CONDITIONS WE TREAT
PROGRAMS
Intensive residential treatment program starting from 4 weeks. Location: Mallorca, Zurich, London.
Comprehensive second opinion assessments for both psychiatric and general health concerns. Location: Mallorca, Zurich, London
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
11 Minutes
CONTENTS
As a commonly used illicit drug, cocaine is famous among the young and old for its ability to trigger temporary euphoria, increased energy, and alertness. However, the effects of cocaine on mental health can be far more complex. Among the most concerning potential mental consequences is cocaine psychosis, a condition where individuals lose touch with reality, resulting in dangerous and unpredictable behavior. While every individual does not experience this issue, its onset can be sudden and highly stressful. This article examines the nature of cocaine psychosis, its causes, and strategies for the prevention and treatment of this condition effectively.
Cocaine is a potent stimulant that can cause intense effects on both the brain and the body. The drug works in different ways to induce related impacts, such as:
According to research, the primary impact of cocaine is on the brain’s neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for controlling the feelings of pleasure and reward. When an individual uses cocaine, the drug inhibits the brain’s ability to reabsorb dopamine, which causes large amounts of the chemical to build up. The excess of dopamine then leads to intense feelings of euphoria and energy usually associated with the drug. [1]
However, the increase in dopamine is unnatural and interferes with the brain’s normal functioning. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to natural dopamine production, making it challenging for users to get pleasure from daily activities without the drug. This situation can cause consistent irritability and mood swings when not using cocaine, paving the way for serious mental health problems.
Studies show coke’s impacts are not limited to the brain but extend to the entire nervous system. It triggers users’ fight-or-flight response, leading to heightened blood pressure and energy levels. This state makes users feel more energized, but it also causes a lot of stress in the body. [2]
With regular use, the constant state of overstimulation can overwhelm the nervous system. Consequently, the body will struggle to manage the ongoing stress, resulting in issues like insomnia and anxiety. This response also elevates the risk of panic attacks and paranoia.
Cocaine’s effects on the heart are among the most dangerous and reported effects of the drug. It constricts the blood vessels, decreasing the oxygen flow to many organs, including the heart. This situation raises the likelihood of heart attacks, even in otherwise healthy and young individuals. The drug also increases blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to the strain on the cardiovascular system. [3]
Cocaine psychosis is a severe mental condition that occurs as a result of consistent or heavy cocaine use. Although it is confused with drug-induced paranoia, studies show condition is different and often much more severe. [4] The following is an overview of cocaine psychosis and its comparison with other similar issues:
While drug-induced paranoia is associated with feelings of fear or suspicion, cocaine psychosis takes these emotions even further. In cocaine psychosis, individuals develop extreme delusions with no connection to reality. For instance, they may believe they are being followed or persecuted. These delusions continue even when there is no actual danger, and long after, the immediate effects of the drug diminish.
Cocaine psychosis includes more disturbing hallucinations in comparison with typical drug-induced hallucinations. While recreational drug users experience visual or auditory distortions, they usually know what they are seeing or hearing is not real. On the other hand, those experiencing cocaine psychosis believe their hallucinations are real. This can result in dangerous or violent actions, as individuals can act on these perceptions and may not understand they are untrue.
Cocaine psychosis can last much longer than drug-induced mental disturbances. While paranoia or mild hallucinations fade as the drug leaves the system, cocaine psychosis can stay for days or even weeks. The long duration, combined with the severity of delusions and hallucinations, makes it a specifically dangerous issue compared to other mental health problems caused by drug use.
Cocaine psychosis causes various symptoms that affect the user’s mental and emotional health. These symptoms can vary in intensity based on factors like the amount of cocaine used, combination with other substances, individual health, and others. Generally, the condition is linked to the following symptoms:
One of the most common signs of cocaine psychosis is hallucinations. These are sensory experiences that seem real but are created by the mind, and may include:
Delusions are another known sign of cocaine psychosis. The individual holds these false beliefs, even when presented with evidence. It may include:
Cocaine psychosis also causes changes in behavior, making the person unpredictable.
Cognitive function is severely impacted during cocaine psychosis, causing confusion and disorganized thinking.
Cocaine psychosis does not occur overnight. It develops slowly, as users binge use cocaine, and progresses through several stages, including the following:
Cocaine psychosis typically starts with minor changes in behavior and thinking. In the early stages, users may have increased anxiety or feel unusually suspicious of people around them. These feelings may be dismissed as typical drug-related paranoia, but they show the brain’s response to overstimulation from cocaine.
In this stage, individuals may still have some sense of reality, though they could begin to withdraw from social interactions or become suspicious. As cocaine continues to interfere with the brain’s functioning, these warning signs can worsen. Users may notice increased restlessness and difficulty concentrating, which are early symptoms that the brain cannot balance normal cognitive processes.
As individuals begin to use more cocaine or the doses increase, the general anxiety and suspicion may develop into paranoia. This is when thoughts become dominated by irrational fears. Users may start to believe that others are trying to harm them. At this stage, the user’s connection to reality begins to weaken, and they usually struggle to understand that their thoughts are irrational.
Mild delusions may also occur, although they may not entirely overtake the individual’s mind. These delusions include beliefs about others’ intentions or fears of being watched. What differentiates this stage is the user’s ability to occasionally step back and be normal, even though these moments become less frequent over time.
In the final stage, cocaine psychosis sets in. By this point, the individual’s thoughts and perceptions are overtaken by delusions and hallucinations. Reality becomes so distorted that the person can no longer differentiate between real and imagined aspects. The mind loses its ability to function normally, and paranoia becomes an everyday occurrence. As a result, the individual is likely to act on irrational beliefs, sometimes resulting in dangerous situations. The change from paranoia to complete psychosis can happen over several weeks or even after a single binge session, depending on the amount and frequency of cocaine use.
