Psychosis refers to various psychiatric symptoms that occur simultaneously over a specific period, with the most notable being hallucinations and delusions. Usually, individuals with psychosis find it hard to tell the difference between hallucinations and reality, become aggressive sometimes, and are easily frightened and confused.
Alcohol induced-psychosis is triggered by abusing alcohol over time. The condition can become chronic if not treated. At Red Rock Recovery Center, we’re an alcohol rehab in Colorado that treats patients with dual diagnosis. We’re dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders and substance abuse. Our mission is to help people recover and develop the skills required to maintain long-term sobriety.
Alcohol-Induced Psychosis
Individuals who have alcohol-induced psychosis are likely to experience the condition again if they don’t stop drinking. Problems which contribute to alcohol-induced psychosis are:
- Drinking during early adolescence
- Deficiency of thiamine B1
- Not seeking medical help despite chronic alcohol abuse
- Alcohol withdrawal
Forms of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis
The commonly diagnosed types of alcohol-induced psychosis are:
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
This condition develops as a result of alcohol withdrawal. Individuals who are at a higher risk of developing DTs are those who imbibe several pints of soft or hard alcohol daily, those who have relapsed repeatedly, or those who have chronically abused alcohol for ten years or more.
Symptoms of DTs which usually start 48-72 hours after the last drink, are:
- Body tremors
- Delirium
- Sleeping for an entire day or more
- Sudden mood changes
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Stupor
- Bursts of energy
- Abrupt mental functioning changes
- Intense, sudden fear or excitement
The most life-threatening symptoms of delirium tremens are seizures, rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations, and high fever.
Treatment for this condition focuses on alleviating the symptoms as well as saving the person’s life. DTs requires emergency treatment where the medical professionals work to stabilize the individual’s hallucinations and seizures. They’ll also manage blood chemistry and check vital signs.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)
This complex condition is characterized by thiamine deficiency, which leads to long-term brain damage and two forms of mental health disorders, which can be as a result of alcohol abuse. The two conditions are Wernicke’s disease (WD), whose symptoms manifest first, and Korsakoff syndrome.
Symptoms of WKS include exaggerated storytelling, confusion, double vision, and loss of muscle coordination.
Treatment of WKS should start immediately. Prompt treatment might be able to delay or even stop the disease from progressing. The treatments can also reverse brain abnormalities that aren’t permanent.
An individual will first be hospitalized, and their digestive system monitored to ensure its absorbing food properly. The doctor will give the patient vitamin B-1 intravenously or by mouth and recommend a balanced diet. Alcohol use disorder is also treated.
The mortality rate of KWS is high if nor treated. Most of the fatalities are caused by irreversible brain damage, lung infection, or blood poisoning.
Help is Here
The road to recovery is different for every person. At our alcohol rehab in Colorado, we provide an array of services to meet the unique needs of every individual. All our treatment programs address the needs of the person at various stages in the treatment process. To get help for alcohol-induced psychosis, get in touch with us today on 855.218.7588.