Cocaine psychosis is a mental disorder caused by drug abuse that can lead to hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and violence. It is similar to schizophrenia and can result in disorganized thoughts and conversations. Cocaine users may feel euphoric and powerful but can also suffer from depression and anxiety. Cocaine abuse can also cause physical damage to the body. The psychosis can resolve within a few days if drug use stops, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Cocaine psychosis resembles other forms of psychosis typical of mental disorders, but is caused by drug abuse. It could cause hallucinations and delusions, causing the user to see, hear or feel things that are not there. Cocaine psychosis may produce paranoia and suspicion, causing a person to believe that someone is watching or following them. In extreme cases, cocaine psychosis can lead to suicide and violence, including homicide.
Experts compare cocaine psychosis to schizophrenia because signs and symptoms are similar. In both cases, a person can lose touch with reality and may become delusional. Conversations may not make sense because thoughts commonly become disorganized when a person suffers from cocaine psychosis. Psychosis occurs most often in intravenous cocaine users and in those who ingest large amounts of the substance over a long period of time.
The fear and irrational suspicions that can arise during cocaine psychosis could lead to acts of violence. A cocaine addict might also become depressed and suffer from paranoia-related panic attacks. Anxiety is another common sign resulting from drug abuse which could result in psychotic episodes.
Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant. It was first discovered in Bolivia and Peru, where Peruvian Indians chewed its leaves to combat hunger and fatigue. At one time, cocaine was sold in some industrialized countries as a brain tonic that promised to promote alertness and boost energy. As the drug has become popular for recreational use, it has evolved into a cash crop in several countries and is listed as an illegal narcotic in many regions.
Cocaine users report feeling euphoric and feel a sense of power and indestructibility after ingesting the drug. They can become more talkative and seem like the life of the party. Some cocaine users feel smarter, sexier, and more competent to take on any challenge. The drug can inflate the ego until the abuser comes down from the top. At this stage, he may become depressed and nervous.
Cocaine psychosis is just one of the identified risks of drug abuse. Those who snort cocaine may experience rupture of the nasal membranes, which could lead to nosebleeds. The drug could also damage the liver and lungs. Users who smoke cocaine sometimes pass blood or dark phlegm.
Cocaine-related psychosis generally resolves within a few days if drug use ceases. In some cases, antipsychotic drugs can relieve symptoms of psychological addiction. If cocaine psychosis is severe, hospitalization may be required to reduce the risk of violent behavior.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN