Withdrawal from alcohol may result in alcohol-induced psychosis during the process of detoxing. Can alcohol-induced psychosis happen to me or my loved one? What are the symptoms? What can be done to minimize risks? These are common questions for those with a loved one who may be at risk of experiencing this condition associated with alcohol withdrawal.
What Is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?
Alcohol-induced psychosis is most commonly a result of withdrawal from prolonged, high-levels of alcohol consumption. Although it is generally rare among the overall population, it is most often associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcohol dependence. Common symptoms include disconnection from reality such as irrational delusions, auditory and visual hallucinating, paranoia, disorientation and confusion. If someone you love is experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, seek immediate medical attention for them.
What Increases Risk of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?
While alcohol-induced psychosis is a serious condition requiring medical intervention, only a small percentage of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience it during withdrawal. When it occurs, it generally follows one of two scenarios:
- Alcohol poisoning – If someone consumes so much alcohol that they become at risk of alcohol poisoning, they may experience alcohol psychosis while in withdrawal. Because alcohol poisoning can be fatal, please ensure that professional medical intervention is sought as quickly as possible.
- Alcohol use disorder – Alcohol-induced psychosis can also happen when someone with chronic alcohol use disorder stops drinking for a period of time. Alcohol-induced psychosis may then occur as part of withdrawal symptoms. Again, if symptoms are noticed, please seek immediate professional medical intervention.
3 Factors That Increase Risks of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis
There are several risk factors that may lead to alcohol-induced psychosis that are more specific than the general factors facilitating why people develop alcohol dependence. Understanding these can be helpful to intervene when appropriate or limit the likelihood that the condition ever arises. Check out this blog for guidance about what helps with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Early onset of alcohol dependence – Those who are under 25 years old and develop alcohol dependence may be at higher risk of experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis. Especially among minors, alcohol use can inhibit neurological development and contribute to lasting emotional and psychological conditions.
- Early exposure to or family history of mental health challenges – A family history of a mental health challenges, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and/or exposure to alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse can increase a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Environmental factors and genetics, both “nurture” and “nature,” contribute to these risks, so proactively seeking therapy and support can help reduce the likelihood of alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder.
- Social isolation– Living alone or experiencing social isolation in other ways may worsen mental health issues, including those related to alcohol use disorder. Individuals living by themselves may experience feeling disconnected or lonely. They may also have less structure or accountability, potentially resulting in alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence to cope with these feelings.
Psychotic symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal can be scary, but health risks are often manageable once medical professionals are involved. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually temporary and related to withdrawal. Even after a few weeks of recovery, symptoms of psychosis may arise. This is often why an accredited detox or recovery program is so crucial. The right professional care team can make a critical difference in the recovery journey of your loved one.
Connect With The Ridge Today
For the premier detox and recovery program for professionals in the Midwest, contact The Ridge today. The boutique feel and expert staff ensure that each patient’s symptoms and conditions are managed appropriately, ultimately providing them with the most effective tools for their path to long-term recovery, including a comprehensive aftercare plan.
