What you can expect is the following.

Emergency Care

A psychotic episode requires urgent attention. Doctors may use antipsychotic medications to calm symptoms like hallucinations or paranoia. Such medications that stabilize the brain chemistry consist of drugs like risperidone or olanzapine. Antipsychotics are useful in the treatment of acute psychosis, but have to be observed with caution with reference to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Detox and Withdrawal

A medically assisted detoxification program will help you withdraw safely, which can be accompanied by tiredness, depression, or temperamental changes. The treatment is usually done in a facility where your progress can be monitored by professionals.

Therapy and Counseling

Recovery is founded on therapy. Options include the following.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is used to help with negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is a widely used treatment for addiction and mental health disorders.
  • Family Therapy: Helps loved ones make sense of the condition and restore trust.
  • Motivational Interviewing: Prompting thoughts on sobriety and healthier patterns.

These therapies address both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues, like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.

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To recover, consider inpatient or outpatient rehabs. Inpatient treatment provides a structured environment, whereas outpatient programs offer flexibility. Outpatient works for those with minimal addictions and other responsibilities, such as family or work commitments. They both focus on developing coping skills and recurrence prevention.

Support Groups

Meeting with others who have gone through similar or different issues can be very empowering. Peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a feeling of community. Listening to others and sharing your story may also help remind you that recovery is possible.

Preventing Amphetamine Psychosis

The first step of prevention is awareness. In case you are prescribed amphetamines, be cautious with the instructions given by your doctor. Avoid taking higher doses or using the medication for non-medical reasons. Good practices include the following.

  • Check your mental health: Be on the edge to notice early signs of anxiety, paranoia or sleep problems.
  • Sleep well: It is important to have enough rest, and sleep can help avoid psychosis.
  • Early intervention: If you already begin to experience changes in thoughts and behavior, consult a doctor or a therapist.
  • Do not mix drugs: Sometimes, combining amphetamines with other drugs or alcohol may increase the risks.

To the illegal amphetamine abuser, quitting is obviously the best solution. This can feel overwhelming, but is made easier with professional assistance.

Why Get Treatment in Spokane Valley, Washington?

If you’re in Spokane Valley or nearby areas, you have access to compassionate, expert care for amphetamine psychosis. We create an environment where you are not expected to be at a certain stage within your treatment because each patient receives a tailored approach to overcome both drug addiction and mental disorders.

  1. Where in Spokane Valley, Washington, can you find treatment for amphetamine psychosis?

    We Level Up Washington is a treatment center that provides detox, therapy, and rehab programs focusing on stimulant misuse and psychosis. Contact us to learn more about our Spokane Valley treatment programs, designed to help you or your loved one recover.

  2. Where in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, can you find treatment for amphetamine psychosis?

    Coeur d’Alene is only within a short driving distance of Spokane Valley, where you can receive top-notch help at We Level Up Washington.

  3. Can amphetamine psychosis be treated at home?

    While some recovery steps can happen at home, amphetamine psychosis often requires professional intervention, especially during detox and acute psychotic episodes. A hospital and then a rehabilitation facility offer the surest and best way of recovery.

  4. How long does recovery from amphetamine psychosis take?

    The acute symptoms can disappear within a few days to weeks upon the cessation of amphetamines, and the complete restoration, such as the therapy and the relapse prevention, requires months. An individualized plan gives the most positive results.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Amphetamine psychosis is a serious but treatable condition. Whether it’s triggered by Adderall misuse, high doses of methamphetamine, or long-term stimulant use, help is available. The effects of stimulants can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment, including medication, therapy, and support, you can reclaim your life or help someone you love do the same.

Contact us today so we can create a treatment plan for you or a loved one. As your team, we are eager to answer all your questions, provide advice, and develop a plan tailored to your needs. Together, we can take the first steps toward recovery and a sober life. 

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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.

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