Both opiate use and opiate withdrawal are linked to the development of psychotic symptoms. Psychosis and drug use is a dangerous combination, but it can be treated.
Article at a Glance:
- Opiates have been proven to cause psychotic symptoms.
- If you are using prescription opioids and experience psychosis, it is important to contact your physician.
- Psychosis and drug use is a dangerous combination, but it can be treated.
- Attempts to treat psychosis without treating the co-occurring opiate use, or vice versa, are often unsuccessful.
- If you have an opiate addiction and a co-occurring mental health issue, you need comprehensive treatment.
Can Opiates Cause Hallucinations?
Opiates arenot typically associated with psychosis. However, people may experience psychotic symptoms likehallucinations, delusions andirritabilitywhile under the influence of opioids or while experiencing withdrawal.
When a person is high and seeing things, they can quickly end up in a situation that’s dangerous to both themselves and others. They are already thinking irrationally, and if they are having vivid hallucinations, they can, unfortunately, hurt themselves or someone else.
Causes of Opiate Psychosis
Opioid use and opioid withdrawal are both known to cause psychotic symptoms. The opioids most commonly linked to psychosisinclude:
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Tramadol
- Hydromorphone
- Buprenorphine
- Pentazocine
- Oxycodone
Conversely, stopping opioids has sometimes caused psychosis. Withdrawal psychosis symptoms have been seen in people who stopped using certain opioids,including:
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- Tramadol
- Oxycodone
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Heroin
To prevent psychotic symptoms and other unpleasant withdrawal side effects, it is important to seek medical assistance when detoxing from an opioid.
How Long Does Opiate Psychosis Last?
Studies showthat opioid withdrawal psychosis symptoms can start within a few days after stopping an opioid. These symptoms typically begin improving within a couple of weeks, especially with treatment. Treatment can include prescribing an antipsychotic medication like risperidone to ease psychotic symptoms.
When psychosis is caused by opioid use, the psychosis may stopimmediatelyif naloxone is administered. Psychotic symptoms may also resolve if the opioid isswitchedto a different one, such as oxycodone.
Opiate Psychosis Treatment
When seeking treatment for opioid use and psychosis, it is critical to find a recovery center that specializes in treating co-occurring disorders. Some psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, can make participation in recovery and treatment activities difficult. However, combined treatment that incorporateseffective medications like antipsychotics, cognitive-behavioral therapy and a supportive aftercare plan can increase the chances of successful recovery from both opioid use and psychosis.
With the right care, you can create lasting freedom from opioid use and open the door to a healthier, more stable life. The Recovery Village offers co-occurring disorder support and treatment provided by experienced mental health professionals. If you or someone you know has experienced psychosis due to a co-occurring opioid use disorder,contact ustoday to speak with a representative and learn about treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
