What Is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?

Excessive alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, including accidents due to impaired coordination, alcohol poisoning, and even psychosis—a serious but less discussed consequence.  

What Is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis? 

Alcohol-Induced Psychosis can develop during chronic use or withdrawal and is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions that disrupt one’s connection to reality. At Banyan Mental Health, we address these complex issues by treating both the addiction and the associated mental health challenges. This disorder is triggered directly by heavy drinking, and can be challenging to diagnose as its symptoms overlap with those of other disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but it is distinct in its direct correlation with alcohol use. 

Types of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis 

Alcohol-induced psychosis includes conditions such as alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, classified in the DSM-5-TR as a subtype of substance/medication-induced psychotic disorders. It involves alcohol-related hallucinations or delusions that develop during or after intoxication or withdrawal, often linked to chronic alcohol misuse but can occur after heavy drinking. 

Another form occurs during delirium tremens (DTs), a severe condition seen in people who abruptly stop drinking after chronic alcohol misuse. DTs present confusion, agitation, cognitive impairment, and hallucinations, often visual, and appear around 12 hours after alcohol consumption stops. 

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis 

People with alcohol-induced psychosis often show symptoms that go beyond typical alcoholism. Key indicators of this condition include: 

• Visual or auditory hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. 

Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis: Individuals may experience vivid and often distressing hallucinations. These can be auditory (hearing voices or sounds that don’t exist) or visual (seeing non-existent people or objects), which often leads to heightened anxiety and confusion. 

• Delusions: False beliefs that are not grounded in reality. 

Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis: Irrational beliefs, particularly paranoid delusions, are common. A person may believe they are in immediate danger or that others are conspiring against them, despite evidence to the contrary. 

• Paranoia: Extreme distrust or suspicion, often accompanied by irrational fears. 

Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis: This can be intensified by disorientation and a sense of being lost or unsure of surroundings. Individuals may struggle to recognize familiar faces or environments. 

Other Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis include: 

• Disorientation: Affected individuals often feel disoriented, unsure of where they are or what time or day it is. Recognizing familiar faces or surroundings may also be difficult. 
• Agitation: Restlessness and heightened anxiety can result in erratic or purposeless movements, along with increased irritability. 
• Mood Swings: Emotional fluctuations may occur rapidly, with intense shifts between fear, anger, or sadness in a short span of time. 
• Impaired Memory and Attention: Cognitive difficulties are common, including trouble with memory and focusing on conversations or tasks. 
• Physical Symptoms: Physical signs such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors, and elevated blood pressure often accompany the psychological symptoms. 
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are typical, exacerbating confusion and fatigue. 

The presence of hallucinations or delusions, particularly during withdrawal or periods of prolonged alcohol use, signals the need for professional intervention. Differentiating alcohol-induced psychosis from other mental health conditions can be done by looking at the individual's family history. If there is a history of alcohol abuse without a prior family history of psychotic disorders, this can point to alcohol as the primary trigger for the psychosis. 

Seeking Help for Alcohol-Induced Psychosis 

The combination of addiction and mental health disorders can feel overwhelming, but dual-diagnosis treatment offers a comprehensive approach to addressing both conditions. For those experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, early intervention is crucial. Treatment centers like Banyan Mental Health provide substance-induced psychosis treatment, helping individuals manage the psychological symptoms of alcohol abuse while addressing the root cause of their addiction. 

Our specialized co-occurring disorder programs offer: 

• Individualized treatment plans that target both addiction and mental health. 
• Comprehensive care from medical professionals trained to manage complex cases. 
• Holistic treatment options, such as therapy, medication management, and support groups. 

At Banyan, we are committed to helping individuals regain control of their lives and achieve lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, don’t wait to seek help. 

Take the First Step to Treatment Today 

Alcohol-induced psychosis is a serious and complex condition, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. At Banyan Mental Health, we offer specialized dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both the mental health and substance use challenges associated with this condition. However, it's important to note that not all of our facilities treat alcohol-related substance abuse. 

To ensure that you or your loved one receives the most appropriate care, we encourage you to reach out to the specific facility you're considering for more information about the services they offer. Our team can help guide you to the right program based on your unique needs. Whether it’s managing withdrawal symptoms, treating psychosis, or creating a long-term plan for recovery, we are here to help. 

Contact Banyan Mental Health today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our dual diagnosis programs and to find the facility best suited to your treatment needs. Begin your journey toward healing with the care and support you deserve. 

Sources:

1. NCBI- Alcohol Related Psychosis
2. Healthline - Alcohol Induced Psychosis
3. Castle Craig - Alcohol Psychosis Symptoms