Once cocaine psychosis has fully developed, it repeats and worsens with continued use. The individual experiences periods of intense psychosis even when not using the drug. This is because their brain chemistry is permanently altered. These effects can make recovery more complex and can push users into using more substances in an attempt to control mental distress.
Cocaine psychosis can lead to lasting damage even after the immediate psychological distress it causes diminishes. These chronic effects may include:
One of the serious long-term effects of cocaine psychosis is permanent cognitive problems. According to research, chronic exposure to high doses of cocaine can result in irreversible alterations in brain function. This can cause memory issues, difficulty focusing, and loss of problem-solving abilities. These cognitive deficits can stay even after the psychosis ends, making it challenging for individuals to return to everyday life. In some cases, the brain may be unable to recover, leaving the users with lasting cognitive problems. [5]
Having cocaine psychosis increases the chances of developing lasting mental health disorders, even after the psychosis has been treated. Individuals who experience cocaine-induced psychosis are at an elevated risk of having disorders like schizophrenia and depression. The distress caused by the psychosis can contribute to or worsen pre-existing mental health problems. Such disorders may need extensive mental health treatment.
The long-term health outcomes of cocaine psychosis also affect an individual’s social and professional life. The paranoia and aggression that arise during psychosis can damage relationships at work or home. As psychosis exacerbates, individuals isolate themselves, leading to loss of employment and personal relationships. Even after recovery from psychosis, the long-term effects on trust and communication can make it challenging to rebuild personal and professional connections. This can result in financial instability and further isolation.
Studies show individuals who have cocaine psychosis once are at a higher risk of experiencing future psychotic episodes, even without drug use. The harm caused by the initial psychosis changes brain chemistry. This means that even small amounts of stress or drugs can cause psychosis. For some, the psychosis becomes a recurring issue that needs ongoing treatment. [6]
While cocaine psychosis is a mental health issue, its effects also include various physical health issues. In many cases, persistent drug use leading to psychosis results in adverse effects on the heart and lungs. Individuals may experience long-term cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Cocaine use can also weaken the immune system, making the body vulnerable to recurring infections. The physical damage of having psychosis, combined with the effects of continued cocaine use, can decrease life expectancy as well as quality.
Cocaine psychosis is a severe condition that requires comprehensive and personalized treatment that includes multiple interventions. Following are some of the options that are generally a part of the treatment:
Cocaine psychosis is a severe and potentially life-changing condition that typically occurs due to consistent or heavy cocaine use. Characterized by delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations, it can cause dangerous behaviors and lasting consequences on the mind and body. Early identification of warning signs, getting treatment, and decreasing or eliminating cocaine use are necessary for preventing the onset of psychosis. Effective treatment options, such as medical detox, therapy, and rehabilitation, can significantly increase the chances of recovery. Awareness of the risks linked to cocaine psychosis is vital for protecting mental and general health.
Yes, it is possible to have hallucinations even when using cocaine for the first time, but this is more likely to happen with high doses. Cocaine overstimulates the brain, which can result in changed sensory perceptions, including seeing or hearing things that are not real. However, first-time users usually experience increased alertness and energy rather than full-blown cocaine hallucinations.
The duration of treatment for cocaine psychosis depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Acute symptoms may be managed within a few days or weeks, but full recovery, including treating underlying addiction and mental health issues, may take months or even longer. Ongoing therapy and support are generally essential to prevent relapse and manage long-term impacts.
Mentally stable individuals can also experience paranoia after using cocaine. The drug’s impact on neurotransmitters can cause feelings of fear and irrational thoughts, even in those with no history of mental health issues. Repeated use increases the risk of developing paranoia and other psychological problems, regardless of mental stability.
People who use cocaine very often have increased chances of developing cocaine-induced psychosis. Those with a history of mental health disorders like schizophrenia are also more vulnerable. Additionally, people who binge on large amounts of cocaine in a brief period or combine it with other substances like alcohol, face are more likely to have psychosis.
COGNIFUL is a leading provider of luxury addiction and mental health treatment for affluent individuals and their families, offering a blend of innovative science and holistic methods with unparalleled individualised care.
We believe in the healing power of a community that brings together collective wisdom and individual insight from collective group sessions and activities. We offer a variety of activities and therapies, from group workshops to communal living experiences, every aspect of our program is designed to foster growth, understanding, and self-improvement.
more infoOur program is uniquely designed to meet your needs, with our team closely monitoring your progress. Our therapists are committed to addressing the underlying causes of your challenges, not just the surface symptoms. This deep, root-level therapy extends beyond your stay with us, ensuring enduring success and well-being.
more infoOur team of specialists integrates the most effective strategies from psychological care and holistic medicine, offering you personalized support. This approach includes a range of complementary therapies, all seamlessly coordinated to work together in a comprehensive, integrative manner for your benefit.
more infoThroughout your stay, our dedicated team will ensure a personalized and nurturing experience, providing continuous support and attention. We are committed to guiding you through every step of this transformative journey.
more infoNestled in a serene location close to the calming embrace of the beach, our luxury residence is designed with healing in mind, featuring private suites that offer an oasis of tranquility. Each suite is crafted to provide a personal sanctuary where individuals can reflect, rejuvenate, and recover in peace.
more infoComplex trauma frequently underlies both mental and physical distress. We offer a secure environment, incorporating integrated trauma treatment techniques to facilitate the healing process.
more info