Drug-Induced Psychosis (DIP) is a condition where an individual experiences severe mental disturbances, such as hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia, triggered by the effects of certain substances. While many associate drug-induced psychosis with the misuse of illegal drugs, it can also result from legally prescribed medications. Medical-Induced Psychosis occurs when psychotic symptoms arise as an unintended side effect of hospital-administered drugs. It’s important to note that not all psychosis is caused by drug abuse, it can also occur due to medical treatments, often beyond a person’s control.
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. It is commonly seen in various psychotic disorders, where individuals may experience distorted thoughts and altered perceptions. Symptoms often include hallucinations, where a person might see or hear things that are not present, as well as delusions, firmly held, false beliefs about themselves, their environment, or the world at large.
Psychotic disorders, including drug-induced psychosis, are often misunderstood and stigmatized. Society tends to associate psychosis with illegal drug use, overlooking cases where individuals develop the condition through no fault of their own. The reality is that Drug-Induced Psychosis can happen to anyone, regardless of their lifestyle or choices, one day, you walk into a hospital for routine treatment, and the next, your life is irreversibly changed. Understanding this helps reduce stigma, making it clear that psychotic episodes triggered by medications or other medical factors are not the fault of the individual, but rather the consequence of circumstances beyond their control.
A Victim of a Broken System
To highlight how medical treatments can lead to life-altering consequences, I want to briefly introduce Mary’s story (a pseudonym she preferred for privacy). I connected with Mary last year in a mental health support group by Stand Out for Mental Health, where she shared how a routine hospital visit unexpectedly turned into a traumatic experience. Through her story, Mary emphasizes how medical treatments can lead to severe, unanticipated changes in one’s life, highlighting the importance of understanding and compassion for those living with psychotic disorders. It is vital to create an environment where they feel accepted and supported. Offering empathy and care, free from judgment, can make a significant difference in their mental health journey.
What is Drug-Induced Psychosis ?
Drug-induced psychosis (DIP) is a condition in which an individual experiences symptoms similar to psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, and impaired thinking, as a result of using drugs or other substances. These symptoms can mirror those of psychotic disorders, including distorted thinking, altered perceptions, and a loss of touch with reality. Drug-induced psychosis can occur due to both illicit drug use and the reaction to certain prescribed medications. It is important to note that drug-induced psychosis differs from psychosis caused by substance abuse because it can result from a single episode of drug use or even the use of a prescription drug, rather than being a chronic issue tied to substance dependence.
Common Causes of Drug-Induced Psychosis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of drug-induced psychosis:
1. Medical-Induced Psychosis: This occurs when a person experiences psychosis as a reaction to prescribed medications. Medications such as steroids, certain antidepressants, and antipsychotics have been known to trigger psychotic episodes in some individuals, particularly when taken in high doses or when there is a pre-existing vulnerability to mental health conditions.
2. Substance-Induced Psychosis: This type of psychosis is triggered by the use of illicit drugs, such as hallucinogens, stimulants, and cannabis. These substances can cause an overproduction of certain brain chemicals, leading to psychotic symptoms. For example, hallucinogens like LSD or magic mushrooms, stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, and even high doses of cannabis can lead to episodes of psychosis.
How Drug-Induced Psychosis Differs from Substance Abuse Psychosis
While both drug-induced psychosis and substance abuse psychosis may involve similar symptoms, they differ in their origins. Drug-induced psychosis can occur after a single use or overuse of a substance, often occurring in individuals who might not have a history of mental health issues. On the other hand, substance abuse psychosis typically develops in individuals who have been using drugs over a long period and may have a pre-existing risk for mental health disorders.
Drug-induced psychosis is not a condition that affects only those with a history of mental illness or those who abuse substances regularly. Anyone, regardless of their mental health background, can experience drug-induced psychosis under certain medical conditions. Factors such as an individual’s brain chemistry, the type of substance used, dosage, and even genetics can play a role in whether someone might develop this. Therefore, it is important we approach those who experience drug-induced psychosis with understanding and support, as it is often beyond their control.
What Causes Drug-Induced Psychosis?
Research suggests that DIP is related to how certain substances affect the brain. Different substances can interfere with neurotransmitter systems in ways that lead to psychosis:
- NMDA Receptor Antagonism: Substances like ketamine and methoxetamine interfere with NMDA receptors, which can cause disorientation and hallucinations.
