When you think of long-term alcohol use, it’s easy to consider the physical costs. Liver and heart disease, higher rates of cancer, and even risk of heart attack or stroke. Yet there remain other consequences – psychological ones. These can involve cognitive decline, loss of memory, and even hallucinations.
One particularly concerning condition is known as alcohol-induced psychosis. While rare, some research suggests that as many as 12% of individuals living with an alcohol use disorder experience this form of psychosis.
At Tranquil Shores, we understand how debilitating and even terrifying this condition can be. It’s why our clients meet with psychiatrists consistently, to receive the hands-on care and attention they need. Today, we’re going to talk about alcohol psychosis – what it is, how it happens, and what you can do if your loved one experiences it.
What Is Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?
Alcohol-induced psychosis, frequently referred to as alcohol psychosis, is a serious mental health condition that can develop from chronic or excessive alcohol use, as well as during periods of acute withdrawal.
Broadly speaking, alcohol-induced psychosis falls into two categories. The first is that of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder or hallucinosis. This is characterized by hallucinations, which can be auditory or visual, alongside delusions, such as incorrect beliefs or memories. These symptoms may be short-term or can last for weeks. Specifically, this is different than other psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, which can begin before and without alcohol use.
The second is that of alcohol-withdrawal delirium or delirium tremens. Delirium tremens will only occur as a part of a severe acute withdrawal process and has a unique set of symptoms. In addition to other symptoms of withdrawal, this is characterized by rapid onset of confusion, tremors, as well as sometimes auditory and visual hallucinations. While these symptoms generally will fade within a few days to a few weeks, they are often life-threatening and should be taken seriously.
Alcohol-induced psychosis stems directly from alcohol use but may be linked with other underlying mental health conditions.
The Common Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Psychosis
Alcohol psychosis is a broad term and carries many specific symptoms. Not every individual experiencing these symptoms has alcohol psychosis, and not every person who has alcohol psychosis will experience all of these symptoms. The below chart provides a brief overview of these symptoms.
The timeline of symptoms largely depends on the underlying cause for them, so keep this in mind. If symptoms were brought on by excessive drinking, then often they can resolve once alcohol is out of the system. If symptoms are a result of a chronic alcohol use disorder, they may be more permanent. One study found that symptoms could continue for as long as 3 years into recovery.
| Symptom | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Visual / Auditory Hallucinations | Hearing voices, sounds, or seeing things that are not real. This is the most common symptom of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder. | 2-3 days for acute cases, up to several weeks. |
| Tactile Hallucinations | Feeling things on the skin, like bugs crawling, or unexplained heat or coldness. Significantly more rare than visual or auditory hallucinations. | 2-3 days for acute cases, up to several weeks. |
| Delusions and Paranoia | Irrational beliefs or ideas, often accompanied by a fear that others are out to harm them. | Peak within 3 days, and can last up to a week. |
| Confusion | Disorientation, difficulty thinking or remembering, and a lack of awareness or consciousness. This is often linked directly to recent alcohol consumption, though it can occur as a result of chronic alcohol use. | 12-48 hours, up to 2 weeks in severe cases. |
| Aggression and Anger | Violent outbursts or unexplained intense anger, often paired with feelings of fear and confusion. | 12-48 hours, but can occur with post-acute withdrawal syndrome for up to 2 years. |
What Are The Risk Factors for Alcohol Psychosis?
Ultimately, alcohol psychosis is the direct result of alcohol use. This can be chronic alcohol use – long-term alcohol use disorders can trigger episodes of alcohol psychosis, as can withdrawal. Additionally, short-term alcohol use can result in psychosis, particularly in the case of heavy drinking or alcohol intoxication.
Other mental disorders may increase the likelihood of alcohol psychosis occurring, with one study finding that 37% of cases of alcohol psychosis occur with other mental disorders. Genetics play a minor role, as does family environment. Those who start drinking at a younger age are at an increased risk, as their brain is still developing and the neurotoxic effects of alcohol can cause more damage.
While none of these behaviors guarantee that alcohol psychosis will occur, they all play a role.
What Are The Dangers of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis?
Alcohol psychosis can have serious long-term effects, especially when combined with chronic alcohol use disorder. It carries a high chance of self-harm or aggression toward others. Those who are experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and confusion are not in a rational state of mind. This can lead them to act in ways dangerous to themselves or those around them.
Additionally, alcohol psychosis often occurs in cases of heavy drinking or alcohol withdrawal. This means that instances of alcohol poisoning, with symptoms like seizures or heart failure, can happen when your partner isn’t in a position to think clearly. This already dangerous situation is only made worse when your partner isn’t in a position to think clearly, knowing when to stop, or if they need serious medical attention. They may exhibit suicidal ideas or behaviors.
What Should I Do if My Loved One Experiences Alcoholic Psychosis?
Alcohol psychosis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical and psychological attention. If your loved one experiences alcoholic psychosis from binge drinking, it is often accompanied by dangerous levels of alcohol in the blood. Call medical services and try to keep your partner awake and calm while you wait for them to arrive.
If alcohol psychosis persists in the long term, it is important to seek psychiatric attention and treatment for alcohol use disorder. Ultimately, eliminating their alcohol intake is a key step toward recovery. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this, some treatment centers offer dual diagnosis options, where your partner’s psychological needs are met in addition to receiving the addiction treatment they need.
Seek Help for Alcoholism and Alcohol Psychosis in Madeira Beach Today
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be devastating. It can completely disrupt your loved one’s life, their brain fogged with a mix of erratic behavior and angry confusion. But it also affects you, hiding your loved one away behind a wall of hallucinations and delusion. Trying to be empathetic and understanding can feel impossible when their behavior seems inconsistent and dangerous.
You know that getting them away from alcohol is key, but how can you do that when your loved one can barely think straight? How can you do that when every time they try to stop, the symptoms of psychosis come back?
While this can seem like an inescapable cycle, know that help is available. At Tranquil Shores, our team of psychiatrists specializes in these complex situations. Our experts will guide you and your partner toward recovery – treating not only their substance use but the surrounding psychosis and any other mental health conditions they may face. However long the journey, we believe recovery is always possible, and are here for you every step of the way.
While our expert psychiatrists prioritize getting your loved one back on their feet, we know that life doesn’t wait for recovery. That’s why our clients are allowed internet access every day, so they can keep in touch both with their family, and keep up with any work obligations they might have. If you would like to know more about our treatment facilities, please connect with us today at 727-391-7001. We are here to provide the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
FAQs About Alcohol Psychosis
Q: Can alcohol cause schizophrenia?
A: Alcohol doesn’t directly lead to schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex illness with many components, both genetic and environmental. However, alcohol use can trigger episodes of psychosis or worsen symptoms of existing schizophrenia.
Q: How common is alcohol-induced psychosis
A: Alcohol-induced psychosis is somewhat rare, but specific estimates vary wildly. Some research suggests it occurs in as many as 12 percent of cases involving alcohol use disorder, and other research as low as 1 percent.
Q: What are the symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis?
A: Hallucinations, confusion, delusions, paranoia, and aggression are all symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis. In addition, other symptoms of withdrawal or alcohol poisoning may be present, depending on the type of alcohol-induced psychosis.
