What is drug-induced psychosis?
14 Jul 2008
Psychosis a major disorder of the way the brain works, which affects thinking and the way that people experience the world around them. They may hear, see or feel things that are not really there.
When someone has 'drug-induced psychosis', it means that drugs have affected their thinking. 'Sketching out', 'losing it' or 'freaking out' are ways people may describe these negative effects of drug use.
Sometimes these effects will go away once the person stops using the drug, but for other people, problems with thinking can be ongoing. Once triggered, psychotic conditions can be hard to treat, and anti-psychotic medication may be needed.
The increasing use of 'speed' (amphetamines) and other stimulants in Australia over recent years has caused larger numbers of drug users to have psychotic disorders. Cannabis can also trigger psychosis in some people.
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