- Dopamine Overproduction: Hallucinogens, psychedelics, and stimulants (such as methamphetamine or ecstasy) can cause increased dopamine production, leading to psychotic symptoms.
- Cannabinoid Receptor Activation: Cannabis use, particularly in high doses or in individuals predisposed to psychosis, can lead to psychosis through cannabinoid receptor agonism.
- K-Opioid Receptor Activation: Some substances, like salvia, activate K-opioid receptors, contributing to hallucinations and altered perceptions.
Symptoms of Drug-Induced Psychosis
Drug-induced psychosis can present with several symptoms, which may include:
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t actually there.
- Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
- Confused Thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts and making clear decisions.
- Disorganized Speech and Behavior: Speaking incoherently or acting erratically.
- Paranoia: Feeling intensely suspicious or fearful of others.
- Agitation: Restlessness or heightened emotional responses.
- Aggression: Unprovoked or excessive anger.
Mary’s Experience – A Life Changed Forever
Mary’s life took a drastic turn in November 2021 when she was hospitalized after a distressing episode that would change her forever. At the time, she had been struggling with an intense mental health crisis, and her doctors had prescribed Chlorpromazine (CPZ), an antipsychotic medication. However, due to a series of unfortunate events, Mary was overdosed on CPZ while under the care of medical professionals at Kenyatta National Hospital. This overdose would set the stage for a traumatic experience that left her in a state of confusion.
The immediate effects of the overdose were devastating. Mary lost consciousness, her body unable to respond to her commands, rendering her speechless and unable to communicate with those around her.
“I lost consciousness, my tongue felt unbearably heavy, making it nearly impossible to pronounce words properly, and worst of all, I found myself tied down to a hospital bed, covered with a white sheet from head to toe, as though I were already dead.”
She was in a state of severe physical distress, and the hospital staff were unable to stabilize her condition quickly enough. The overdose had thrown her body into a disarray of symptoms, leading to her being transferred to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“I was abandoned there by the first medical team from Kenyatta National Hospital after the medical team realized that my condition was not immediately reversible. No one took the time to explain my condition to me, there was no explanation, just the harsh reality that I had to face alone”
Anonymous
When Mary regained consciousness, she was in an environment she did not recognize, Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH). The hospital, known for specializing in mental health care, was a stark contrast to the familiar surroundings of Kenyatta National Hospital. She woke up feeling disoriented, frightened, and confused by her new reality. The room was unfamiliar. Mary tried to piece together what had happened, but the memory of the overdose and her sudden transfer remained a blur.
“After four days of being in an unconscious state, I woke up in a dark, foul-smelling room. The mattress beneath me was filthy, and food was scattered all over the place. The horror of my situation became clear when I tried screaming for help, only to hear distant shouts from outside. It was only the following day that I realized where I was in Mathari Hospital.”
Anonymous
To make matters worse, Mary found herself abandoned by the very system that was supposed to care for her. There was a lack of clear communication regarding her condition or the cause of her sudden hospitalization. No one explained to her why she had been moved to Mathari National Hospital, and she was left with unanswered questions about what had happened during her overdose and the subsequent medical intervention. Mary struggled with feelings of helplessness, anger, and betrayal, which took a toll on her mental health recovery. Without a clear understanding of what had happened to her or why she had been subjected to such an experience, Mary’s journey to healing became even more complex and uncertain.
Mary’s time in the mental health institution was marked by extreme isolation. Hospital policies only allowed visitors for a limited time.
“Visitors were allowed, but only for five minutes at a time. For someone like me, without a strong support system, it was a very lonely and depressing place, where the isolation only deepened my pain and confusion. While the medical team did their job, the true sting of stigma came from the outside world, especially from my family.”
Anonymous
Even after Mary was discharged, the true struggle began. Rather than receiving understanding and comfort, she faced spiritual, mental, and physical rejection from her family. Instead of being met with compassion, she encountered criticism and misunderstanding, adding to the weight of her recovery. This rejection was more painful than her time in the hospital, as she sought comfort and healing but found only judgment.
