How to Safely Treat Drug-Induced Psychosis

Detox is a very important step because many psychiatric medications interact poorly with illicit drugs or alcohol. People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions that increase the likelihood of psychosis may already take medication to treat their condition; however, mixing recreational and prescription medication can lead to worsening symptoms or prevent the prescription drugs from working.

Step 3: Medication

Antipsychotic medications can reduce the impact of psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. These medications can be prescribed for temporary use, or they may be taken long-term to ease psychosis.

Antipsychotics used to treat psychotic symptoms include:

• Thorazine.
• Fluphenazine.
• Haloperidol.
• Loxapine.
• Thioridazine.

A person may receive treatment with atypical antipsychotics if the usual types of antipsychotics do not work or they are not appropriate treatment for the presentation of psychotic symptoms. Some atypical antipsychotic medications include:

• Abilify.
• Clozaril.
• Risperdal.
• Seroquel.

There are other varieties of atypical antipsychotics that may be prescribed, and recent medical studies are finding that people with drug-induced psychosis may fare better on these medications than on other types. However, this depends on whether the person has a predisposition to a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia or if their symptoms are induced by substance use only.

Step 4: Psychotherapy

This is the most important component of drug rehabilitation and also a very important component in the treatment of any mental health condition. For those with long-term psychosis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients notice early warning signs of psychotic symptoms, so they can seek appropriate treatment.

CBT also helps to manage mood symptoms like anxiety or depression, which otherwise may lead to self-medication with illicit substances.

For those undergoing treatment in a substance use rehabilitation program, psychotherapy helps to develop coping skills to avoid substance use and a plan of treatment for drug or alcohol relapse.

If psychotic symptoms were induced by substance use and subsequently dissipate when use is stopped, medication and therapy around those conditions can end; however, treatment for substance use should continue. After the rehabilitation program is complete, support groups can provide continuous social support to maintain ongoing sobriety.

If you or someone you love are experiencing drug-induced psychosis, help is available. At Sunrise House—an inpatient rehab in New Jersey—we personalize your treatment plan to provide the best possible care. Get admitted today by calling an admissions navigator at or completing our secure .