Mary tried to convince her family to attend family therapy in an effort to reconcile and heal together. However, the attempt failed, and instead of bringing them closer, the emotional rift only deepened. Her family’s inability to accept the reality of her condition, along with their refusal to embrace more modern perspectives on mental health and healing, highlighted that some battles cannot be fought with others. Her family’s rigid beliefs blocked any real chance of reconciliation. Their inability to accept and support her condition led to even more emotional pain, proving that healing requires openness and mutual understanding, which she didn’t receive from her family. She came to understand that not everyone would comprehend her journey, but she could still reclaim her power and find peace in her own way.
“After the failed family therapy, I decided that it’s not my job to change everyone around me or their way of thinking. So, I mostly mind my own business now. Sometimes, I have to act as if they don’t exist, just so those negative traumas don’t take root in my mind. In short, I focus more on my self-growth and emotional independence.”
Anonymous
Healing and Coping
Mary’s journey to recovery wasn’t just about healing from the physical and psychological aftermath of drug-induced psychosis. It became a deeper process, a detox that went beyond the drugs themselves. She had to step away from toxic environments, limit the constant barrage of negative media, and let go of unhealthy habits that had kept her stuck.
“To regain control of my life, I had to undergo an intense detox, not just from drugs, but from cities, media, certain foods, and old habits that no longer served me.”
Anonymous
But even with this newfound clarity, one of her toughest challenges was facing triggers in an environment she couldn’t change. Some parts of her life were beyond her control, and that was a bitter pill to swallow. She found strength in learning how to manage those triggers, making intentional choices every day to protect her mental health.
Holding the System Accountable
In reflecting on her experience, Mary shared the message she would give to the medical professionals who treated her, urging them to acknowledge the damage caused by the overdose and the excessive injections she was administered. She emphasized the need for the healthcare system to recognize the lasting physical and emotional impact their actions had on her. For Mary, it wasn’t just about the medical mistakes, it was about humanity and accountability in healthcare.
“I would want them to know that they did a lot of damage to my system especially by overdosing me with CPZ drug and leaving my body in pain because the syringes were more than 15. They should atleast be gentle on people with any type of illnesses and treat them with equality and humanity.“
Anonymous
She called for better patient care and humane treatment of individuals undergoing medical procedures. She believes every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when vulnerable. In her case, this was lacking, and it only worsened her suffering. The medical community must strive to avoid further harm, ensuring that their patients are not subjected to unnecessary pain or distress during treatment.
In addition to improved care, Mary calls for accountability in the medical system. She stresses the importance of CCTV cameras in patient-doctor interaction areas to ensure that treatments are transparent, and that negligence or malpractice can be identified and addressed. Such measures would not only provide peace of mind for patients but also help safeguard against future incidents of neglect or mistreatment.
Rising Above, Healing Through Acceptance
Mary has a powerful message for anyone facing similar struggles with drug-induced psychosis or mental health challenges.
“Look, you’ve got to avoid being hard on yourself. Life throws some tough stuff your way, and sometimes, things just happen. Avoid being bitter and accept that shit happens. Forgive yourself, and remember, everyone deserves a second chance, especially you, so give yourself that chance to heal and grow.”
Avoid self-blame and instead focus on accepting, forgiving, and rebuilding. Healing is a process that involves embracing the reality of what happened without letting it define who you are. Mary reminds others that “shit happens“, but that doesn’t mean the journey is over. You can always give yourself another chance, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem. Every day is an opportunity for a fresh start, and it’s important to not let past experiences or mistakes hold you back from reclaiming your peace and strength.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
For Mary, her faith provides a steady anchor. One Bible verse that continues to inspire her is about not worrying about tomorrow and trusting that the journey will unfold as it’s meant to. This perspective helps her let go of anxiety and focus on what she can control in the present.
I decided to share Mary’s story to shed light on the harsh reality of drug-induced psychosis and the stigma that surrounds those living with mental health conditions. It’s easy to judge someone based on what we see. We need to understand that many people, like Mary, are going through challenges beyond their control. The next time you encounter someone struggling with a psychotic condition, I urge you to choose empathy over judgment. Instead of reinforcing stigma, let’s work towards a society where we support each other with kindness, knowing that mental health struggles don’t define a person. Everyone deserves compassion, and every story matters.
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